18. Give some appropriate expressions for prayers to Jehovah.

¹⁸ What are some of the expressions a true worshiper might make in his one-way communication with Jehovah? First, he might express words of devotion in which his heart pours out responses of love to God. (Ps. 18:1, 2) Then, there might be words of praise uttered for the many manifestations of God’s greatness and works of mercy. (Acts 4:24-30) The one praying might desire to speak words of appreciation for the many opportunities and privileges of service that have come one’s way. (2 Sam. 7:27) Expressions of gratitude are always proper in giving thanks to Jehovah for the flow of goodnesses and gifts that have been received. (Col. 1:3) Since all of us are imperfect and continually make mistakes, it would always seem proper to request God’s pardon. (Luke 11:4) Such request indicates one’s repentant attitude to merit God’s mercy further. (Luke 18:11-13) Words of concern as to the welfare of our brothers and requests for blessing upon their performance of Kingdom service are always fitting to communicate. (1 Thess. 5:25) Finally, verbal petitions might be presented for right things needed.—Ps. 33:18, 19; Prov. 30:7-9; Matt. 6:11.

POSTURES

19. What is the situation as to postures when praying?

¹⁹ Along with the communicating of these various expressions, are there any prescribed postures necessary for prayer? Generally some posture of concentration is necessary. There are Bible examples and modern examples of Jehovah’s people presenting their prayers when bowing, or with raised eyes or when kneeling. (Neh. 8:6; John 11:41; Luke 22:41; Dan. 6:10) Whatever posture is taken, it should be one that will enable an individual to dismiss all distracting thoughts. Why? Because the thoughts to be expressed should be offered sincerely, effectively and in the spirit of love for God. The well-thought-out words should be in harmony with God’s holy spirit, since God’s spirit cannot act contrary to Jehovah’s will. Furthermore, the messages conveyed should be in accordance with Bible truth. In offering proper prayer one always appreciates that “God is a Spirit, and those worshiping him must worship with spirit and truth.”—John 4:24.

USE OF AMEN

20, 21. (a) Why the use of “amen” in prayer? (b) What can be said about Jehovah’s witnesses as to prayer?

²⁰ One’s prayer should have a proper and fitting conclusion. The Christian not only concludes by mentioning the name of Jesus but also ends the prayer with an “amen.” Amen is a Hebrew word that essentially means “surely.” Amen indicates certainty, so be it. By using the “amen” one confirms that all the expressions made in the prayer were done so with sincerity. In congregational prayers those who hear the prayer might also wish audibly to express an “amen.”—1 Cor. 14:16.

²¹ Jehovah’s witnesses are a praying people today. They know their need of prayer. They know how to pray and they get results. Jehovah’s witnesses are associated actively with Jehovah’s “house of prayer.” The next article will consider some of their remarkable experiences in the field of prayer today.

The Truth Purifies

● A woman in Olinda, Brazil, who had been reared a Catholic turned to spiritism when she married. She smoked and gambled. Once, when tipped off by the demons, she won. Then she attended the Baptist and other Protestant churches, but did not join them because she thought that salvation by the mere raising of the hand was too easy. One day she was visited by Jehovah’s witnesses. She began to study the Bible with them and to attend the meetings at the Kingdom Hall but continued to smoke and to gamble. On one occasion, her daughter said to her: “Mother, why don’t you give up that religion? You do not stop smoking and gambling; you are only fooling yourself.” She came to her senses and, praying earnestly for Jehovah’s help, she decided never to smoke or gamble again. So she made her dedication to Jehovah and is now an active publisher of the good news of the Kingdom.