Question
Gramps,
I read with great interest your answer to the question can Satan read our thoughts. Since the answer is no, but of course he can discern our thoughts from our actions. I got to thinking I should offer my prayers in silence so Satan does not know what I am asking of my Father. Saying them aloud might give him more tools to disrupt my desires for blessings from my Father. What are your thoughts?
Brad
Answer
Dear Brad,
I’m sure you are not the first person to pose this question. I understand your concern, but remember that while we have a veil over our minds preventing us from remembering our pre-earth life with Father, Satan does not have that veil. So in effect, he knows us probably better than we know ourselves. I doubt that you can surprise him too much.
Don’t be discouraged by that, however. Often when I think of Satan, and the power he wields, I am reminded of Moses. Remember that Moses had seen the Lord and then afterward Satan appeared to him. Satan commanded Moses to worship him and Moses was not impressed. After all, Moses had to be transfigured to be in the presence of the Lord (Moses 1:11), and he could easily look upon Satan with his natural eyes (Moses 1:14). Satan was apparently offended by this and became very angry and the earth shook. (Make no mistake, he does have some power.) That’s when Moses realized that alone, he was no match for Satan. However, he was not alone.
Moses 1
21 And now Satan began to tremble, and the earth shook; and Moses received strength, and called upon God, saying: In the name of the Only Begotten, depart hence, Satan.
22 And it came to pass that Satan cried with a loud voice, with weeping, and wailing, and gnashing of teeth; and he departed hence, even from the presence of Moses, that he beheld him not.
So while Satan may know your plans whether you pray aloud or silently, fear not. As long as you stay on the Lord’s side, you will be victorious. Whether your personal prayers are aloud or silent is really a matter of personal preference. Try not to worry too much about Satan, the Lord is on your side, that’s all that matters.
Gramps
