Hello!

We have a litle problem in our local church. Can you help us? One member of our church says that the ONLY proper way for prayer is prayer on your kness and that any other prayer is blasphemy. He stires up mess in church with his words because we as a church have a prayer when we stand. He also say that we SHOULD NOT study history and archeology when we study Bible, because this is "worldly knowledge". Do you have some words from Ellen G. White about prayer (that it can be when you stand, etc.), and about history and other science that help us in Bible study (that was disscusion two weeks ago on SS lesson, but he want only Bible and EGW, not SS lesson). He accepts as an argument only words of EGW, not SDA GC. I haven't EGW CD-ROM, and web search is to slow from Croatia. So if you can help, please do it. Send answers on my private e-mail. Thank you in the name of my local church :)

In His service,
___________

Dear Brother ___________,

Thank you for contacting the Ellen G. White Estate about these issues. Regarding the proper body position for prayer, the Bible does not present only one. Besides kneeling, it presents bowing to the ground (as Moslems do today) as an acceptable position of prayer. This is what is meant by the Hebrew word translated "worship" in such texts as Genesis 24:26, 48, 52; Exodus 4:31, 34:8; 2 Chronicles 29:29, 30. The Bible also tells us of people standing whose prayer was acceptable to God. Not only the Pharisee but the publican stand when they go to the temple to pray to God (Luke 18:10-13). Jesus Himself said, "And when ye stand praying, forgive" (Mark 11:25).

What about Mrs. White? She encouraged us to kneel before God to present our petitions to Him, whether privately or in the public worship. Such a posture indicates our submission to Him and our humility before Him. But she did not feel it necessary for *every* prayer to be offered on one's knees. The blessing for the food around the table at home; the benediction at the worship service; and sometimes even a prayer of consecration following a sermon appeal--these are all examples of times when Mrs. White did not kneel for prayer. Below I have copied for you one of the chapters from Selected Messages, book 3 (pp. 267-270), which illustrates this very point. Here in Mrs. White's own words we will find evidence of some of these things. The portions that are in ALL CAPITALS are footnote material, inserted by the editors to give additional information. But even without the additional information, the evidence is clear enough. Here is the chapter:

THE PROPRIETY OF VARYING POSTURES IN PRAYER by Ellen G. White Selected Messages, Book 3, pp. 266-270

(Insert p. 266 here.)

Not Always Necessary to Bow. --It is not always necessary to bow upon your knees in order to pray. Cultivate the habit of talking with the Saviour when you are alone, when you are walking, and when you are busy with your daily labor.--The Ministry of Healing, pp. 510, 511.

Congregation Kneels After Standing in Consecration.-- The Spirit of the Lord rested upon me, and was revealed in the words that were given me to speak. I asked those present who felt the urgency of the Spirit of God, and who were willing to pledge themselves to live the truth and to teach the truth to others, and to work for their salvation, to make it manifest by rising to their feet. I was surprised to see the whole congregation rise. I then asked all to kneel down, and I sent up my petition to heaven for that people. I was deeply impressed by this experience. I felt the deep moving of the Spirit of God upon me, and I know that the Lord gave me a special message for His people at this time.--The Review and Herald, March 11, 1909.

Crowded Congregation in Europe Remained Seated.--I invited those who desired the prayers of the servants of God to come forward. All who had been backslidden, all who wished to return to the Lord and seek Him diligently, could improve the opportunity. Several seats were quickly filled and the whole congregation was on the move. We told them the best they could do was to be seated right where they were and we would all seek the Lord together by confessing our sins, and the Lord had pledged His word, "if we confess our sins, he is faithful, and just to forgive us our sins, and to

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cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).-- Diary, Feb. 20, 1887. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 147.)

Congregation Rises to Feet for Consecration Prayer.--I invited all who wanted to give themselves to God in a sacred covenant, and to serve Him with their whole hearts, to rise to their feet. The house was full, and nearly all rose. Quite a number not of our faith were present, and some of these arose. I presented them to the Lord in earnest prayer, and we know that we had the manifestation of the Spirit of God. We felt that a victory had indeed been gained.--Manuscript 30a, 1896. (Published in Selected Messages, book 1, p. 150.)

Congregation Kneels for Consecration
Prayer.--At the close of my discourse, I felt impressed by the Spirit of God to extend an invitation for all those to come forward who desired to give themselves fully to the Lord. Those who felt the need of the prayers of the servants of God were invited to make it manifest. About thirty came forward. . . .

At first I had hesitated, wondering if it were best to do so when my son and I were the only ones whom I could see who would give us any help on that occasion. But as though someone had spoken to me, the thought passed through my mind, "Cannot you trust in the Lord?" I said, "I will, Lord." Although my son was much surprised that I should make such a call on this occasion, he was equal to the emergency. I never heard him speak with greater power or deeper feeling than at that time. . . .

We knelt in prayer. My son took the lead, and the Lord surely indited his petition; for he seemed to pray as though in the presence of God.--The Review and Herald, July 30, 1895. (Republished in Selected Messages, book 1, pp. 148, 149.)

At a Workers Institute in Oakland, California.-- Now we ask you to seek the Lord with all the heart. Will those

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who are determined to cut loose from every temptation of the enemy, and to seek for heaven above, signify such determination by rising to their feet. [Nearly all of the congregation present responded.]

We desire that every one of you shall be saved. We desire that for you the gates of the city of God shall swing back on their glittering hinges, and that you, with all the nations who have kept the truth, may enter in. There we shall give praise and thanksgiving and glory to Christ and to the Father evermore, even forever and ever. May God help us to be faithful in His service during the conflict, and overcome at last, and win the crown of life eternal.

[Praying] My heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor and needy, and dependent upon Thee. I ask Thee to give me and give this people the grace that perfects Christian character, et cetera.-- The Review and Herald, July 16, 1908.

Ellen White and Audience Standing for Consecration Prayer.--Who now, I ask, will make a determined effort to obtain the higher education. Those who will, make it manifest by rising to your feet. [The congregation rose.] Here is the whole congregation. May God help you to keep your pledge. Let us pray.

[Praying] Heavenly Father, I come to Thee at this time, just as I am, poor, weak, unworthy, and I ask Thee to impress the hearts of this people gathered here to-day. I have spoken to them Thy words, but, O Lord, Thou alone canst make the word effective, et cetera.-- The Review and Herald, April 8, 1909. (Sermon at Oakland, California, Feb. 8, 1909.)

At the Close of a General Conference Sermon in Washington, D.C. [* THE SINCERE CHRISTIAN IS OFTEN IN PRAYER IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE. HE PRAYS WHILE WALKING ON THE STREET, WHILE ENGAGED IN HIS WORK, AND IN THE WAKEFUL HOURS OF THE NIGHT. ELLEN WHITE COUNSELED IN A STATEMENT APPEARING IN GOSPEL WORKERS, P. 178, THAT "BOTH IN PUBLIC AND IN PRIVATE WORSHIP, IT IS OUR PRIVILEGE TO BOW ON OUR KNEES BEFORE THE LORD WHEN WE OFFER OUR PETITIONS TO HIM." THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THIS POINT, WRITTEN IN AUSTRALIA AND FOUND IN SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, P. 312, IS MORE EMPHATIC: "BOTH IN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE WORSHIP IT IS OUR DUTY TO BOW DOWN UPON OUR KNEES BEFORE GOD WHEN WE OFFER OUR PETITIONS TO HIM. THIS ACT SHOWS OUR DEPENDENCE UPON GOD." IT IS ALSO A SIGN OF REVERENCE: "THERE SHOULD BE AN INTELLIGENT KNOWLEDGE OF HOW TO COME TO GOD IN REVERENCE AND GODLY FEAR WITH DEVOTIONAL LOVE. THERE IS A GROWING LACK OF REVERENCE FOR OUR MAKER, A GROWING DISREGARD OF HIS GREATNESS AND HIS MAJESTY."--MANUSCRIPT 84B, 1897. (QUOTED IN SELECTED MESSAGES, BOOK 2, P. 312.) THAT ELLEN WHITE DID NOT INTEND TO TEACH THAT ON EVERY PRAYER OCCASION WE MUST KNEEL IS MADE CLEAR BOTH BY HER WORDS AND HER EXAMPLE. TO HER THERE WAS NO TIME OR PLACE WHERE PRAYER WAS NOT APPROPRIATE. HER FAMILY TESTIFIED THAT IN HER HOME THOSE AT THE DINING TABLE BOWED THEIR HEADS AND NOT THEIR KNEES. SHE WAS NOT KNOWN TO KNEEL FOR THE BENEDICTION AT THE CLOSE OF SERVICES SHE ATTENDED. THE EARNEST COUNSEL ON KNEELING WOULD SEEM TO HAVE ITS PRINCIPAL APPLICATION IN THE WORSHIP SERVICES IN THE HOUSE OF GOD AND IN FAMILY AND PRIVATE DEVOTIONS AT HOME. IN PUBLIC MINISTRY THERE WERE TIMES WHEN SHE STOOD FOR PRAYER.--COMPILERS.]--May the Lord help you to take

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hold of this work as you have never yet taken hold of it. Will you do this? Will you here rise to your feet and testify that you will make God your trust and your helper? [Congregation rises.]

[Praying] I thank Thee, Lord God of Israel. Accept this pledge of this Thy people. Put Thy Spirit upon them. Let Thy glory be seen in them. As they shall speak the word of truth, let us see the salvation of God. Amen.--General Conference Bulletin, May 18, 1909.

How do we give the proper weight to *all* of these statements? If we accept them all, we cannot say that kneeling is the only acceptable posture for prayer. But I believe we can say that kneeling is especially appropriate and desirable for our private prayers and for the main prayer of petition at the worship services.

You also asked about the use of other books in our study of the Bible. I have copied several paragraphs from Mrs. White regarding certain books that she found valuable. Perhaps these statements may be helpful to you. Words enclosed within square brackets [ ] are my comments.

SOME ELLEN G. WHITE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR BOOKS TO AID BIBLE STUDY AND CHARACTER BUILDING From Article entitled "Holiday Gifts" in the Review and Herald, December 26, 1882.

While urging upon all the duty of first bringing their offer- ings to God, I would not wholly condemn the practice of making Christmas and New Years gifts to our friends. It is right to bestow upon one another tokens of love and remembrance if we do not in this forget God, our best friend. We should make our gifts such as will prove a real benefit to the receiver. I would recom- mend such books as will be an aid in understanding the word of God, or that will increase our love for its precepts. Provide something to be read during these long winter evenings. For those who can procure it, D'Aubigne's History of the Reformation will be both interesting and profitable. From this work we may gain some knowledge of what has been accomplished in the past in the great work of reform. We can see how God poured light into the minds of those who searched his word, how much the men ordained and sent forth by him were willing to suffer for the truth's sake, and how hard it is for the great mass of mankind to renounce their errors and to receive and obey the teachings of the Scriptures. During the winter evenings, when our children were young, we read from this history with the deepest interest. We made it a practice to read instructive and interesting books, with the Bible, in the family circle, and our children were always happy as we thus entertained them. Thus we prevented a restless desire to be out in the street with young companions, and at the same time cultivated in them a taste for solid reading.

Those in charge of our publishing houses at Battle Creek, Mich., and Oakland, Cal., have been led by a sense of duty to make a careful selection of the best books, which they offer for sale at reasonable rates. Those who wish books will do well to purchase these in preference to the great mass of current literature that will strengthen neither mind nor morals. Many of our people already have [Geike's] the "Life of Christ." The "Life of Paul," [by Conybeare and Howson, which she was using in preparing her own volume "Sketches from the Life of Paul," published in 1883] now offered for sale at this Office, is another useful and deeply interesting work which should be widely circulated. The volumes of "Spirit of Prophecy," should be in every family, and should be read aloud in the family circle. More than one-half of our people know little or nothing of the contents of these books, and they are losing much by their neglect. . . .

Let all reading of this character [that is, sensational, demoralizing literature] be banished from your houses, let books that are useful, instructive, and elevating, be placed in your libraries and upon your tables, with the Review and Herald, our church paper, and the Signs of the Times, our missionary paper, and the effect upon both parents and children will be good. During these long winter evenings, let parents see that all their chil- dren are at home, and then let the time be devoted to the reading of the Scriptures and other interesting books that will impart knowledge and inculcate right principles. Let the best reader be selected to read aloud, while other members of the family are engaged in useful occupations. Thus these evenings at home may be made both pleasant and profitable. Pure healthful reading will be to the mind what healthful food is to the body. You will thus become stronger to resist temptation, to form right habits, and to act upon right principles.

A PUBLISHED ENDORSEMENT BY MRS. WHITE:

The Life of St. Paul, by Conybeare and Howson, I regard as a book of great merit, and one of rare usefulness to the earnest student of the New Testament history.--Signs of the Times, Feb. 22, 1883.

I hope you may find these items helpful to you. By the way, though the World Wide Web may be too slow for you, can you use Telnet? You can access the CD-ROM program directly by telnet, or from a telnet connection which you start from our Gopher menu. The addresses are:

Telnet aubranch.egwestate.andrews.edu Gopher gopher.egwestate.andrews.edu

Let me know if I can help further. May God bless and guide you as you seek to serve Him faithfully.

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William Fagal, Director
Ellen G. White Estate Branch Office
Andrews University
Berrien Springs, MI 49104-1400 USA
Phone: 616 471-3209
FAX: 616 471-6166
E-mail: [email protected]