“I call with all my heart. Answer me, O LORD” (Ps. 119:145).
1, 2. a) What can make our sentences monotonous or superficial?
The hustle and bustle of life can lead us to make only brief prayers, and it can also happen when we feel unworthy to tell Jehovah everything we feel.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We may be going through a difficult time or dealing with life's anxieties. Sometimes, circumstances can make our prayers monotonous or very short.
Sometimes we may feel unworthy to tell Jehovah everything we feel, perhaps because we are not speaking to Jehovah correctly, and then we feel so unworthy that we are unable to address him in our prayers.
1, 2. b) How do we know that Jehovah pays attention to everything we say to him?
We know this because the Bible assures us that Jehovah listens to prayers made from the heart and with humility. He hears the plea of the meek and pays attention to everything we say to him, for he truly cares for us (Psalm 10:17; 139:1-3).
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 139 assures us of this, when it says that Jehovah sees us from afar, that he perceives our thoughts when we get up, when we lie down, and when we travel; that is, Jehovah really does not miss a detail about us.
3. What questions will we answer in this article?
In this article we will analyze and answer four main questions.
First: Why should we not be afraid to tell Jehovah our thoughts and feelings?
Second: What can we do to make our prayers deeper?
Third: How do the prayers we find in the Bible help us improve our own?
And finally: What can we do if we are so distressed that we cannot find the words to express what we feel?
By answering these four questions, we will strengthen our communication with Jehovah and enjoy prayer more.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The first question is: Why should we not be afraid to tell Jehovah our thoughts and feelings?
The second question is: What can we do to make our prayers deeper?
The third question is: How do the prayers we find in the Bible help us improve our own?
The last question is: What can we do if we are so distressed that we cannot find the words to express what we feel?
DO NOT BE AFRAID TO PRAY TO JEHOVAH
4. What will help us to open our hearts to Jehovah? (Psalm 119:145)
It will help us to see him as a faithful friend who wants what is best for us. By striving to have a close relationship with Jehovah, as the writer of Psalm 119 did, we will find it easier to share our thoughts and feelings with him and open our hearts to him without fear.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Having a close relationship with Jehovah will help us to tell him what we think and feel. We can think here of the writer of Psalm 119. He went through many problems: he had to bear his imperfection and also the very bad lies that were told about him. What helped him was precisely what we are analyzing: having a close relationship with Jehovah.
The example of the writer of Psalm 119 teaches us that, despite all the problems we may have, we should strive to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah. If we see him as a good, faithful friend who wants what is best for us, we will feel comfortable opening our hearts to him.
We know this is so because of what Psalm 119 says: the writer of the Psalm called out with all his heart; that is, he opened his heart to Jehovah and was willing to exert himself to obey all of Jehovah's standards, because what he wanted was to have a close relationship with him.
5. Why shouldn't we let negative feelings stop us from praying? Give an example.
We must not allow negative feelings to stop us from praying, because Jehovah wants even those who have committed serious sins to approach him in prayer. Even if we feel guilty or ashamed, Jehovah is willing to listen to us and help us.
For example, a pilot who has made a mistake or deviated from his course would not fail to communicate with air traffic control out of embarrassment; on the contrary, he would ask for help to correct the situation. Similarly, when we make mistakes or stray spiritually, we should not be afraid to talk to Jehovah in prayer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because Jehovah wants even those who have committed serious sins to be able to pray to him.
It's like when a pilot flies off course and calls for help. We need to do the same with Jehovah.
We can follow the example of Hezekiah at Psalm 119:176, which says: “I have gone astray like a lost sheep. Come in search of your servant, for I have not forgotten your commandments.” He recognized that he had gone astray, but he did not want to abandon Jehovah’s path. Likewise, if we do not seek help when we have done something that displeases Jehovah, we will never reach our goal, just as the pilot would not have reached his destination.
Negative feelings can become a spiritual trap, because guilt, shame, or discouragement do not come from Jehovah; often they arise from our imperfection or a distorted perspective. So, if we allow these feelings to stop us from praying, the problem is not just sin, but that we are distancing ourselves from the only source that can help us correct our course.
In Isaiah 55, when it speaks of those who must seek Jehovah, it explicitly mentions the wicked man and those who practice evil. And the only way to seek or return to Jehovah is by praying to him.
In Psalm 119:176, the psalmist acknowledges that he had gone astray and admits that he had made a mistake. In fact, Micah 7:3 explains that he acted with undue demands, so the prophet Micah had to discipline him. That is why, in verse 25 of Psalm 119, he says that he was in the dust; that is, he was lying in the dust, very disappointed, very sad, and downcast. But this did not stop him from praying to Jehovah; on the contrary, it was then that he prayed more intensely and thus corrected himself.
HOW YOU CAN MAKE DEEPER PRAYERS
6, 7. What will help us to make deeper sentences? Give an example (see also the note).
Reflecting on Jehovah's qualities will help us to pray more deeply, because the more we meditate on them, the easier it becomes to express our innermost thoughts and feelings to him frankly.
For example, Kristine had difficulty talking to Jehovah because of her experience of having an abusive father. However, by meditating on Jehovah’s loyal love, she felt secure and understood that he would never abandon her. This helped her to open her heart to him and share both her joys and her deepest sorrows in prayer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One thing we can do is reflect on Jehovah’s qualities, such as those we read about at Psalm 145:8, 9. There we see that Jehovah is compassionate and merciful, and that his love is immense. If we keep all these things in mind, it will be much easier for us to express ourselves openly and offer deeper prayers.
How important it is that, when we pray to Jehovah, we speak to him openly and express our innermost feelings and thoughts. This gives us great peace of mind, for we know that he is the only one we can turn to and that he will answer us as needed.
Sister CristÃn recounts that she had a violent father and that, for this reason, seeing Jehovah as her Father made it very difficult for her to communicate with him. However, she explains that it was precisely Jehovah's qualities, such as his love, that helped her to achieve this communication. She says that this allowed her to speak to him and tell him about her greatest joys, but also her deepest sorrows. And it was by meditating on Jehovah's qualities, especially his love, that she was able to do so.
The footnote directs us to the entry “Jehovah” in the handbook *Bible Texts Explained*, where there is a section that discusses how Jehovah’s qualities draw us closer to him. There, a comprehensive list of qualities is presented: kindness, compassion, trustworthiness, eternity, happiness, generosity, humility, justice, loyalty, peace, majesty, and mercy, with accompanying Bible verses.
Although it may sometimes be difficult for us to see Jehovah as a friend, we can dedicate time in our personal study to analyzing each of his qualities. In this way, we will see that we can indeed become his friends, that he will forgive us even if we commit serious sins, and that he will always be there to help us up if we fall.
One of Jehovah’s qualities is that he “sees everything.” How beautiful it is to reflect on this quality, because, unlike Satan, who is always searching and prowling around looking for ways to make us fall, Jehovah is always looking for ways to help us. What a contrast there is between Satan’s evil scrutiny and Jehovah’s loving interest in any need we may have! Seeing him this way makes it much easier to pour out our worries to him.
8, 9. What are some benefits of thinking in advance about what to say to Jehovah? Give an example.
Thinking in advance about what to say to Jehovah helps us to organize our thoughts, to express our feelings more clearly, and to offer more balanced prayers that do not focus solely on our problems. It also allows us to be calmer and more focused when we pray and to include requests related to Jehovah's name, his Kingdom, and his will.
For example, Aliska, when faced with her husband's serious illness, felt so distressed that she didn't know what to say in prayer. By taking a few moments before praying to organize her thoughts, she was able to make her prayers calmer, more focused, and not solely centered on her own problems.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we think beforehand about what we are going to say, we will ask ourselves different questions. We will examine ourselves to see where we need Jehovah’s help or if we have a problem with someone, and how Jehovah can help us. Also, following the example of Jesus, who taught us to pray using the Lord’s Prayer, we will ask for things related to the sanctification of Jehovah’s name and his Kingdom.
Sister Aliska's example reflects what often happens to us. She says that she couldn't think clearly and didn't know what to say. So, if before praying we think, for example, "What do I want? What's wrong with me?" as she herself says, and organize our thoughts, this can allow us, first, to analyze ourselves and, in turn, give Jehovah a more specific idea of what we want.
Hezekiah was experiencing a very tense situation, not only for him as king, but for the entire nation. The people of Jehovah were also involved, and even Jehovah himself. So, he reflected on the situation and, with an open heart, asked Jehovah for the help he needed at that moment.
10. Why is it good for us to take time to pray? (See also the images.)
Because longer prayers make it more likely that we will tell Jehovah in greater detail about everything we feel, which helps us to feel closer to him. Jehovah is not in a hurry or “watching the clock,” so we can express ourselves calmly and without haste, thus strengthening our relationship with him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It is very good to take our time to pray, because if we draw closer to Jehovah and make longer prayers, we are more likely to tell him in greater detail everything we feel.
We might think that we should tailor our prayers to the circumstances. In an emergency, a short prayer shows Jehovah that we trust him. But when we have serious problems, we should try to give Jehovah all the details. It's not that he doesn't know them, but rather that we show Jehovah's interest in us and our belief that he can provide the necessary help.
A good suggestion is the one mentioned in the paragraph: find a place and time where we have no distractions, where we can really open our heart to Jehovah and express our feelings and concerns to him.
Aliska's husband, Elijah, says he prays several times a day, but he has noticed that when he talks to Jehovah for a long time, he feels even closer to him. As he himself says, Jehovah is never looking at the clock. So how important it is that, when we have ideal moments and times, our prayers be long and extended, that we open our hearts to Jehovah and ask him for what we need.
It is also mentioned that we can even pray to Jehovah aloud, which means we should be in a more secluded or private place. Furthermore, it is suggested that we make this a habit.
These prayers, which are somewhat more formal, should be especially brief and probably not very specific, but rather more general. Otherwise, someone in the congregation might feel that another person has a special favor with Jehovah and he does not. Rather, these prayers should reflect the general feeling of the congregation for that particular occasion.
The image shows this brother in a quiet place, with time to spare, sitting at his desk, meditating before sunrise, with the Bible open and a cup of coffee, surely organizing his thoughts to pray to Jehovah at length.
In the next picture, we see that the sun has already risen. The brother has spent a good amount of time talking quietly with Jehovah and has poured himself some more coffee. We observe that even the cup suggests he is a father, so he has sought out that moment when perhaps the children are still asleep and is talking with a good friend.
With our friends, we sometimes have brief conversations depending on the moment, but when we want to express our feelings, we dedicate a good amount of time to it, and that's what the brother in the picture is doing. He continues with his Bible open and talking to Jehovah, even though the sun has already risen.
We should reflect on Jehovah's qualities, think beforehand about what we want to tell him, take time and set aside a moment to do so consistently and regularly.
ILLUSTRATION
Image series: 1. Before sunrise, a brother meditates, sitting at his desk with an open Bible and a cup of coffee. 2. The sun has risen, and the brother is still sitting at his desk, praying at length.
Find a time and place where you can pray at length. (See paragraph 10.)
MEDITATE ON THE PRAYERS OF BIBLICAL CHARACTERS
11. How does meditating on the prayers of some of Jehovah’s servants from Bible times help us? (See also the box “Do You Identify?”)
Meditating on the prayers and songs of praise of Jehovah’s servants in Bible times gives us ideas on how to express ourselves better in our own prayers. Furthermore, we can find expressions that help us to praise Jehovah and prayers with which we can identify, making it easier for us to talk to him about our feelings.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
The heartfelt prayers of the servants of Bible times and their songs of praise show us how they expressed themselves. This can give us ideas on how we can do the same, and perhaps we can find ways to praise Jehovah, as well as prayers with which we can identify.
In the prayer Jacob offered to Jehovah upon returning to his homeland, he recounts that he had left with only his staff, but upon his return, he had a large family and many possessions. Jacob was afraid of his brother Esau because he had fled from him, and Esau wanted to kill him. We see how, in his prayers, he expressed his anguish and worry, but also his faith in Jehovah and his gratitude for all that He had given him. So, perhaps when we feel similarly, this is a good way to express our feelings to Jehovah.
We have the example of King Solomon’s prayer when he received the responsibility of becoming king. We see in 1 Kings that he said he felt incapable of assuming such a responsibility. He commented that he was an inexperienced young man, that the people he was to govern were so numerous they could not be numbered or counted, and he asked Jehovah for an obedient heart and help. In similar situations, when we feel overwhelmed by responsibilities or tasks, we can do the same: ask Jehovah for help and, perhaps, use some of the expressions that Solomon himself used.
When David sinned with Bathsheba and repented sincerely, he asked Jehovah for a pure heart, a new spirit, to cleanse even his innermost feelings and thoughts, and to enable him to serve Jehovah with a clear conscience. Jehovah answered that prayer and, in fact, continues to regard David as an example for us and a faithful servant. So, in similar moments, when we struggle with our imperfection, meditating on David’s example in this prayer will also help us.
Mary, the mother of Jesus, was humble when she received this special task. She told Jehovah that he had noticed the humble condition of his servant, and then she uttered many praises to Jehovah.
We can read and analyze the prayers of some of Jehovah's servants from Bible times, observe how Jehovah answered those prayers, and consider how we can put it into practice.
12. What questions can we ask ourselves when reading a sentence?
We can ask ourselves: Who said those words? What were their circumstances? Am I going through a similar situation? And what lessons can I learn from that statement? To find the answers, we'll have to do some research, but it will definitely be worth it.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
First, we choose a character, and that way we already know who said those words. Then we can ask ourselves: What were their circumstances? Am I going through a similar situation? And what lessons can I learn from that sentence?
13. What is one lesson we learn from Hannah's prayer? (1 Samuel 1:10, 11; see also the picture.)
One lesson is that when we have problems that don't go away, we should take the time to tell Jehovah everything that worries us and how it makes us feel. By doing so, we can find relief and feel much better, just as Hannah did. She took the time to tell Jehovah everything that troubled her and felt much better after praying openly.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
If we are going through a difficult time, like Hannah, it is very important to dedicate time to speaking quietly with Jehovah. First Samuel 1:12 says that she spent a long time praying to Jehovah. If we do this, surely, even if the problem doesn't disappear, we can experience the peace that Jehovah gives, just like Hannah.
In 1 Samuel 1:18 we see how Hannah laid her burden on shoulders broader and stronger than her own—those of Jehovah. That is why it is said that sadness disappeared from her face. If we do the same, we will see how that sadness is transformed into the peace that Jehovah gives us. As Psalm 55:22 says: “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.”
The image shows us that what Hannah must have felt was very difficult: she had a rival wife, Peninnah, who didn't treat her with affection and was proud of having children. Hannah would see her baby while her husband played with the other woman's children. She didn't even seem to want to look at that situation, because she had no children, and in those times that was very painful. So she was completely heartbroken and very sad about the situation she was in.
In the picture, we see Eli watching Hannah and, in fact, mistaking her for a drunk; but even so, she showed him respect. Then he left, ate, and the sadness disappeared from his face. Thus, we see how Hannah didn't take what Eli had said personally, but rather reflected on it, and that also helped her feel better.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Hannah, filled with grief, looks away as Elkanah plays with two of his sons. 2. Peninnah smiles as she cradles her newborn son in her arms. 3. Hannah prays fervently through her tears. 4. High Priest Eli sits with his arms crossed, watching Hannah.
Hannah opened her heart to Jehovah and told him how bad she felt about being barren and about the constant mockery from Elkanah's other wife. (See paragraph 13.)
14. a) What other lesson can we learn from Ana's example?
The lesson is that even when problems haven't completely disappeared, we can cope better if we focus on how Jehovah has supported and blessed us. Hannah thanked Jehovah and focused on his care and protection, which helped her maintain a positive attitude.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Hannah remembered Jehovah not only in difficult times but also in times of joy; that is why she thanked him, offering a prayer of gratitude. Furthermore, it is clear that she studied and meditated on the Scriptures, because in her prayers she used expressions from other servants of Jehovah who were blessed by God. In this way, she too wanted to show her appreciation to Jehovah, just as exemplary servants of the past had done.
Hannah focused on how Jehovah had blessed her. This shows us that she was not a woman prone to taking offense. She could have been deeply offended by Eli, especially at that moment when she felt so bad. And when she gave him the child, she acknowledged herself as the one who had been mistreated by Eli, but she still focused on Jehovah's blessing.
14. b) How can meditating on the Bible enrich our prayers? (See footnote.)
Meditating on the Bible helps us recognize how Jehovah cares for and protects his loyal servants. By reflecting on these accounts, our prayers are enriched because they include gratitude and trust in Jehovah’s support, not just requests related to our problems.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Meditating on the words of servants of the past helps us and serves as an example for our prayers today. For instance, as the footnote states, Hannah also devoted time to meditating on the Scriptures, and in her prayer, she used expressions similar to those written by Moses. If we do the same, our prayers will be based not only on requests but also on expressions of gratitude for what Jehovah does for us.
In 1 Samuel 2:2, it is mentioned: "There is no rock like our God," perhaps alluding to what Moses wrote in Deuteronomy 32:4, speaking of God as the rock. It is interesting that the same example of Hannah, centuries later, served as inspiration for the mother of Jesus to also use similar expressions in her heartfelt prayer to Jehovah. This teaches us that we can take some expressions from these prayers and incorporate them into our own supplications and devotions, and this will enrich our prayers.
Although we see that Hannah based her prayer on the words of Moses and Miriam on Hannah's, this does not mean that we should memorize certain Bible verses, as some religions do. They were inspired by those expressions or used some of their words, but they did not repeat them from memory, because it is not necessary. Jehovah wants our prayers to be heartfelt, profound, and expressed in our own words.
15. What do we learn from Jeremiah's prayer? (Jeremiah 12:1).
We learn that we can express our frustrations and discouragement to Jehovah without accusing him of being unjust. Jeremiah spoke frankly about what troubled him, yet he maintained his confidence that Jehovah always acts justly. Likewise, we can tell Jehovah what worries us, confident that he will correct injustices in due course.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jeremiah did not doubt Jehovah’s justice, for he said, “You are righteous,” repeating it twice. Even so, there were some things that discouraged him and that he did not understand. With complete clarity, he expressed these frustrations before Jehovah: Why do the wicked prosper in their ways? Why do traitors live undisturbed? From this, we learn that we should never doubt Jehovah’s justice, but we can feel confident in expressing to him our disappointments, frustrations, and those things we do not understand.
One detail mentioned in the paragraph is that Jeremiah does the same thing as Hannah: when he pours out his heart to Jehovah, he then waits to see how Jehovah will resolve the matter. So, seeing how Jehovah disciplined those who did not act right, Jeremiah's trust in Him increased.
16. What do we learn from the prayer of an exiled Levite? (Psalm 42:1-4; see also the pictures.)
We learn that when we go through difficult situations that cause us sadness or emotional instability, it is important to speak openly to Jehovah about how we feel. By doing so, we can better understand our emotions and view the circumstances from a more balanced perspective. Just as the Levite did, opening our hearts to Jehovah helps us regain emotional balance, recognize that he cares for us, and find the strength to endure.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We learn that opening our hearts to Jehovah can help us analyze our feelings, regain balance, and have the strength to endure.
The Levite felt bad because he was in exile and could not be with his brothers. Similar circumstances can happen to us at some point, due to illness or other situations. What we should do is meditate at that time, just as the Levite did, on how Jehovah helps us in a special way in particular circumstances.
The image shows the Levite's feelings at being far away and unable to go to the temple to worship Jehovah, and how he sincerely asks for His help. The words of Psalm 42:1 say: "As the deer longs for streams of water, so my soul longs for you, O God." He remembers what he used to be able to do and now cannot, but Jehovah helps him.
The other picture shows another brother who can no longer do what he used to do: he is in a hospital receiving treatment. However, he is reading the Bible, praying to Jehovah and asking for his help to cope with this situation, fondly remembering what he used to be able to do.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A Levite prays intensely in a secluded place. 2. A brother in a hospital bed prays to Jehovah with an open Bible in his lap.
The Levite who wrote Psalm 42 opened his heart to God. If we tell Jehovah how we feel, it will be easier to see things from a different perspective. (See paragraph 16.)
17. a) What do we learn from Jonah's prayer? (Jonah 2:1, 2).
We learn that even when we have made mistakes or disobeyed, we can approach Jehovah with the assurance that he will hear our voice. Jonah trusted that Jehovah would hear him and pleaded with him for help even in an extreme situation.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jonah was praying this prayer inside a great fish because he had disobeyed Jehovah and, as a consequence, ended up there.
17. b) How can some expressions from the Psalms help us when we go through difficult times? (See note).
The words of the Psalms can come to mind and comfort us when we are going through difficult times. Remembering and meditating on them strengthens our confidence that Jehovah will help us, just as he did with Jonah, and enables us to express ourselves more effectively in prayer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It can help us to have that confidence and strength in Jehovah, just as it helped Jonah, because he was convinced that Jehovah would hear him, even though he had disobeyed. For example, as quoted in the footnote, Psalm 38 says that salvation belongs to Jehovah. Surely Jonah knew that and trusted that Jehovah would save him from that situation.
KEEP PRAYING TO JEHOVAH TO DRAW CLOSER TO HIM
18, 19. How does Romans 8:26, 27 help us if we cannot find the words to express to Jehovah what we feel? Give an example.
Romans 8:26, 27 helps us understand that when we are so distressed that we do not know how to express what we feel, the holy spirit comes to our aid. Jehovah can accept some prayers recorded in the Bible as if they were our own requests and answer them, even when we are unable to express ourselves in words.
For example, a sister named Elena, who was arrested for praying and reading the Bible, was so distressed that she could not pray clearly. Remembering that Jehovah could accept the prayers of other faithful servants recorded in the Bible as if they were his own comforted her greatly and helped her to endure those difficult times.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Sometimes we may be so distressed that we cannot find the words to express what we feel, but in those moments the Holy Spirit is our help and prays for us.
The Bible says that even if we don't express our grievances, the Holy Spirit knows what we are going through, and so does Jehovah. That is why so many prayers are recorded that, thanks to the Holy Spirit, our helper, reach Jehovah and help us.
Elena was arrested for praying and reading the Bible, and she was very distressed. She said that she found it difficult to pray, but she added, "In a situation that overwhelms me and I don't know what to ask for in prayer, Jehovah can accept the prayers of other servants that appear in the Bible as if they were my own." In other words, Jehovah can put words in our prayers that, even if we cannot express them, He accepts. This sister affirmed that this comforted her greatly during those difficult times when she no longer knew what to say.
20. What will help us prepare our minds to pray when we are under a lot of stress?
Listening to audio recordings of the Psalms or writing down our feelings, just as King David did, can be helpful. Furthermore, since we are all different, each Christian can find the method that works best for them to mentally prepare to pray when under a lot of stress.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can listen to the audio recordings of the Psalms or write down what we feel, just as King David did.
Psalm 141:2 says: “Let my prayer be before you like prepared incense.” This invites us to think and meditate, and even to make a list of the ideas and matters we want to talk to Jehovah about and how to express them. It would be like preparing incense, just as was done in the temple, so that our prayer would be pleasing to Jehovah.
21. Why can we open our hearts to Jehovah?
We can open our hearts to Jehovah because he understands our feelings even before we express them, and he loves to listen to us. Furthermore, he is a true friend in whom we can fully trust, so he will always be there for us when we share our sorrows and joys with him in prayer.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because, in the end, it is a comfort to know that Jehovah knows us so well that, as the psalmist says, even before we speak our words, He already knows how we feel.
We must open our hearts to Jehovah, find time to meditate on what we are going to say to him, and tell him all our sorrows and joys. Jehovah will be a true friend and a refuge at all times.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
What will help us not to be afraid to pray to Jehovah?
It will help us to see him as a faithful friend who wants what is best for us and to strive to have a close relationship with him, just as the writer of Psalm 119 did. We should also remember that Jehovah wants even those who have committed serious sins to pray to him, so we should not let feelings of shame or guilt stop us from speaking honestly to him about our feelings and problems.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It will help us to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah, so that we may see him as a friend and find it easier to open our hearts. It also comforts us to know that if we have sinned, we should not be afraid or ashamed to turn to Jehovah. Following the example of the pilot, he is like our air traffic controller, whom we can ask for help.
What can we do to make our prayers deeper?
We can reflect on Jehovah's qualities, which helps us to express ourselves more openly.
We can think ahead about what to say to him, reviewing our problems, concerns, and needs, and following Jesus' example by including requests related to Jehovah's name, his Kingdom, and his will.
We can take our time to pray, extending our prayers to tell him in more detail all that we feel and draw closer to him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We can reflect on Jehovah's qualities, think beforehand about what to say to him, and we have also seen the importance of taking time to pray.
How does meditating on the prayers of biblical figures benefit us?
Meditating on the prayers of Jehovah’s servants in Bible times helps us learn how to express ourselves better in our own prayers. We can find helpful expressions for praising Jehovah and discover prayers with which we can identify.
Furthermore, by asking ourselves who said the words, what their circumstances were, whether we are going through similar situations, and what lessons we can learn, we enrich our understanding and strengthen our relationship with Jehovah.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We benefit because we know that they were just like us: they had the same concerns and problems. Knowing that Jehovah resolved their problems and gave them confidence encourages us to do the same. Jehovah may not take away our problems, but he will give us the help to have peace of mind.
As mentioned in the article, they give us ideas on how we can express our own prayers, especially if we identify with a situation similar to that of a character in the Bible.
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