Watchtower Study, “Article 43”, Week of December 29, 2025 to January 4, 2026, Let Us Not Forget to Pray for Others, Answers.

Watchtower Study, “Article 43”, December 29-January 4, 2026, Let Us Not Forget to Pray for Others, Answers.

“Pray for one another [...]. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful” (JAMES 5:16).

1. How do we know that our prayers are important to Jehovah?

This paragraph helps us see how valuable prayer is, because Jehovah, being so powerful and having so many ways to direct things, has reserved for himself the task of listening to us. Although he delegates responsibilities to the angels and places Jesus at the head of his Kingdom, he himself is the one who listens to prayers, as Psalm 65:2 says.

This shows that he does not view our prayers as a mere formality, but as something personal. Jehovah wants us to come to him, to tell him how we feel and what worries us. Knowing that he listens directly to our words gives us confidence and reminds us that we are important to him. That is why prayer is never a waste of time.

2. What good example did the apostle Paul leave us?

Paul left us a precious example because, despite his own burdens and worries, he always found room in his prayers for other brothers and sisters. He told the Ephesians that he kept mentioning them in his prayers, and he also wrote to Timothy that he remembered him day and night.

Paul did not have an easy life. He faced dangers, persecution, and even personal weaknesses, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:23 and 12:7-8. Even so, he did not allow his own problems to completely consume him. Praying for others revealed his love and genuine concern. His example teaches us not to let our struggles prevent us from supporting our brothers and sisters in prayer.

3. Why might we sometimes forget to pray for others?

As Sister Sabrina points out, life becomes so fast-paced that we end up focusing only on our own problems. Between responsibilities, exhaustion, and daily pressure, it's easy to fall into the routine of praying only for our own needs. When that happens, it doesn't mean we're unkind; we're simply overwhelmed.

This paragraph makes us reflect and encourages us to adjust this tendency. By remembering why it is important to pray for others and by receiving practical suggestions, we can rebalance our prayers.

Jehovah wants us to broaden our perspective, to see our brothers and sisters and their struggles. Including them in our prayers helps us to keep love active and to strengthen Christian unity.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?

4, 5. In what sense do the prayers we make for others have “a powerful effect”? (James 5:16).

This paragraph shows us that our prayers can truly influence what others experience, because Jehovah takes our concerns into account.

Jesus prayed specifically for Peter that his faith would not waver, and that prayer had a real effect on strengthening Peter. Something similar happened with Paul when he was under house arrest. He wrote that he hoped to be returned to the brothers “through their prayers,” and so it happened.

Of course, we cannot force Jehovah to act, but he values ​​what we ask for, and when it aligns with his will, he can respond in surprising ways. That is why we pray fervently, trusting that Jehovah will do what is best.

6. What effect does praying for others have on our feelings? (1 Peter 3:8).

Praying for others helps us develop deeper compassion. As 1 Peter 3:8 says, we are encouraged to have tender compassion. When we talk to Jehovah about a brother’s struggles, we become more aware of what he is going through.

Elder Michael commented that this makes him love the brothers and sisters even more, even though they don't know he prays for them. And Richard mentions another beautiful point: when we pray for someone, it makes us more inclined to help them in practice.

It's as if Jehovah uses prayer to move us to action and to be part of the answer. So praying not only benefits our brother or sister, but it also transforms our feelings and strengthens unity in the congregation.

7. Why does praying for others help us see our problems from the right perspective? (Philippians 2:3, 4; see also the pictures.)

Praying for others helps us avoid becoming trapped in our own problems. Philippians 2:3, 4 encourages us to take an interest in others, and when we take their burdens to Jehovah, we remember that we are all struggling in this Satan-dominated world.

One pioneer, Katherine, commented that when she prays for others she realizes that she is not the only one going through difficulties, and that prevents her from focusing too much on herself.

Furthermore, 1 Peter 5:9 emphasizes that the entire brotherhood faces suffering. Praying for them helps us see the bigger picture and helps us have a more balanced heart, less burdened by our own struggles.

ILLUSTRATION

Images of brothers and sisters praying for one another despite their own struggles: 1. A young girl sits on her bed praying; above, circled, is a family in a boat fleeing their home during a flood. 2. The family in the previous image is praying; above, circled, is a brother in prison. 3. The brother in the previous image is praying in his cell; above, circled, is an older sister in the hospital. 4. The older sister in the previous image is praying; above, circled, is the young girl from the first image sitting in class while the other children celebrate a birthday.

Praying for others helps us see our problems from the right perspective. (See paragraph 7.)

WHO NEEDS OUR PRAYERS?

8. Who can we pray for?

This paragraph opens our eyes to the many groups that need our prayers. We can pray for those facing health problems, for young people who suffer pressure and bullying at school, for older siblings, or for those who experience family or government opposition.

We also pray for those who have had to flee their homes due to political instability or natural disasters. Even if we don't know them, when we pray for them, we demonstrate obedience to Jesus' command to love one another.

Our prayers show that the global brotherhood is one family and that we feel their pain. Praying for them strengthens the spiritual bond we share.

 9. Why should we pray for brothers who have responsibilities within Jehovah’s organization and for their wives?

The brothers who carry responsibilities in the organization bear a heavy workload and also personal worries. They, as 2 Corinthians 12:15 says, wear themselves out for us.

One example is Mark, a circuit overseer, who shared how much it pains him to be away from his elderly and ailing parents. We often don't know all the pressures these brothers and sisters face, but Jehovah does, and our prayers can strengthen them.

That is why 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 encourages us to show appreciation for their work, and a very practical way to do this is by praying for them. It is also important to include their wives, who loyally support them and make sacrifices so that they can serve the congregation wholeheartedly.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

We must pray for them because they bear great responsibilities and, at the same time, face personal worries. Many wear themselves out for the sake of the congregation, as 2 Corinthians 12:15 shows.

Although we may not know all their challenges, our prayers sustain them and show our appreciation, just as 1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13 says. Their wives also make valuable sacrifices and deserve to be included in our prayers.

 10, 11. Does Jehovah like prayers that include many brothers?

Yes, Jehovah is very pleased with prayers that encompass entire groups of brothers and sisters. Sometimes we don’t know all the specific needs of those in prison or those who have experienced grief, so we offer what Donald calls an “umbrella prayer.” Jesus also prayed broadly for groups of future disciples. Ephesians 6:18 encourages us to pray for all the holy ones.

Jehovah doesn't expect us to know every detail; he appreciates our love for the whole brotherhood. So, when we include an entire group in our prayers, we are showing a spirit of love and unity, and that is always pleasing to our God.

WHAT SHOULD WE DO WHEN WE PRAY FOR SPECIFIC BROTHERS AND SISTERS?

12. Why does being observant help us to make more specific sentences?

Being observant allows us to notice the real struggles of our brothers and sisters, and that makes our prayers more specific and more heartfelt.

If we see a discouraged young person, a father raising his child alone, or a brother with a chronic illness, we can bring those specific situations to Jehovah.

Ephesians 6:4 reminds us that there are parents who are striving to raise their children in the ways of Jehovah, and Romans 12:15 motivates us to weep with those who weep, which requires attention and sensitivity.

When we observe, we develop greater empathy, and that moves us to pray for details the person may not even mention. In this way, our prayers reflect genuine love.

13. Can we pray for brothers and sisters we don't know?

Yes, we can pray for brothers and sisters we have never met. One practical way to do this is to mention their names, especially for those imprisoned in places like Crimea, Eritrea, Russia, or Singapore. We can find their names and learn their stories at jw.org.

Brian, a circuit overseer, commented that writing down the name of a brother in prison and then saying it aloud helps him remember it better. That makes the prayer more personal and easier to maintain.

Even if we don't know them, Jehovah does, and our prayers can strengthen them. It's a beautiful way to show that Christian brotherhood is worldwide and that we care even for those who are far away from us.

14, 15. What will help us to make more specific sentences?

To make prayers more specific, this paragraph gives us three suggestions: be observant, mention the brothers by name, and think about concrete details of their situation.

For example, when we read about the experiences of imprisoned brothers and sisters, we can imagine what concerns we might have. How are their families? Are they being treated well? Do they have the freedom to worship?

Hebrews 13:3 invites us to remember those in prison as if we were with them, and this helps us to ask for real things: good treatment from the authorities, strength, and that their example may encourage others. These same suggestions apply to any brother or sister. When we pray with details, we demonstrate a deeper and more active love.

LET'S BE BALANCED

16. What should we keep in mind when we pray? (Matthew 6:8).

We must remember that, although our prayers can influence what others experience, Jehovah remains in complete control. We do not pray to inform him of something he is unaware of or to tell him how to act. As Matthew 6:8 says, “he knows what we need even before we ask him.”

So why do we pray for others? Because that is what genuine love does. Praying for our brothers and sisters shows concern, affection, and unity. Jehovah is pleased to see that spirit because it reflects his own love.

Although we don't always see immediate change, our prayers don't go unnoticed. He values ​​the love we show so much that, sometimes, He decides to act in response to those requests.

ADDITIONAL COMMENT

We must remember that Jehovah already knows every situation and doesn't need us to tell him what to do. As Matthew 6:8 says, “He knows what we need before we ask for it.” Even so, we pray for others because we love them, and Jehovah is pleased to see that love. Although we don't always see immediate results, our prayers never go unnoticed.

17, 18. Explain with an example why we know that our prayers do not go unnoticed by Jehovah.

The example of the sick child is very clear. Although the father already knows how to care for his son and is managing the situation, he is touched when his daughter begs him to help her little brother. That plea doesn't change what he was already doing, but it does show the girl's love.

Likewise, Jehovah always knows what his servants need and is already taking care of them. But when we pray for our brothers and sisters, he rejoices to see that we love them.

Hebrews 6:10 and 2 Thessalonians 1:3 show that he notices that kind of love. Even if we do not see immediate changes, Jehovah registers our concern and sometimes decides to intervene because of those loving prayers.

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

In what sense do our prayers have “a powerful effect”?

They have a powerful effect because Jehovah listens to them and, when it coincides with his will, he can act in behalf of the person for whom we pray, just as he did with Peter and Paul.

Why should we pray for groups of brothers and sisters?

Because we do not always know the specific needs of each person, and yet Jehovah appreciates it when we pray for everyone, showing love to the whole brotherhood.

What can we do when we pray for specific brothers and sisters?

We can be observant, mention names, and make specific requests related to their actual situation, demonstrating empathy and genuine love.