Is it wrong to pray for death?

[Jeremy1979]

Is there any scripture that tells you not to? I find myself praying to go home often. I know that John 12:25 says, "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." I pray for Jesus to return daily! The world just doesn't feel the same anymore. I can't seem to find any happiness in it and all I want to do is go home. I feel that we are very close to the end of times, but I wish it would start right now Haha!

 

[NvxiaLee]

Look at the story of Job, even when what had was taken, and he was plunged into misery, he refused to do anything like pray for death. The Apostles faced extreme misery and hardship because of Jewish persecution, yet they didn't pray for death. I'm afraid a frame of mind where you wish for death only allows your suffering to get the best of you. You're only here for a little while and then you'll receive your reward.

We're not close to the end times. The "end times" were 2000 years ago. You will finish your course and then you will die.

 

[Jeremy1979]

It happened 2,000 years ago? I'm confused

 

[GrannieAnnie]

Well, rightly or wrongly, I've certainly prayed for death. I've suffered from severe depression for many years and during my darkest times I've begged God to take me, because I couldn't stand the insanity and horror of what was going on in my brain any longer. Instead He delivered me, and I'm now well managed by medication and I'm happy to be alive, but I still look forward to being with the Lord one day.

 

[kimmyh51]

Have you tried instead praying for a solution to the feelings, and situation that is making you want to pray for death?

Have you considered that maybe the enemy is putting negative thoughts into your head?

I guess a true believeer is always going to feel that death is good (death is gain) as it means the start of eternity in paradise.

But what about the lost? what about all the people out there who currently do not have a place in heaven? Consider the fact that if you go to heaven now, there could be people out there who would have been saved as a result of a seed you may have sown. If you go to heaven now that seed will not get sown by you, and that may mean that person is lost forever.
Even if it is just one person, isnt that one person worth staying here for a bit, and asking god to use you to save them?

 

[OzSpen]

Is there any scripture that tells you not to? I find myself praying to go home often. I know that John 12:25 says, "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." I pray for Jesus to return daily! The world just doesn't feel the same anymore. I can't seem to find any happiness in it and all I want to do is go home. I feel that we are very close to the end of times, but I wish it would start right now Haha!

Jeremy,

I'm concerned about your statement. I have just retired as a long term general and family counsellor. When people make your kind of statement, I need to ask the logical question: Are you contemplating suicide? If you are, would you please send me a private message and we can discuss in private.

If you are not contemplating suicide, we need to discuss your thoughts that are leading to your feelings. Are those thoughts godly? I'm particularly thinking of Philippians 4:8,

Finally, brothers [and sisters] whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise THINK ABOUT THESE THINGS (ESV).

In Christ, Oz

 

[Jeremy1979]

My kids keep me from suicide, but yes I have thought of that often. I can't leave my children behind without a father however, and my wife and kids would not get my life insurance if I did, so that's not an option. The world as I see it is never going to get better. This is a fact not an opinion. I just pray that it will happen sooner than later because I'm ready to go! I feel that the "birthing pains" are quite present just as the days before the flood. I pray to be delivered from this sinful world that we have to trudge through on a daily basis. It's so bad now, that people don't even realize what's good and bad anymore. I try to stay uplifted in the Spirit, but it's like being a dog out in the rain. I just want to come inside....

 

[OzSpen]

My kids keep me from suicide, but yes I have thought of that often. I can't leave my children behind without a father however, and my wife and kids would not get my life insurance if I did, so that's not an option. The world as I see it is never going to get better. This is a fact not an opinion. I just pray that it will happen sooner than later because I'm ready to go! I feel that the "birthing pains" are quite present just as the days before the flood. I pray to be delivered from this sinful world that we have to trudge through on a daily basis. It's so bad now, that people don't even realize what's good and bad anymore. I try to stay uplifted in the Spirit, but it's like being a dog out in the rain. I just want to come inside....

Jeremy,

Thanks so much for confirming that you are not presently contemplating suicide. However, I'm not sure your reasons for not thinking of suicide are God-centred. What would God want you to do? Aren't life and death in God's hands?

As for this world, it is going to get much worse than what we are seeing. However, please read the last 2 chapters of the Bible in the Book of Revelation and always remember that if you are a born-again believer, you are on the Victor's side. The final conclusion of world history will be the victorious Jesus Christ. Are you serving Him wholeheartedly? If you are in Christ, you are on the winning side - no matter how bleak the present situation.

I note that you live in the USA. If you were in Burkina Faso, the Congo, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Libya, Uganda, Zimbabwe or Cambodia right now, you would know that things are far worse than what you and I are experiencing.

Look up! Victory is assured in Jesus.

Sincerely in Christ, Oz

 

[Jeremy1979]

Jeremy,

Thanks so much for confirming that you are not presently contemplating suicide. However, I'm not sure your reasons for not thinking of suicide are God-centred. What would God want you to do? Aren't life and death in God's hands?

As for this world, it is going to get much worse than what we are seeing. However, please read the last 2 chapters of the Bible in the Book of Revelation and always remember that if you are a born-again believer, you are on the Victor's side. The final conclusion of world history will be the victorious Jesus Christ. Are you serving Him wholeheartedly? If you are in Christ, you are on the winning side - no matter how bleak the present situation.

I note that you live in the USA. If you were in Burkina Faso, the Congo, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Libya, Uganda, Zimbabwe or Cambodia right now, you would know that things are far worse than what you and I are experiencing.

Look up! Victory is assured in Jesus.

Sincerely in Christ, Oz

Thank you so much for your thoughts Oz!

Yes, I have been in the US Navy for 14 years and have seen much of the world. There are places that are much worse off than where I am however, the United States is crumbling beneath our feet. I currently praise and talk with Jesus 24 hours a day, so he knows my requests. I know that one person praying for His return day in and day out is not going to speed up the hour that the Father has already pre-determined, but I still feel as if I need to make my requests known to Him. Perhaps kimmyh51 is correct in the fact that I should be praying for a solution rather than a direct request.

I have began a close journey with Him recently and have been filled with the Holy Spirit once again. This closeness makes me feel as if He is preparing me for something, but I'm not sure what yet. I'm about to go on vacation this weekend to see family and friends that I haven't seen in 5 or more years. Perhaps this is where I will find my answer......

 

[Pete_Martinez]

I know that your question has been answered but I wanted to add this.

2Co 1:8 For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
2Co 1:9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:

It is not unnatural to despair especially when you feel you are being crushed beyond your capacity. Sometimes God allows to be afflicted so we can be a comfort to others who are also suffering. Read the first part of the book of 2 Corinthians, it's really interesting.

 

[leytonstones]

I think it is more important to pray for God's will in your life.

Blessings

Ley

 

[miamited]

Hi Jeremy,

One thing that we always need remind ourselves of is that God knows our heart. When we become His child He cares for us as any loving Father would care for their child, and by loving Father I mean the very best example of 'loving Father' beyond what we can honestly really imagine when using earthly comparisons. He cares deeply about our stuggles and torments, pains and sufferings.

But He has given us instruction that we shouldn't let such things torment us for long periods. Yes, there have been times in my life that something comes crashing in that I sure didn't expect or didn't want to happen in my life and for a short time I have questioned God's motives and in some very rare occasions, while I can't honestly say I have prayed for death I have told God that I can't wait to be with Him in His immediate care as we see in the final chapter of the great Revelation.

Here's what I might pray in just such a time and maybe it will give you some direction in your prayer life:

Father, I love you and I know that you love me. I love your Son, your Spirit and your word and you know my heart Father and you know that I do. I love you. I wait expectantly for the day when my faith will become sight. When the Son, who died for me, I will see. Father I thank you for all the blessings that you have poured out on me and all that I am yet to receive by your good hand. I love you Father. Lord Jesus I thank you for all the suffering that you endured for me. When I consider the days of your torment and suffering I know that mine are so small in comparison. I love you, Lord Jesus.

Father, I thank you for the testimony of your Son and your word that you have not left us without evidence and a foundation for our hope. Praise your Holy Name, Oh God. I give honor and glory and praise unto you! Father I come to you now with a heart heavy with worry and fear. Help me to overcome. I want to receive the comfort that Jesus has told us is available for me as your child. Give me a heart of gladness and joy. By your Spirit bring to remembrance all the great blessings that I receive each day and give me a heart of joy and gladness for not only these things, but for the greatest of these - I am a child of the King of Glory, the Creator of all things, the God who sees me and loves me as His own. Let me rejoice always in that hope. When the times of trouble assail me, Oh God, let me rejoice in my heart that these things are fleeting and these things will pass, for your promise is that I will one day be with you! I will one day be lifted up just as you have lifted up your Son. Oh God of me take away from my heart and mind these worries and troublesome thoughts. Give me the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Let me stand up and shout to all who will hear, "I love God!" Help me to understand in these trials and troubles that this is your plan for cleansing from my spirit the wickedness of depending on myself and my own resources. That it is in suffering that I should draw closer to you and desire to be filled with your Spirit to encourage and teach me all that I am to learn through these trials. Praise the Lord!! Oh my soul, Praise the Lord!! Take from me thoughts of despair and give me a heart of praise that I will one day receive the promises of my Father, my God, my Redeemer. Praise the Lord!!!

Father use me to build your kingdom. Give me a strong heart that will reach out to those who are lost and dying all around me. Father take my life from me that it may be used for your glory here, now, today in this life for the work of telling others of this same great joy and peace and strength that is also available to them by trusting and loving you. Help me to dwell on these thoughts. Help me to be mindful every day that the field is ripe unto the harvest and souls all about me are in need of the very comfort that I receive from you and give me, Oh God, the courage to take my life and use it for your glory and praise. I love you, Father. Hear my cry!

Thank you Father for your Son, your Spirit and your word and may your praise be always on my lips. Help me Father to be one who loves you with all my heart, all my mind, all my strength. Father, it is through the powerful name of your one and only Son that I beseech these things of you. Amen.

 

[miamited]

Hi again Jeremy,

I hope that you pray a similar prayer and that you will continue daily to pray such a prayer. God wants that you carry your burdens to Him. He wants you to depend on Him for everything. He wants you to understand that it is by His hand that He cares for all of His children.

The world runs amok in it's own glory and power. The world believes that it is self-sustaining by its own wisdom and might. One day our God will dispell that myth, but for today all things are allowed to run their course so that many might hear the truth and be saved. Remember this. If you are one of His children, then He wants to use you. He has a plan for you.

Paul instructs us to be joyful always. I find that that is most easily done when I take my eyes off of my struggles and trials and turn them to Him who loves me.

God bless you and I hope to hear from you again soon.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Hupomone10]

Is there any scripture that tells you not to? I find myself praying to go home often. I know that John 12:25 says, "He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal." I pray for Jesus to return daily! The world just doesn't feel the same anymore. I can't seem to find any happiness in it and all I want to do is go home. I feel that we are very close to the end of times, but I wish it would start right now Haha!

Here's one you might consider:

Come, Lord Jesus.

It's definitely scriptural and gets the same point across.
My wife and I individually pray and feel this way often, watching the world go the direction it is going.

If there's a particular issue that's bothering you and causing you to feel this way, one you wish to discuss, feel free to PM me.

Blessings,
H.

 

[Jeremy1979]

Thank you Ted for the time and dedication you put forth in your response

I would like for everyone who reads through this thread to know that I am in fact thankful. I'm not necessarily depressed however, it seems to go in a rollercoaster type of emotional ride. I'm only 32, so I don't think I'm going through a mid-life crisis (that thought has crossed my mind as a possibility). This is the way I see it as of right now:

When I was younger, I had fun in my life. It didn't matter what was going on good or bad, I always found a way to be happy. That's the type of person that I normally am. I was the guy that would cheer everyone up and people would shake their head at me and ask me how I could be so care free in certain situations. I'm not only talking about when I was still living at home with no responsabilities (everyone is happy then!), I'm also talking about in my 20's raising a family on a single income and barely scraping by. I was still able to keep that care free attitude and press on. I don't feel like that anymore. I feel like that person has died. The funniest part is that I walk with Jesus more frequently than I have ever before! Hmmmm, perhaps that is the answer in fact. Maybe Satan is throwing everything he has at me because I have recently dropped certain sins that I used to engage in and now I've angered him. I may be onto something here....


As far as my prayers, I always start off in prayer by thanking Him for taking care of me and my family as He always does. I ALWAYS pray for my wife and my children before myself. The whole reason I work is for them, not for me. I could live off of about 40 dollars a week most likely. I require very little and always put myself last. Another idea I just had is Satan is probably preying on my low self esteem as well. That's kind of funny too because I am in good physical shape and from outwardly appearances would be laughed at for having low self esteem (which is exactly what my wife does!) In prayer I also ask for strength in the Spirit to move through these feelings of despair, but I immediately follow that request with asking to come home. I hate to say it, but I would honestly feel a great sense of relief if I found out tomorrow that I was terminally ill with cancer or some other disease. I would truly be thankful and I would feel like a giant weight was lifted off my shoulders. They say that for every year you do in the military, it takes 4 years off your life. Maybe there's some truth to that? I feel like an old man who has run his course. Not depressed or suicidal, just weary and done....


"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)

 

[Skala]

Jeremy,

Perhaps you need to shift your focus onto the here and now. If God had no purpose for us on earth after He saved us, He would snatch us away immediately. But obviously he leaves us here after He saves us. That means he has a reason for doing so.

There's things to be done:

We are to bear fruit, which glorify God, and cause others to see our good works and glorify God.

We are to serve our fellow man, and local church.

We are to go into the world and preach the gospel.

We have kids to raise in godliness.

We have people to pray for.

So you see, there is lots of work to be done for Christians. That's why God leaves us here. It is what God has ordained and designed for us to do. To "skip out" on this stuff is not beneficial to us, but in fact you are robbing yourself of the joy of serving God and advancing His kingdom.

That's what I mean about shifting your focus to the here and now. Your joy is aimed at the wrong thing. Instead, aim your joy at obeying God and doing what He has told us to do.

 

[miamited]

Hi Jeremy,

Yes, there is always our struggle against sin and the dark forces and principalities of this world that can weigh on our joy. Perhaps you are maturing and feeling more of the burden of responsibility of what a godly man is. Raising a family as God instructs us to can be a very daunting task in today's world. There are certainly times in my life as I follow Christ and strive to live the life that God has patterned for me in the Scriptures that I feel so overwhelmed and unable to persevere. I don't want to fight this fight any longer and I want to go home. Most of that comes from the hope of receiving what God has promised those who are faithful.

When the bills become overwhelming - I know that life with my Father won't have such concerns. When I witness sin and wickedness just running rampant in the world - I know that life with my Father won't have any such problems. I just know that the life God holds out for those who are faithful and persevere is so much better than what we have here and I'm ready to go right now!!! But, I also know that God has numbered my days and, as others have written, that there is work for me to do here to glorify God that others may also receive the promise of His eternal life and, just as Paul did, I resign myself that God knows best and He will take me home when the time is right for Him.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Jeremy1979]

Well, I have been trying to keep my heart and ears open recently to receive God's word. I know the way that I feel a lot of times is not what God wants. In fact, I believe it angers Him when I worry about things or feel like I'm done working before He calls me home. I recently was shown an example of this with my dog, I'll explain.

My dog has a fear of going up the stairs to our bedroom for some strange reason. Nothing ever happened on those stairs, but he just refuses to go up them, yet he will sit at the bottom of the stairs and whine and cry because he wants to come up with us when we go to bed. Every night I would stand at the top of the stairs so he could see me and call for him to come up. He would take a step or two, and then go back down every time. I would have to eventually go all the way downstairs and get behind him to give him a push to get him to go. Once he got that push, he went upstairs everytime with no problem. Night after night we went through this routine and it got to the point where it began to anger me. I would yell at him, "Come on! Nothing is going to happen to you! I'm right here!"
BINGO!

I'm not sure if anybody watches Joyce Meyer or not, but I absolutely LOVE her! There are numerous times where her topic spoke directly to me, and that is what happened this morning! I took my dog for a walk this morning and meditated on the Lord and these feelings that I've been having recently. There is a special place in a wooded area that I stop often and just talk to Him for awhile in private surrounded only by the wildlife. When I got home I felt a little better and laid down to go to sleep. I turned the channel to see that Joyce Meyer was on and threw the remote down knowing there was no need to look any further! One of the very first things she said as she began her sermon for this particular half hour was, "God wants us to enjoy our lives!". I began to tear up immediately! That spoke directly to me once again! Then she quoted John 10:10 which I'm not sure I've ever heard before?
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10) The whole message was about how Satan does everything he can to make you miserable, tired, untrusting of God, and to make your life as difficult as possible! It was about how God has anointed us with joy and nobody has the power to take that away.
"You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” (Hebrews 1:9)

Nothing can compare to the joy that we will have in heaven when we meet our Maker however, evidently it is written in scripture that I am to enjoy my life regardless of the wickedness that surrounds me. I pray that I can keep this frame of mind as my focus as I walk in the Spirit.

 

[miamited]

Hey Jeremy,

Yes, I think that's a great anology of our lives as seen by God. Especially when we are new babes in the faith. There is so much that we read of in God's word and think, "I just can't do that!", but we find that as we persevere, the 'I can't do that' moments become less and less and our joy becomes greater and greater as we begin to really hold to the security of His strength and promises to us.

He is a great and loving God and I stand in awe of all that He has done just because He loves me. That He called Abram so that His words and promises could be delivered to me; that He sent Jesus just so I might truly know the hope of those promises. God is so good and I love Him so much. I hope that as you persevere you, too, will grow to know and love Him more and more each passing day, month, year until we have persevered unto death and received the hope of our salvation.

God bless you.
In Christ, Ted

 

[Basil the Great]

The only way that I can see praying for death, is if a person is in extreme physical pain that drugs cannot control. In such a situation, I am sure that I would pray for death. However, I cannot conceive of any other situation that might warrant such a prayer.