Does the devil "sit in" on our conversations with God?

[MarieVeronica]

Dear Catholic Answers Forum… my sister made a statement the other day, which I found disturbing; It sounded superstitious to me… and I didn’t know how to respond to her. She claims that she has either read, or heard this… from Catholic sources. But I never have.

She says that when you pray to God… in spontaneous words (in other words, you OWN words… not an “Our Father”, or “Hail Mary”, etc.) that you should do so… in the silence of your mind… and not speak out loud, to God. She claims that the devil sits by and listens to our conversations with God… and that it is a dangerous thing to allow him to hear what we’re saying to God… because then, he will often act on those particular prayers. For example… if you’re making a specific request of God… the devil will then know it… and act against you, in regard to your request.

She also says that the devil can not penetrate into our internal prayers to God… and therefore, can not hear those prayers… and act against you. Is there any reference to anything like this… in the CCC? Or even in Catholic Tradition?

I don’t know. It sounds like a bunch of hooey to me. Has anyone else ever heard this “theory”?

 

[puzzleannie]

sounds like superstition to me, and I would challenge her to provide an orthodox Catholic source (not unapproved private revelation, which is what this sounds like).

 

[MarieVeronica]

Thanks annie, that’s pretty much what I thought too.

Anyone else?

 

[JimR-OCDS]

I’ve was always taught that the devil hates the words of prayer and can’t be around when they are said.

St. Teresa of Avila says that when we pray, we are in the presence of Christ our King, along with the members of his heavenly court. I don’t think the devil would be able to stay in such company.

Jim

 

[MarieVeronica]

Thank you, Jim. Wonderful response! I think you just gave me my “answer” for the next time she brings the subject up. God bless.

(I’m so glad that there are so many smart people at CAF! It’s true, that God does take of the ignorant. I feel very safe here. Thanks!)

 

[kittery]

Interested in hearing more responses to get a “consensus”. I was taught this very thing in college, although I was not Catholic at the time. I’ve always remained hampered in speaking out loud spontaneously for this reason. Any more apologetic teachings that someone can point to to disprove this notion? Or concur with the answers given thus far? The answers so far are very good- just wondering if others would agree…

 

[MarieVeronica]

Interested in hearing more responses to get a “consensus”. I was taught this very thing in college, although I was not Catholic at the time. I’ve always remained hampered in speaking out loud spontaneously for this reason. Any more apologetic teachings that someone can point to to disprove this notion? Or concur with the answers given thus far? The answers so far are very good- just wondering if others would agree…

Kittery… did you attend a CATHOLIC college? And if so, who was it that promoted this idea? A priest, nun, lay teacher?

 

[kittery]

No, no, no. I went to a public university and was in a christian (protestant) campus group. The leader of this group introduced me to this idea. I converted four years ago. College was 12 years ago.

 

[MarieVeronica]

No, no, no. I went to a public university and was in a christian (protestant) campus group. The leader of this group introduced me to this idea. I converted four years ago. College was 12 years ago.

Ok, thanks for the clarification. My gut feeling is that this notion is NOT Catholic teaching. And if it’s not, then I wouldn’t worry about it. Because the Catholic Church teaches the truth. I don’t know where my sister picked it up, though. Maybe she heard it on TV. Sounds like something a televangelist might say.

 

[kittery]

Well the leader of this group turned out to be bordering on cult-like practices as far as I was concerned. He actually is THE REASON I ended up packing up and moving home before the last term of the year was over. I never went back to that college after that. He was very controlling and exclusive of people in the group. So I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that this particular teaching is “off”. I would be very happy to learn this, actually because I’ve always hated the idea that the devil is eavesdropping on my conversations with God.

 

[Conservative]

I’ve was always taught that the devil hates the words of prayer and can’t be around when they are said.

St. Teresa of Avila says that when we pray, we are in the presence of Christ our King, along with the members of his heavenly court. I don’t think the devil would be able to stay in such company.

Jim

MarieVeronica - I think Jim’s words (above) are good advice. I will add to his first paragraph - it’s not superstition. If you ever are fearful - whether while in prayer or otherwise - just say “The Name of Jesus be Praised !” Not only does Evil hate words of prayer but the name of Jesus, I think, chases evil away. Someone correct me, please, if I’ve understood this incorrectly.

 

[MarieVeronica]

Well the leader of this group turned out to be bordering on cult-like practices as far as I was concerned. He actually is THE REASON I ended up packing up and moving home before the last term of the year was over. I never went back to that college after that. He was very controlling and exclusive of people in the group. So I wouldn’t be surprised at all to learn that this particular teaching is “off”. I would be very happy to learn this, actually because I’ve always hated the idea that the devil is eavesdropping on my conversations with God.

Kittery… Eeek! I’ll say it again… Eeek! If your teacher was bordering on cult practice. I’m glad you got out of there!

Conservative… thanks. Your words are of great help. I will also remember, before I begin to pray… to invoke the Holy Name of Our Lord, Jesus Christ. You are right. The Holy Name of Jesus is a prayer, unto Itself… as we are reminded, in Sacred Scripture…

“Therefore, God has exalted Him and has bestowed upon Him the Name that is above every name, so that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in Heaven, on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:10)

Thank you all. I feel much better now. And will be sure to help my sister understand, if she brings this idea up again. God bless.

 

[sawman]

MarieVeronica - I think Jim’s words (above) are good advice. I will add to his first paragraph - it’s not superstition. If you ever are fearful - whether while in prayer or otherwise - just say “The Name of Jesus be Praised !” Not only does Evil hate words of prayer but the name of Jesus, I think, chases evil away. Someone correct me, please, if I’ve understood this incorrectly.

I’m not an expert either,but I cannot imagine the devil being able to be present during the Psalms,Our Fathers,Glory Be’s,Hail Mary’sOr St. Michael prayers that go on during my prayer times every day.I know he hates bthe name of Jesus,He can’t possibly be present at the recitation of the Jesus Prayer.I’ve even recited my baptismal vows to exorcise his stinking presence.I’ve gotten the impression somewhere over the years that what is said in prayer is impenetrable to him.His angelic intelect can give him a good idea what we’re saying,but not with certainty.

 

[aksarben]

I feel we give satan too much credit. His power is directly proportional to what we give him. To me, the devil comes off as a young street punk who has to ask God permission to tempt.

The moment one gets a “spiritual backgone” is the same moment satan cowers like a cockroach and runs for cover.

Purity offends him, saintly conduct repells him. Listening in on our direct prayers to God is like sticking a finger in a light socket. Oh sure he can try but the pain for him is too much to bear. And he absolutely HATES our Blessed Mother.

But he is a subtle creature and he is patient. Less we forget.