Comments You Will Not Hear at the 10-15-06 WT Study (September 1, 2006, pages 27-31)(PETITIONS)
Review comments will be in red
WT material from today's WT will be in black
Quotes from other sources will be in quotes boxes
w = Watchtower
g = Awake
jv = Proclaimers book
www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible (various Bible translations online)
www.reexamine.org (WT publications online)
www.silentlambs.org (child abuse)
www.ajwrb.org (blood issue)
http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm (United Nations issue)
"LET YOUR PETITIONS BE MADE KNOWN TO GOD"
"In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God."-PHILIPPIANS 4:6.
Opening Comments
Someone mention last week that the Lord’s prayer was not discussed. It is briefly referenced in this article.
Have you ever looked at the prayer piece by piece in light of WTS doctrine?
VERSE 9
NIV
"This, then, is how you should pray: " 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
NWT
"YOU must pray, then, this way: "'Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified.
Comment
: Notice that even the WTS is not bold enough to put in "Jehovah" in place of "Our Father" or "your name." Why is it that JWs address their prayers to "Jehovah" rather than the more intimate and loving address, "Father"? Is it considered respectful to call one’s father by his first name; does it indicate a more closer relationship?VERSE 10
NIV
your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
NWT
Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.
Comment
: Which kingdom? The one that began in 33 CE with the formation of the Christian congregation? The one the WTS said started in 1878 CE with Christ’s reign or the one in 1914 CE the adjusted date for when Christ began to reign or the future beginning of the Thousand Year Reign?What did Jesus believe was God’s will for heaven and for earth?
Verse 11
NIV
Give us today our daily bread.
NWT
Give us today our bread for this day
Comment:
Does the WTS gather in money for far future projects? How are they asking just for the bread for this day? While the WTS is sending Bethel staff to the university to be lawyers, they are discouraging their members from doing the same with the view of trusting God to provide for them.Verse 12
NIV
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
NWT
and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Comment:
Are the rank and file JWs allowed to forgive their "debtors" or do 3 elders on a judicial committee making the decision? Also, if 3 elders are deciding if a sinning JW is repentant or not, how is God doing the forgiving? Shouldn’t the prayer read, "Elders, forgive us our debts"?Verse 13
NIV
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.'
NWT
And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one. (footnote: or from WHAT is wicked)’
Comment:
Why are so many JWs concerned about demons and devil influence in their lives when they can simply pray for protection and have confidence it will be answered?START OF ARTICLE
Q1) With whom do we have the privilege to communicate, and why is that so amazing?
1) If you were to request an audience with the ruler of your country, what kind of response would you get? You might receive a polite reply from his office, but it is highly unlikely that you would be allowed to speak with the ruler himself. However, with the greatest Ruler of all, Jehovah God, the Sovereign of the universe, the situation is different. We have access to him from any place we may be and at any time we may choose. Acceptable prayers will always reach him. (Proverbs 15:29) That is truly wonderful! Should not appreciation for this move us to pray regularly to the One who is rightly called the "Hearer of prayer"?-Psalm 65:2.
When you request an audience with a human, the WTS is talking about in person. I don’t think the WTS is suggesting that we will be talking to God in person.
Who decides what prayers are acceptable?
Q2) What is necessary for prayers to be acceptable to God?
2) However, someone may ask, 'What prayers are acceptable to God?' The Bible explains one thing that is necessary for prayers to be acceptable when it states: "Without faith it is impossible to please him well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Yes, as explained in the preceding article, a key factor in approaching God is faith. God is willing to accept the prayers of those who approach him, but they must do so in faith and with right works along with sincerity and a right heart attitude.
Without faith….
But then the WTS adds "right works," sincerity and a right heart attitude. Who determines what are right works, who is being sincere, who has a "right" heart attitude…the WTS/FDS/GB.
Q3) (a) As shown by the prayers of faithful servants of old, what types of expressions may be included in prayers? (b) What forms may our prayers take?
3) The apostle Paul urged Christians in his day: "Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6, 7) The Bible contains many examples of those who took their concerns to God. Among such ones are Hannah, Elijah, Hezekiah, and Daniel. (1 Samuel 2:1-10; 1 Kings 18:36, 37; 2 Kings 19:15-19; Daniel 9:3-21) We should follow their example. Note, too, that Paul's words show that our prayers can take various forms. He mentioned thanksgiving, that is, prayer in which we express appreciation for what God does for us. This may be accompanied by praise. Supplication refers to humble, earnest entreaty. And we can express petitions, or requests for something specific. (Luke 11:2, 3) Our heavenly Father is happy to accept our approach to him in any of these ways.
The Bible contains many examples of those who took their concerns to God. Among such ones are Hannah, Elijah, Hezekiah, and Daniel
If the "Bible contains many examples" why can the WTS only cite OT examples?
Prayers can take various forms…
Thanksgiving…express appreciation for what God does for us (only through the WTS/FDS/GB)
Praise (no description???)
Supplication…humble, earnest entreaty
Petitions…requests for something specific
Are these the only acceptable ways per the WTS?
In the days of Charles Taze Russell, prayer and praise was given its own time slot.
*** jv chap. 16 p. 238 Meetings for Worship, Instruction, and Encouragement ***
Brother Russell realized that more was needed than just study of doctrinal matters. There must also be expressions of devotion so that people's hearts would be moved by appreciation of God's love and by a desire to honor and serve him. The classes were urged to arrange a special meeting for this purpose once a week. These were sometimes referred to as "Cottage Meetings" because they were held in private homes. The program included prayers, hymns of praise, and testimonies related by those in attendance.
Q4) Although Jehovah knows our needs, why do we still make petitions to him?
4) Some may ask, `Does not Jehovah already know all our needs?' Yes, he does. (Matthew 6:8, 32) Why, then, does he still want us to approach him with our petitions? Consider this example: A store owner may offer a gift to some of his customers. However, to receive this gift, the customers must come to the owner and claim it. Those unwilling to make the effort to do so would show that they do not really appreciate the offer. Similarly, neglecting to make our petitions known in prayer would show a lack of appreciation for what Jehovah provides. Jesus said: "Ask and you will receive." (John 16: 24) In this way, we demonstrate our reliance on God.
Does God supply our needs only if we approach him first and ask him for these?
Is the WTS chiding the rank and file that if their lives are not going well it is because they aren’t praying enough?
How Should We Approach God?
Q5) Why do we need to pray in Jesus' name?
5) Jehovah does not lay down a lot of rigid rules on how to pray. Nevertheless, we need to learn the proper approach to God, which is explained in the Bible. For instance, Jesus taught his followers: "If you ask the Father for anything he will give it to you in my name." (John 16:23) Hence, we are required to pray in Jesus' name, recognizing Jesus as the sole channel through which God's blessings are extended to all mankind.
Jehovah does not lay down a lot of rigid rules on how to pray
But the WTS will now lay down a few rigid rules.
Recognizing Jesus as the sole channel through which God’s blessings are extended to all mankind.
Notice how the WTS/FDS/GB supplants Jesus.
*** w91 3/15 p. 22 Who Really Have a Heavenly Calling? ***
God has a channel of communication through which he provides spiritual food for his earthly organization. (Matthew 24:45-47)
*** w90 10/1 p. 30 Do You Follow Instructions? ***
We should follow the instructions that the Head of the Christian congregation, Jesus Christ, gives through "the faithful and discreet slave," the appointed channel of God's organization here on earth.
*** w95 7/1 p. 19 par. 17 "The Israel of God" and the "Great Crowd" ***
Today, the remnant of anointed Christians as a body are "the faithful and discreet slave," the channel for the distribution of spiritual food.
*** w94 10/1 p. 8 The Bible-A Book Meant to Be Understood ***
All who want to understand the Bible should appreciate that the "greatly diversified wisdom of God" can become known only through Jehovah's channel of communication, the faithful and discreet slave.
*** w91 9/1 p. 18 par. 15 Jehovah and Christ-Foremost Communicators ***
That faithful and discreet slave is represented today by the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses, which has as its publicity agent the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society. Most appropriately, that faithful and discreet slave has also been called God's channel of communication.
Is Jesus our mediator when it comes to prayer?
If the comment below is true, that every prayer a Christian utters must go through Jesus, how is Jesus the mediator only for the 144,000 (anointed)?
*** w02 7/1 p. 8 Worship God "in Spirit" ***
Is it proper to pray to Jesus' earthly mother, Mary, or to particular "saints," asking them to intercede with God in one's behalf? The Bible's direct answer is: "There is only one mediator between God and mankind, himself a man, Christ Jesus."-1 Timothy 2:5.
Notice the legalistic approach the WTS has:*** w89 8/15 p. 31 Questions From Readers ***
The people of all nations who have the hope of everlasting life on earth benefit even now from Jesus' services. Though he is not their legal Mediator, for they are not in the new covenant, he is their means of approaching Jehovah. Christ said: "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)
Q6) When praying, what bodily position should we assume?
6) What bodily position should we assume when praying? In the Bible, no particular position is specified for our prayers to be heard. (1 Kings 8:22; Nehemiah 8:6; Mark 11:25; Luke 22:41) What is important is to pray to God in sincerity and with the right heart attitude.-Joel 2:12,13.
Try kneeling at the KH or lifting your arms.
Who judges whether someone has the right heart attitude? Unless a non-JW is praying for a JW to call on them, none of their prayers are heard by "Jehovah" per the WTS. Can a person who believes in a triune be praying to the "right" God per the WTS?
Q7) (a) What is the meaning of "amen"? (b) How is it appropriately used in prayers?
7) What about the use of the word "amen"? The Scriptures indicate that this is usually a suitable conclusion to our prayers, especially when we pray in public. (Psalm 72:19; 89: 52) The Hebrew word 'a-men' has the basic meaning of "surely." McClintock and Strong's Cyclopedia explains that the significance of saying "Amen" at the end of prayers is "to confirm the words which have preceded, and invoke the fulfilment of them." Thus, by concluding with a sincere "Amen," the one praying indicates his earnest feelings about what he has just said. When a Christian representing the congregation in prayer concludes with this expression, those listening may also add an "Amen" in their hearts or audibly to indicate their strong approval of what has just been said.-1 Corinthians 14:16.
This is usually a suitable conclusion to our prayers, especially when we pray in public
Is there a time it would not be suitable
The WTS for once states where the quote is from instead of "a Bible reference says."
Are you required to say "amen" at the end of a public prayer?
"amen" in their hearts
There was a debate for some time if the person saying the prayer should say "amen." Finally, this was published.
*** w86 5/15 p. 22 Praying Before Others With a Humble Heart ***
Is it appropriate for listeners to say an audible "Amen" at the end of public prayer?
Yes, if they desire or feel impelled to do so. Paul spoke of the "Amen" said by those listening to a prayer, although he did not specifically say whether this was audible, or silent in their hearts. (1 Corinthians 14:16) However, under the Mosaic Law, there was an occasion when the Israelites were specifically instructed to say "Amen!" out loud. (Deuteronomy 27:14-26) Hence, when the person praying indicates the end of his prayer by saying "Amen," it is appropriate for the listeners to say "Amen" in their hearts or audibly with a low voice. Parents should train their children to show proper appreciation in the way they express any subdued "Amen."
Q8) How may some of our prayers resemble the prayers of Jacob or Abraham, and what would this demonstrate on our part?
8) There are times when God may allow us to demonstrate the depth of our concern about matters for which we pray. We may need to become like Jacob of old, who wrestled all night with an angel in order to obtain a blessing. (Genesis 32:24-26) Or some circumstances may require that we become like Abraham, who repeatedly appealed to Jehovah in behalf of Lot and any other righteous people who might be in Sodom. (Genesis 18:22-33) We may similarly plead with Jehovah about things that are precious to us, appealing to him on the basis of his justice, loving-kindness, and mercy.
OT examples…Jacob…Abraham
Demonstrate…wrestled…repeatedly appealed
Do you make your children "repeatedly" "plead" before you give them the things they need?
What May We Ask For?
Q9) What should be our main concerns when praying?
9) Remember that Paul said: "In everything ... let your petitions be made known to God." (Philippians 4:6) Hence, personal prayers may touch virtually every facet of life. However, the first concern in our prayers should be Jehovah's interests. Daniel set a fine example in this. When Israel suffered punishment because of their sins, Daniel implored Jehovah to show mercy, saying: "Do not delay, for your own sake, 0 my God, for your own name." (Daniel 9:15-19) Do our prayers likewise show that the sanctification of Jehovah's name and the fulfillment of his will are our main concerns?
In everything…may touch virtually every facet of life
First concern in our prayers should be Jehovah’s WTS interests
OT example…Daniel
Sanctification of Jehovah’s name
Did you that that for years the WTS doctrine was to "vindicate" God’s name?
*** w95 5/15 p. 25 par. 17 Part 2-Flashes of Light-Great and Small ***
Similarly, for a long time, Witnesses spoke of the vindication of Jehovah's name. But had Satan called Jehovah's name into question? For that matter, had any of Satan's agents done so, as if Jehovah did not have a right to that name? No, not at all. It was not the name of Jehovah that was challenged and that needed to be vindicated. That is why the Watch Tower Society's recent publications do not speak of Jehovah's name as being vindicated. They speak of Jehovah's sovereignty as being vindicated and of his name as being sanctified.
Q10) How do we know that it is appropriate to pray about personal matters?
10) Nevertheless, it is also appropriate to make requests concerning personal matters. For example, like the psalmist, we may pray for deeper spiritual comprehension. He prayed: "Make me understand, that I may observe your law and that I may keep it with the whole heart." (Psalm 119:33, 34; Colossians 1:9, 10) Jesus "offered up supplications and also petitions to the One who was able to save him out of death." (Hebrews 5:7) In so doing, he demonstrated the appropriateness of seeking strength when one faces danger or trials. When giving the model prayer to his disciples, Jesus included matters of personal concern, such as forgiving errors and obtaining daily food.
Another rule:It is also appropriate to make requests concerning personal matters.
Yes, the brothers at the hall are instructed to clear it through the PO before they include someone by name in a prayer at the KH, for example, someone who is ill and/or in the hospital.
Appropriate…appropriateness
The Model prayer is not meant to be a model for a public prayer.
11) In that model prayer, Jesus included the request: "Do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the wicked one." (Matthew 6:9-13) He later counseled: "Keep on the watch and pray continually, that you may not enter into temptation." (Matthew 26:41) Prayer is essential when we face temptations. We may be tempted to ignore Bible principles at work or at school. Non-Witnesses may invite us to join them in questionable activities. We may be asked to do something that violates upright principles. At such times, we do well to follow Jesus' counsel to pray-both in advance and when actually facing a temptation-asking God to help us so that we do not fall.
[Picture on page 28] Heartfelt prayer helps us not to succumb to temptations
Notice how only the final verse is mentioned of the "model" prayer.
Tempted to ignore Bible principles at work or at school…non-witnesses may invite us to join them in questionable activities.
The WTS demonizes "worldly" people, non-witnesses is the new PC expression. What questionable activities, perhaps going out to eat, going to a movie, going to a ball game, having a meal with their family….
We may be asked to do something that violates upright principles.
Yes, non-witnesses are all or almost all immoral, foul-mouthed, drug-using, drunken, thieving, abusive….
Q12) What causes of anxiety might move us to pray, and what can we expect of Jehovah?
12) Various pressures and anxieties arise in the lives of God's servants today. Illness and emotional stress are major sources of anxiety for many. Violent conditions around us make life stressful. Economic hardships make it difficult to eke out a living. How comforting it is to know that Jehovah lends an ear to his servants who bring these matters to him! Psalm 102:17 states about Jehovah: "He will certainly turn to the prayer of those stripped of everything, and not despise their prayer."
God’s servants…his servants…only JWs
Illness and emotional stress…violent conditions around us…economic hardships
But aren’t JWs the happiest people on the earth?
Is there no comfort to be gained from Christ?
*** w99 10/1 p. 8 par. 13 "For Everything There Is an Appointed Time" ***
Of course, the fact that Jehovah's servants "weep" over the sorry state of world affairs does not preclude their being happy. On the contrary! They are actually the happiest group of people on earth.
Q13) (a) What personal matters are fitting subjects for prayer? (b) Relate an example of such a prayer.
13) Actually, any matter that affects our service to Jehovah or our relationship with him can be a fitting subject for prayer. (1 John 5:14) If you have decisions to make about marriage' or employment or about expanding your ministry, feel free to bring these to God, asking for his guidance. A young woman in the Philippines, for example, wanted to share in the full-time ministry. However, she did not have a job to support herself. She says: "One Saturday, I prayed to Jehovah specifically about pioneering. Later that same day, when out in the preaching work, I offered a book to a teenager. Out of the blue, the girl said: `You should go to my school first thing Monday morning.' I asked, 'Why?' She explained that there was a job vacancy that needed to be filled as soon as possible. I went, and I was hired right away. It all happened so
quickly."
Numerous Witnesses around the world have had similar experiences. So do not hesitate to bring your heartfelt petitions to God in prayer!Any matter that affects our service to Jehovah or our relationship with him can be a fitting subject for prayer.
Out of the blue…
Can you believe this experience!!! Without mentioning she was looking for a job. I know that this JW left out part of the story…is it possible to go to this non-JW girl and confirm the story? Did the JWs in that sister’s congregation confirm it? I was told that no experiences appeared in the WT that had not been confirmed. How would you confirm this subjective experience?
What if We Have Sinned?
Q14, 15) (a) Why should a person not hold back from praying even if he has sinned? (b) Besides personal prayers, what else will aid a person in his recovery from sin?
14) How can prayer help if someone has sinned? Because of shame, some who have sinned hold back from praying. That, however, is not a wise course to follow. To illustrate: Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help. What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost? That could lead to disaster! Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm. Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah. In fact, God invites those who have made serious errors to pray to him. The prophet Isaiah urged sinners in his day to call to Jehovah, "for he will forgive in a large way." (Isaiah 55:6, 7) Of course, one may need to `soften the face of Jehovah' by first softening one's own heart, turning from the sinful course, and sincerely repenting. -Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13.
Sinned
…according to WTS standards not God’sShame…hold back from praying
After the DF model of the WTS of having sinners shunned by their members, is it surprising that JWs think that God will shun them as sinner?
Is God an air traffic controller?!
Isaiah urged..another OT example
15) Where sin is involved, prayer becomes important for yet another reason. The disciple James states regarding someone needing spiritual help: "Let him call the older men of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, ... and Jehovah will raise him up." (James 5:14, 15) Yes, an individual should personally confess his sin to Jehovah in prayer, but he can also ask the older men to pray in his behalf. That will aid him in his spiritual recovery.
Yes, an individual should personally confess his sin to Jehovah in prayer, but he
can also ask the older men to pray in his behalf
" can" or must tell the older men…which is the same as confessing. A JW cannot just confess to God, he must also tell "confess" to the elders.
** w88 2/15 p. 20 par. 20 "May You Have Peace" ***
If any do become guilty of gross wrongdoing but cover it up, they will clearly lose Jehovah's approval and "the peace of God" that they had. They will also lose their own peace of mind. (Compare 2 Samuel 24:10; Matthew 6:22, 23.) You can see, then, why it is imperative that any Christian who has fallen into serious sin confess that to Jehovah and to loving elders, who can promote spiritual healing. (Isaiah 1:18, 19; 32:1, 2; James 5:14, 15) When a person who has lost spiritual balance on the slippery path of sin seeks help from mature brothers, he will not continue to have a troubled conscience or be without godly peace.
Answers to Prayers
Q16, 17) (a) How does Jehovah answer prayers? (b) What experiences illustrate that prayer and the preaching work are closely connected?
16) How are prayers answered? Some may be answered quickly and obviously. (2 Kings 20: 1-6) Others may take some time, and the answers may be harder to discern. As shown in Jesus' illustration about the widow who kept coming back to the judge, repeated approach to God may be necessary. (Luke 18:1-8) However, we can be assured that when we pray in harmony with God's will, Jehovah will never tell us: "Quit making me trouble."-Luke 11:5-9.
[Picture on page 31] Through prayer, we express to God our gratitude, concerns, and petitions
How are prayers answered?
Quickly and obviously (if two JWs pray for a car, and only one gets an answer, does that mean the other one is not spiritual enough?)
Others may take some time (JWs are told they may be asking for a wrong purpose and that God is testing their endurance)
Answers harder to discern (brighter light concept????)
Repeated approach may be necessary (do your children get a better response when they ask often)
When we pray in harmony with God’s will (as explained by the WTS in their publications)
17) Jehovah's people have much experience in seeing prayers answered. This has often been apparent in our public ministry. For example, two Christian sisters in the Philippines were distributing Bible literature in a remote area of the country. When they gave a tract to one woman, her eyes filled with tears. She said: "Last night I prayed to God to send someone to teach the Bible to me, and I think that this is the answer to my prayer." Shortly thereafter, the woman began attending meetings at the Kingdom Hall. In another part of Southeast Asia, a Christian brother was nervous about preaching in a high security residential complex. However, he prayed to Jehovah, took courage, and entered the building. He knocked on the door of an apartment, and a young woman appeared. When the brother explained the reason for his visit, she began to cry. She said that she had been looking for Jehovah's Witnesses and had prayed for help to find them. The brother gladly helped her get in touch with the local congregation of Jehovah's Witnesses.
Jehovah’s people…only JWs
How many stories have heard that someone was praying for JWs to call on them and they came the next day? How can you verify that the person is telling the truth? How many inactive JWs are out their asking for someone to stop and see them and years have gone by?
Four other JWs in the Philippines must have not have prayed for the right matter.
http://www.watchtowerinformationservice.org/index.php/jws-vs-the-world/jehovahs-witness-hostages-escape-extremist-captors/#more-53Q18) (a) When our prayers are answered, how should we respond? (b) Of what can we be assured if we pray at every opportunity?
18) Prayer truly is a wonderful provision. Jehovah is ready to listen and to respond. (Isaiah 30:18, 19) Yet, we need to be observant as to how Jehovah answers our prayers. It may not always be in the way we expected. Still, when we discern his guidance, we should never forget to offer our thanks and praise to him. (1 Thessalonians 5:18) Moreover, always remember the apostle Paul's admonition: "In everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God." Yes, take advantage of every opportunity to talk to God. In that way, you will continue to experience the truthfulness of what Paul states regarding those whose prayers are answered: "The peace of God that excels all thought will guard your hearts and your mental powers."-Philippians 4:6, 7.
Yet, we need to be observant as to how Jehovah answers our prayers. It may not always be in the way we expected.
So all those millions of JWs that thought they would never die and live right into the "new world" prayed for the wrong thing.
Can You Answer?
- What forms may our prayers take?
- How should we pray?
- What subjects may we include in our prayers?
- What is the role of prayer when one has sinned?
Concluding Comments
Reading this article, I once again saw how the WTS puts itself between people and God. Who is the channel, Christ or the WTS/FDS/GB? Who died for our sins? If you pray, never let any human get between you and God.
Did it snow where you live? Not here yet though all the flowers and garden are kaput. We have green tomatoes ripening in paper bags. We may yet try fried green tomatoes. We’re cleaning up outside today before the snow does come. Buffalo had 12 inches…wow!
Love, Blondie
