During a Bible study, someone asked about the prayer practices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. He shared that he recently entertained two Witnesses at his home.
The missionaries shared about their faith and, in the end, offered to pray. He was surprised when one of them prayed in Jesus’ name, given all he’d heard about them.
I relied on my background and experience in theology to answer his question. That session inspired me to reach people like you who wonder, “How do Jehovah’s Witnesses pray?”
Jehovah’s Witnesses pray to the Father in the name of Jesus. They teach that Jesus mediates prayers between believers and the Father. However, they do not pray to Jesus as other Christians do.
Join me in exploring where Jehovah’s Witnesses go to pray and whether they pray for others. I’ll also share an example of a Jehovah’s Witness prayer.
Where do Jehovah’s Witnesses go to pray?
Jehovah’s Witnesses believe you can pray anywhere. According to them, prayer is an intimate and personal conversation with Almighty God.
As such, you aren’t limited to a specific location when praying. However, it’s worth noting that Witnesses gather biweekly in their Kingdom Halls, where they pray and study the word.
How many times a day do Jehovah’s Witnesses pray?
Jehovah’s Witnesses don’t prescribe a set number of times to pray. They encourage followers to pray regularly. They base this on the biblical teaching to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
As such, Witnesses are encouraged to seek God in prayer in every situation.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses pray in the name of Jesus?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses pray in the name of Jesus. They base this practice on John 14:6-14 and 16:24, where Jesus taught that whatever His followers ask in His name, God will give them.
Additionally, He taught that He is the way, truth, and life. Jehovah’s Witnesses teach that Jesus’ death and resurrection opened a new way for believers to access God.
How do Jehovah’s Witnesses open a prayer?
As mentioned, Jehovah’s Witness teaches followers to model prayers after the Lord’s Prayer. However, they discourage copying it word-for-word.
As such, most Witnesses open their prayers by addressing God as “Father” or “Jehovah.” This is usually followed by praying that God’s name would be treated as Holy. After these, they’ll present their thanksgiving and requests.
Are Jehovah’s Witnesses allowed to say ‘Amen’ when closing a prayer?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses are allowed to say “Amen” when closing a prayer. They teach that saying “Amen” means they agree with what was said in the prayer.
Additionally, they don’t say it when a non-witness prays.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses object to praying with other Christians?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses object to praying with other believers because they are opposed to practising interfaith.
According to their doctrine, believers shouldn’t worship and pray alongside unbelievers since they aren’t in harmony. They draw examples from Exodus 34:11-14, where God forbade the Israelites from mingling with other communities.
While the Jehovah’s Witnesses happily engage in doctrinal debates, they don’t encourage followers to pray with non-witnesses.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses pray for other people?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses pray for other people. They distinguish this from praying with others by who’s leading the prayer.
According to their doctrine, Witnesses must pray for each other and for those they wish to convert. However, they don’t participate in prayers led by non-witnesses, as it contradicts their stance on interfaith worship.
Do Jehovah’s Witnesses pray before eating?
Yes. Jehovah’s Witnesses pray before eating. As mentioned, Witnesses are encouraged to pray continuously. As such, it’s not unusual for them to pray before meals.
Additionally, they follow Jesus’ example of praying before meals (Matthew 14:19-21).
Example of a Jehovah’s Witness prayer
The Jehovah’s Witnesses do not use prayer books, ornaments, or trinkets in their prayers. Additionally, they discourage repetition in their prayers.
However, they encourage Witnesses to model their prayers after the Lord’s Prayer. Here’s an example of a Jehovah’s Witnesses prayer:
Almighty God, we come to you in prayer today to thank you for your kindness that sets us free from this wicked system. We ask you to guide and help us to follow your will. We seek your strength and protection as we navigate the challenges of this world. We ask that you make us a light to others so we can spread your message of hope to those around us. We pray for the sick or suffering that you may comfort them and give them peace. We also pray for the lost and those searching for truth, that they may find their way to you. We ask all these things in the name of your son, Jesus Christ. Amen.
As a Christian, I have always been passionate about sharing God’s word with young people. This inspired me to pursue a Certificate in Christian Education, an Undergraduate degree in Religious Studies, and a Graduate degree in Theology. My knowledge in school and experience from dealing with the youth made me an expert at discussing Christian-related topics. I feel privileged working as the Coordinator of the Christian Youth Ministry at Christian Faith Guide. You can read more about me on the about us page.