Prayer—"Throw All Your Anxiety on Him"

This article serves as a Catholic response to the Jehovah’s witnesses’ article titled “Prayer—‘Throw All Your Anxiety on Him’” found here. It aims to engage in a respectful dialogue by presenting a Catholic viewpoint on the topics discussed, using Scripture.

Conversation 1: The Nature of Prayer

JW: The article says, “Jehovah God invites us to talk to him about any burden… No problem is too big or too small to pray about.” (Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7)

Catholic: Indeed, prayer is a profound way to communicate with God. In Catholicism, we also believe in the power of prayer. However, we view it as a communion with the Holy Trinity - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Matthew 6:9-13 teaches us the ‘Our Father’, showing prayer as a relationship with God as our Father.

JW: But isn’t focusing on the Trinity overcomplicating the simple act of prayer?

Catholic: On the contrary, it enriches it. John 14:13-14 shows Jesus Himself promising that anything asked in His name will be granted. This shows the interconnectedness of the Trinity in our prayer life.

Conversation 2: God’s Understanding and Care

JW: The article mentions that Jehovah understands our pain and struggles (2 Chronicles 6:29, 30).

Catholic: That’s a comforting thought. Catholicism shares this belief, but also emphasizes Jesus Christ’s role in understanding our human struggles. Hebrews 4:15 states that we have a high priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses.

JW: How does that relate to Jehovah’s understanding?

Catholic: It’s about the incarnation of Jesus. God not only understands from a distance but also experienced human suffering and temptation firsthand through Jesus. This deepens our understanding of God’s empathy towards us.

Conversation 3: The Role of the Bible in Coping with Anxiety

JW: Julian’s story in the article shows how the Bible helped him cope with anxiety.

Catholic: It’s wonderful to hear how Scripture brings comfort. Catholics also turn to the Bible for solace. Philippians 4:6-7 advises us not to be anxious but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let our requests be made known to God.

JW: But how do you view these verses differently as a Catholic?

Catholic: We believe that the Bible is part of a larger tradition, including the teachings of the Church. It’s not just the text but its interpretation through the Church’s teachings that guide us.

In conclusion, while Jehovah’s witnesses and Catholics share some common beliefs regarding prayer and the comfort it can provide, there are key differences in understanding, especially concerning the nature of God and the role of Jesus Christ. Catholic teachings emphasize the Trinity’s role in our spiritual lives and the importance of the Church’s tradition in interpreting Scripture.

Review Section

• Prayer as communion with the Holy Trinity: Matthew 6:9-13, John 14:13-14
• God’s empathy through Jesus: Hebrews 4:15
• Coping with anxiety through prayer and Church teachings: Philippians 4:6-7