by kj 13 Replies latest watchtower beliefs
Something strange happened with my JW mom today. Even though we have different beliefs (she being a JW, and me being a member of "Babylon the Great", we always pray before meals. Today she began her prayer with, "Our God and Heavenly Father..." and did not say Jehovah. Don't JWs pretty much not consider it a real prayer unless they address Him as Jehovah? I was just curious, so I thought I would ask the experts- what are your comments?
kj
You are most correct! Wow!
Obviously your mom cares about you and your feelings. Outstanding!
It is exciting to see these concessions is it not? I am happy for you, and proud of your Mother.
I'm not sure I've seen a lot of dubbies here just say "heavenly father" or some such.
They don't always begin with Jehovah. Sometimes they do just as your mom did. Most of the time they do mention Jehovah though.
Heather
Wouldn't addressing God as Heavenly Father mean she was a child/son of God, thereby being an heir with Christ, have Christ as her mediator meaning "IN" the new covenant, therefore one eligible for a heavenly hope, as one of the 144,000, and entitled to partake of the emblems, which would also make her one of the annointed?
just curious
will
kj, that sounds really wonderful! I hope that this signals a shift in her understanding of how she is relating to God--as Father, and not "Jehoover". Please let us know if you notice any other odd changes like that!
btw, I have been truly negligent in letting you know that I truly appreciated some really kind comments you made to me a long while back. I appreciate how kindly you wrote. Thanks so much!!!!!!!
bebu
ps, looks like you've broken the "newbie" barrier! Congrats!
bebu
What's odd is that she'd share in a prayer with you.
In their view, JW's are the only true Christians, so by definition you can't be part of a valid prayer to God - hence her prayer is invalid and unheard by God.
I seem to recall an article about if a non-JW father wanted to pray on behalf of his family. The JW's could accept his words out of respect of his 'headship', but would need to say their own (silent) prayer too. Since you aint your mom's head, that dosn't apply to her.
There's no 'rule' about using the name in a prayer, it's general practice and a fairly natural thing to do but not a religious nessesity.
Max
Thanks to everyone for your responses (and Bebu for the congratulations ). I just thought it was strange, because she always uses the name Jehovah when we pray before meals. I sometimes use it too, out of respect for her, even though I know it is not necessary. I'm hoping it is a good thing, that maybe she is opening her mind.
Max, yes I thought about that too. I know that technically, she's not even supposed to share in prayer with her "unbelieving" relatives, but she does all the time. So I thought about that, that maybe she's been reminded of that fact recently and that is her way of "invalidating" the prayer. But she volunteered to say grace. I could just be reading too much into it. My hubby said to wait to see if she does it again and just ask her about it.
Thanks again everybody.
kj
I think it is strange.. I thought his name was to always be addressed and glorified when beginning a prayer..
