When thoughts of those who sleep in death rush into your mind and you recall their ways and fond personality, remember this: If your imperfect memory can recreate them, how much easier will Gods perfect mind and almighty hand bring them back from the memorial tomb. As we learned, Jesus came to earth to save us from sin and death. 1. One of the most common verses to which Jehovah's Witnesses turn is in Psalm 146: "His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish," (Psalm 146:4). | (James 1:5) We should ask Jehovah to forgive our sins. Each member carries a "Health Care Proxy" card, declaring his or her desire not to receive a blood transfusion for any reason as stated by Acts 15:28, 29. The booklet When Someone You Love Dies, produced by the Jehovah's Witnesses, provides practical suggestions for those who have lost a loved one or for those comforting surviving relatives. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. A sincere obligation is felt by many Catholics toward the suffering souls. Luke 16:19-23, Now there was a rich man, and he habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, joyously living in splendor every day. The very presence of a friend who shares the same beliefs can be comforting. God, guide the friends of the dying to know how to help the family in their grief journey. In this way, we will impart comfort. This is not accomplished by the use of hollow platitudes. Let them receive your comfort. May they spend eternity with you; may they live forever in your presence. Explain. Does the soul cease to exist after death? You might reason on appropriate scriptures to help them to realize that God has provided help but many have not accepted it.Isaiah 48:17,18. Is the house filled with grieving relatives? Romans 8:38-39 God of Love, help us find comfort in Your word that tells us that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. 15 People need to know that someone cares. Almighty, eternal God, have compassion on the anxious sighs and groanings of this dying person. 4 Young people, as well as older ones, need comfort. When disaster struck a region in El Salvador, why was the field service of local Witnesses very effective? In Jewish households the familiar Kaddish prayer is recited for eleven months following the death of a loved one, as well as on the Yahrzeit or anniversary of death. In these ways we truly comfort others with the comfort that God gives. 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. But if I am to live on in the flesh, this will mean fruitful labor for me; and I do not know which to choose. The entire month of November with its All Souls Day is particularly dedicated to prayers and masses for the dead. You can share even your deepest feelings with him by talking to him regularly. Revelation 6:9-11, When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth? And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.. Thank You, Amen. They believe they have the only true religion and that all other religions are under Satan. TERMS OF USE He teaches us to "speak consolingly to the depressed souls" and to comfort all who mourn. In return for these oblations the dead are expected to promote the good fortune of the living. The Church requires devoted adherence from its practitioners. Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abrahams bosom, and the rich man also died and was buried. 11 What can we pray for? Abba, thank You for the opportunity to pray for the family of the dying. Recently, a dear friend of my husband and mine passed on to be with the Lord. 4. 5 Does Jehovah listen to all prayers? Main Guide Menu | Jehovah's Witnesses Section Menu, (Return to Summary of Essential Practice Points). Amen. 7. 22 What if the person you want to comfort already knows what the Bible says about death, the ransom, and the resurrection? Cleanse me from all unrighteousness. When we pray to Jehovah, we can trust that he will hear us even when nobody else does.Nehemiah 2:1-6. Death is near for my friend. 20 What an amazing privilege we have to pray to Jehovah! Would you like to read this article in %%? What are some things that we can talk to Jehovah about? Jehovah's Witnesses believe that suffering is over for the person who has died but concentrate on giving support to the family. Sickness, the problems of old age, and death will be gone, and obedient people will live foreverright here on this planet. She showed the girl Revelation 21:3,4; Job 33:25; Isaiah 35:5-7 and 65:21-25. Amen. 1. If he wants to talk, be a good listener. Judy Dennings, 22, died on October 1, 2021, as the result of a head-on collision. For questions about health services, your entitlements, or how to access HSE health or social services in your area? Does Jehovah really answer our prayers? 10. A Jehovah's Witness funeral is very similar to a Christian funeral in terms of customs and practices. On the contrary, the prophet Ezekiel writes: The soul that is sinningit itself will die. (Ezek. We'd love to keep you up to date with what is happening at CARM. What does the Bible teach about the Trinity? Consider what the Bible says. Do we need to be in a special position to pray? At first glance, this seems fairly compelling. At other times, unwise government policies and greed and dishonesty by those in power have combined to wipe out savings and have forced people to forfeit their possessions. Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in an afterlife. This, of course, is a major diversion from orthodox Christianity. David had dealt with serious medical issues for a period of time. Hold them in Your loving arms as they journey through grief. When we breathe our last, we are completely wiped out of existence. | Modified from The Abridged Treasury of Prayers: An Epitome from the Larger Gebets-Schatz, 1906. Even in Sheol, in the place of the dead, Gods presence is there with him. 8. Sit with them in their mourning. 12. 14, 15. CARM |P.O. We can tell Jehovah anything thats on our mind and in our heart. Others prefer to take the lime light as a leader, doing far more than is required. It is not a treatise on the nature of human death and the soul. A depressed teenager in Poland asked an acquaintance for advice. 7. If you have trouble praying for the dying, ask God to help you. Jehovah's personality is actually a conflation of many gods, also from the Canaanite culture the Israelites originated from, but I'm trying to not write a novel, so that's another story for another day. Jehovah can answer our prayers through the help we get from other Christians. 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. (1)The comfort found in the Bible is from Jehovah, the true God. The sacrifice of the mass is said to be the most prevailing. Is It Ok for Christians to Follow Zodiac Signs? Thank You, Father. Catholics say belief in purgatory naturally implies the utility of praying for the dead. But you can share what the Bible says about the condition of the dead, though this may not be the time to try to refute wrong views. It is a contrast between trusting in even the most powerful of mortal men and trusting in Jehovah God. 1. When people ask, Why does God permit calamities?, how might we help them? She explained: I learned that God does not make people suffer. The prayer of faith also gives you an opportunity to express your gratitude for all that God has done for you. When Jesus came to earth, he showed us God in the flesh. Why? Sorry, there was an error loading the video. Jesus says There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away(Revelation 21:4 NIV). Our ultimate hope is in future resurrection to eternal human life. It they cannot, they should heed . Prayers for a Peaceful Death Father, this precious servant of God is nearing the end of time on this earth. (Read Matthew 6:9-13.) (John 17:16) But they appropriately use the Bible to show that present harsh conditions will not go on forever. 2. And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? (Psalms 88:10-12). Jehovahs Witnesses teach that humans have no soul and that when someone dies, they cease to exist as a person and their lifeless body is all that remains. Jehovahs Witnesses and the Human Soul The Pope has . they contain much that is faulty.. (2Corinthians 4:7) Jehovah also uses the Bible to answer our prayers and to help us to make wise decisions. 12. Mortal man will fail you. In Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom., If you have any issues, please call the office at 385-246-1048 or email us at. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Amen. Move into my heart. Many said to them that it was God who took those who died or that it was Gods will. (Psalm 115:15; Isaiah 40:15) Even though we are so small when compared to the universe, Psalm 145:18, 19 says: Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth. Jehovah's Witnesses, a millenarian denomination of Christrianity, follow strict guidelines regarding the use of blood in medical practices. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish. More closely related to the Orient are Roman Catholic prayers for the dead. His thoughts are no more. No, Jehovah doesnt ask us to kneel, sit, or stand when we pray. 1. Praying to Jehovah should be like talking to a close friend. 6:7) Jesus did not teach the living to pray for the sins of the dead. (Genesis 17:1; Psalm 138:6) We should also be sincere and pray to Jehovah from our heart, not just repeating the same words over and over again.Matthew 6:7,8. 26 Feb Feb The Bible never teaches or even suggests that we should pray on behalf of those who have passed away. (a)What can be accomplished by emphasizing that the comfort God gives abounds through the Christ? Does the soul cease to exist after death? His thoughts perish. Give him comfort in his soul that You will raise him up in the last days. Father, my loved one is dying. The Bible tells us that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. (Romans 15:4) In view of this, we can explain at a suitable time what Gods Kingdom is, and we can show from the Bible how it will solve present problems. I dont know how to bring them comfort. 16 Does Jehovah really answer our prayers? 10 Some people have lived through one conflict after another as contending factions fought for control. He did teach that God purposed to resurrect, along with the righteous, those amenable to righteousness who through ignorance had led sinful lives. Why then is praying a issue? Perhaps a person doesnt know the Lord. 15. Jehovah, the almighty Creator, wants to be close to us, and he wants to listen to our prayers. When Jesus was on the earth, he was 100% God and 100% man. 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. There may be much that you would like to say, but discretion is important. (a)Why should we be humble and respectful as we pray to Jehovah? How do we know that? The Bible teaches us that Jesus IS God. To avoid embarrassment it was later deemed appropriate for all Jewish funerals. Catholic theologians do agree that purgatory will not endure beyond the last day. By what means God will quickly cleanse the remaining stains of souls still in purgatory at the end of the world is a mystery. How does Jehovah use angels and his servants on earth to answer our prayers? 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. They were persecuted under the Nazis and in the Soviet Union, where they were banned until its collapse in 1991. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4). They also pointed to the message of comfort found at Psalm 34:18, Psalm 37:29, Isaiah 25:8, and Revelation 21:3, 4. All rights reserved. The Bible says that we should pray continually, persevere in prayer, and pray constantly. (Matthew 26:41; Romans 12:12; 1Thessalonians 5:17) Jehovah is always ready to listen to us. 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. In a conversation with about ten of our family members, I said something about how I had been healed of Multiple Sclerosis, but this was received with a quick glare from my Jehovah's Witness sister. In death, they will have no lips to speak their lies or boast in their arrogance. Discover some of the best prayers for the dying in this collection of powerful supplications. Copyright 2023, Bible Study Tools. This prayer will give you the strength needed to deal with the situation at hand. Jehovah is near to all those calling on him, to all who call on him in truth.Psalm 145:18. These are opportunities for us to pray and ask God to help the dying person draw closer to Him. Do we need to be in a special position when we pray? Audio download options 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). Here are several messages you can offer. Abba Father, my loved one is suffering a difficult death. (Psalm 62:8) We can pray for him to give us his powerful holy spirit to help us do whats right. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God, Who made heaven and earth, The sea and all that is in them; Who keeps faith forever; Who executes justice for the oppressed; Who gives food to the hungry. God, or Jehovah, is a singular being. 5 When we seek to comfort others, words of sympathy are certainly in order. Article Images Copyright 2023 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. Jehovah's Witnesses believe that suffering is over for the person who has died but concentrate on giving support to the family. Receive them into your kingdom that you have mercifully prepared for them and all believers from the beginning of the world. Reading Scripture daily helps us strengthen our faith and relationship with the Lord. Does it Matter That I Didn't Keep My Goals for Lent? 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. Selah. Menu When we pray about something, what else do we need to do? Do not feel that you need to give a speech. 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