Jehovahs Witnesses reached out to those in their communities, expressing sympathy for their great losses and offering words of comfort from the Bible. And a poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich mans table; besides, even the dogs were coming and licking his sores. 6 If we want Jehovah to listen to our prayers, we must have faith in him. 14, 15. More closely related to the Orient are Roman Catholic prayers for the dead. Yet there are Jews who do believe that prayers can assist their dead into heaven. 13 How long should our prayers be? Prayers for the dying are one way we can draw closer to God. This is not accomplished by the use of hollow platitudes. This verse, they will say, clearly testifies that when a man dies, he is no longer a conscious being. 15:45) Life as a soul is far different from possessing an immortal soul, which is not a Biblical term. The Greek word often rendered comfort in the Bible literally means a calling to ones side. Being a true comforter implies making yourself available to those who are grieving.Proverbs 17:17. 7. Perhaps their most compelling argument in defense of this doctrine is to turn to a variety of verses in the Psalms which, on the surface, seem to imply that man is, at best, wholly unconscious after death. by Caleb Smile. 15 People need to know that someone cares. In times of disaster, what kinds of help may we give? But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. What should we help people to appreciate so that they can get the full benefit from the comfort in the Scriptures? Better yet, he has promised that he will soon eradicate death once and for all and resurrect the billions of humans who are in his memory. Why do people suffer? We also show love to those outside the congregation, even to those who may not have given evidence of any love for us in the past.Matthew 5:43-48; Galatians 6:10. Thank you for your interest in supporting CARM. If we were to speak to a king or a president, we would do so in a respectful way. Sharing a message of real comfort in times of distress, The very presence of a friend can be comforting, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Simplified)2011, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom1995, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom (Simplified)2017, The Watchtower Announcing Jehovahs Kingdom2003. 15 Why should we say amen at the end of a prayer? Ourresponse shows the love we have for Gods creations. 12 What should be most important in our prayers? We lift up this loved one and ask for a peaceful death. By reflecting godly compassion and by sharing the precious truths contained in Gods Word, you can help those who are grieving to draw consolation and strength from the God of all comfort, Jehovah.2Corinthians 1:3. a See the books Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, chapter8; Reasoning From the Scriptures, pages393-400, 427-31; Is There a Creator Who Cares About You?, chapter10; and the brochure Does God Really Care About Us? There are no special rituals or practices to perform for those who are dying and there are no special requirements to be observed by medical or nursing attendants at the time of death. At a suitable time, offer to share some encouraging thoughts from the Bible. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister. I prayed for him while he lived on this earth. I believe you died and rose from the grave. The Patient Self-Determination Act was signed into law in 1991. How do we know that Jehovah doesnt listen to all prayers? Gracious Father, your holy Word tells us that our times are in your hands. (Mark 11:24) The apostle Paul explains: Without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. (Hebrews 11:6) But it is not enough just to say that we have faith. In this way, we will impart comfort. If he wants to talk, be a good listener. He loves them, wants what is best for them, and will soon bring about major changes on the earth. Here are several messages you can offer. The sacrifice of the mass is said to be the most prevailing. He satisfies the desire of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help, and he rescues them. What an amazing privilege we have! It is also very useful when dealing with addiction or illness. He did teach that God purposed to resurrect, along with the righteous, those amenable to righteousness who through ignorance had led sinful lives. The Maker of heaven and earth wants to hear our prayers.Psalm 115:15. When we pray for help to cope with a problem, he may use his holy spirit to give us guidance and strength. Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com. What does praying through Jesus mean? It is a contrast between trusting in even the most powerful of mortal men and trusting in Jehovah God. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one (Matthew 6:9-13 NIV). They forget the consoling statement of St.Jerome that when the Holy Sacrifice is offered for a soul in Purgatory, it ceases to suffer during the time Holy Mass lasts., A few Catholic theologians have suggested that prayers unwittingly offered for souls who, unknown to the living, are among the damned, might possibly bring some temporary easing of torment. 7 Prayers for the Dying - Pray for Those Near Death, The Serenity Prayer: Bible Meaning and Use Today, Top 5 Daily Prayer Devotionals to Guide Your Faith Each Day. This prayer will give you the strength needed to deal with the situation at hand. Why is faith so important? How often should we pray, and what does this teach us about Jehovah? (John 17:16) But they appropriately use the Bible to show that present harsh conditions will not go on forever. Elaborate funerals and memorial services are conducted to insure that the dead become friendly spirits rather than hostile demons. How do we know that? Show me how to pray for them. 3 When disasters strike and people are left brokenhearted, they often ask, Why does God permit calamities? The Bible clearly answers that question. One of the most common verses to which Jehovahs Witnesses turn is in Psalm 146: His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish, (Psalm 146:4). 1. Of the four books of Machabeessome say fiveeven the Catholic Bible contains only two. Jehovah came from, and he was likely originally an Egyptian weather god. Some say that, strictly speaking, Judaism knows no prayers for the dead, that the Kaddish praises God and does not mention death. 19 Sometimes, though, we might wonder, Why hasnt Jehovah answered my prayers yet? Remember, he knows when and how to answer our prayers. When there has been a death in a family, what might you say or do to bring comfort? When one disaster left many in a state of shock, how did Jehovahs Witnesses show their concern? If a person feels that his troubles are the result of bad things he has done, then we might tell him, without being judgmental, that it is a comfort to know what is recorded at 1John 2:1, 2 and Psalm 103:11-14. The Divine Mercy Chaplet includes several prayers. What Can the Bible Teach Us. Judy Dennings, 22, died on October 1, 2021, as the result of a head-on collision. Recently, a dear friend of my husband and mine passed on to be with the Lord. If scriptures are read, treat these as expressions of God that strengthen the hearts of both of you. Send your dear Son to meet with them on the way, and to stay with them, for the day is now far spent, that he may comfort them with the Word of your goodness, and break with them the bread of eternal life; through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. This is why most translators render the word here plans rather than thoughts. For example: Similarly, the explanatory note in the 1599 Geneva Bible interprets their thoughts as their vain opinions, whereby they flattered themselves and so imagined wicked enterprises. It is the schemes and intentions of the man that die with him. Amen. However, at the end of the world, the dead will be resurrected and given the choice of living. The Witnesses quoted Proverbs 10:22 to show that God does not want us to have pain. Lead them to be reunited with their loved one someday. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in an afterlife. Jehovah's Witnesses Prayer For Governing Body To Lead Them 12,430 views Feb 5, 2017 136 Dislike Share Save Dallas Canada 8.02K subscribers The Jehovah's Witnesses don't believe in praying. This is a very useful and helpful prayer that can make it easier for you to get through difficult times. Those who ignore that warning should at least take note of the inspired books of the Bible whose genuineness is recognized by Catholics and Protestants. Do not put your hope in a mere human being. All rights reserved. 8 Finally, when we pray about something, we must do everything we can to work at what we are praying for. 9 True Christians take care that in neither word nor deed do they take sides with one faction or the other in the worlds conflicts. For Jehovah to accept our prayers, we need to show respect for the special assignment Jehovah gave to Jesus. The idea in this Psalm of praise is not to describe what kind of existence man has after death, but rather to show that man cannot help you after he dies. Ancestors are said to depend upon the prayers of the living to renew family ties. Pray for their families and loved ones. When we seek to help a person who is not already a worshiper of Jehovah, it is good to explain the following points. What can be done to bring comfort to survivors? His corpse can offer you no support. In death, they will be humbled, but they will be there to feel their shame. The Bible teaches us that Jesus IS God. Amen. Please read Philippians 4:6,7. Remind them of the good times shared and the special memories created with their friend. The Protestant world generally minimizes prayers for the dead. Grief may be widespread. It seemed to Prince that the Jehovah's Witness faith helped explain the growing social injustice around him. June 3, 2022. 11. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. Forgive me of all my sins. The souls of the dead are silent and cannot speak to praise or even mention God. (Luke 11:5-10) Sometimes Jehovah answers our prayers in a way that we may not expect. "If you loved me, you would have rejoiced, because I go to the Father; for the Father is greater than I" (John 14:28). When we pray for help to cope with a problem, he may use his holy spirit to give us guidance and strength. 8, 9. People readily listened, especially since the two women themselves had lost family members in the disaster, and many Bible studies were started. The Lords Prayer reminds us of His love and His will. The prophecy at Matthew 24:3, 7, 14 or 2Timothy 3:1-5 might help them to see the bigger picture and the meaning of the conditions they are enduring, namely, that we are living in the conclusion of the old system of things. 1, 2. (Colossians 3:5) Lets now examine some common questions about prayer. 11 What can we pray for? They need You. The Psalmist affirms conscious existence after death in other ways as well. There may be times when words wont come. Calm their soul as they move into the afterlife. Under Joseph Stalin, tens of thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were deported en masse to Siberia in 1951. The reality is, however, that these verses are not denying the existence of the human soul. The Privilege of Prayer. Almighty, eternal God, have compassion on the anxious sighs and groanings of this dying person. In that very day his plans perish, (NKJV). Many Chinese believe the dead wander in purgatory for two years and must be assisted into heaven. May he rest peacefully with you for eternity. Consider what the Bible says. All rights reserved. . Why do you think prayer is such a special gift, and why do we need to know what the Bible teaches about it? Notice, again, that the emphasis here is on the body. Pray for Jehovah's Witnesses to encounter the Holy Spirit as the Comforter, Counsellor, Helper, Advocate, Intercessor, Strengthener, Standby, etc. Although meat is usually acceptable, because animals are bled after slaughter, some Jehovah Witnesses may be vegetarian. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. A Jehovah's Witness funeral is very similar to a Christian funeral in terms of customs and practices. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom., Paul says This sense of duty is expressed by the poet: What if to fault of ours those pains be due, to ill example shown, or lack of counsel true?, Devout Catholics believe their least good work, shortest prayer and slightest mortification can vicariously assist the souls in purgatory into heaven. Lord Jesus, Come into my life. Let the lying lips be mute, which speak arrogantly against the righteous with pride and contempt, (Psalm 31:17). Let your presence provide rest. ALONG the Bay of Bengal Hindus kneel in the pounding surf praying for those in heaven, purgatory or hell. For example, we might say a short prayer before we eat but a longer prayer when we are giving Jehovah thanks or telling him about our concerns. (Matthew 6:11; 2Thessalonians 3:10) Or if we pray to Jehovah for help to stop doing something wrong, we must avoid any situation that could tempt us. Yet, the news of his passing brought me to my knees. Many cannot resist the temptation to say that death in the above instances refers only to the body, not the soul. Jesus warned that God can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna, from which extinction none will ever receive a resurrection. Salem Media Group. She explained: I learned that God does not make people suffer. Those who do get to another land often find that they have simply exchanged one set of problems for another. 5 When we seek to comfort others, words of sympathy are certainly in order. The Church requires devoted adherence from its practitioners. With gentle probing, the friend, who is one of Jehovahs Witnesses, learned that the girl was overwhelmed with questions and doubts: Why is there so much evil? How can we do that? How do Jehovah's Witnesses pray? Amen. When Jesus came to earth, he showed us God in the flesh. Let that wonderful promise move you to offer to Jehovah God an earnest prayer of thanks for his loving provision of the resurrection hope. Amen. How does Jehovah use his holy spirit and the Bible to answer prayers? David had dealt with serious medical issues for a period of time. Jehovah 's Witnesses believe that Jesus is not equal with God. (1Chronicles 17:16; Nehemiah 8:6; Daniel 6:10; Mark 11:25) What is most important to Jehovah is, not our position when we pray, but that we talk to him with the right attitude. Perhaps a person doesnt know the Lord. Pray for the dying. The Schaff-Herzog Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge declares without hesitation that no Old-Testament passage can be quoted in favor of the custom. The Catholic Encyclopedia concedes there is no clear and explicit Scriptural text in favour of prayers for the dead in any of the sixty-six Bible books mutually recognized by Protestants and Catholics. 3 Jehovah wants you to pray, or talk, to him. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. 6. they contain much that is faulty.. Proud member 6. Every Jehovah's Witness who decides, with a clear conscience, to cleave to the organization can whisper this prayer to God. When Mark Brown interviewed Prince in 2004 for the Rocky Mountain News, Prince told . Thank you for your sacrifice. Why do we say amen at the end of a prayer? Request the Lord comfort and deliver them into His kingdom, giving thanks for their life. God, Im afraid for my loved one. Witnesses will appreciate a quiet space to say their farewells to family and friends. Heavenly Father, your children are grieving for their loved one. The faithful can do no bodily acts of worship, and the wicked can do no bodily acts of sin, but there is no claim here that the faithful and the wicked no longer exist. They consider prayers for those in heaven unnecessary; those for the damned, futile. If they are right, then the nature of Jesus must be that of a created angel (who they say is known in heaven as Michael the Archangel). As our Maker, he understands our pain and sorrow. PRIVACY POLICY 5 Things You Should Know about the ESV Bible Translation. A discussion of Matthew 24:3-14 and Psalm 37:9-11 led to a regular Bible study. Praying to God when someone is dying is vital to the relationship between the person praying, the dying person, and God. His concern for the dead idolaters was that God would forgive their sin and grant them a resurrection. to comfort all the mourning ones. (Isaiah 61:1,2; Luke 4:16-19) Modern-day anointed Christians have long recognized that this commission also applies to them, and the other sheep gladly join them in that work.John 10:16. 10. (b)How can you give comfort to someone who already knows the Scriptures well? Men still exist as departed spirits, but this is not the ideal or proper state of mans existence. God, help me to know the words to speak to the family of the dying. Prayers for the dying are one way we can draw closer to God. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. It Is So Painful to Care: How Do I Conquer Apathy? Heavenly Father, please take away all anxiety from your child. Thank You for the time we shared. They insist that human beings entirely cease to exist at the moment of physical death. They also pointed to the message of comfort found at Psalm 34:18, Psalm 37:29, Isaiah 25:8, and Revelation 21:3, 4. (Exodus 6:9) In such cases, it may be beneficial to highlight ways in which the Bible can help them to cope successfully with present problems and to avoid pitfalls that needlessly spoil life for many. We will all face our physical death one day so let us have faith in Jesus for eternal life, redeeming us from sin and spiritual death. Amen. The Bible affirms, however, that in-between death and rising again, the soul of a man continues to exist. This is because the Bible makes it clear that human beings do not have an immortal soul that survives when the body dies. What situations are bringing grief to many in your area, and how can you comfort them? If they are self-aware spirits who still love God, why would they not glorify Him in death as much as life? No less devoted is the Buddhist family in whose home you may see a shelf bearing wooden tablets that contain the heavenly names of the dead. This is the message the Psalm intends to send. TERMS OF USE Neither Jesus nor the apostles quoted from them. 1. It is not, therefore, claiming that the man is unconscious or has wholly ceased to exist, but rather that any thought or plan he had against your enemies or to your benefit is now gone. Give us today our daily bread. I prayed for his wife Barbara and their family while he lived and will continue to pray for them from this day forward. Father, this precious servant of God is nearing the end of time on this earth. 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