Is it wrong to pray to die?

Question:

I am a member of the Lord's church, and I would like to know if it is wrong to pray to die. I have had a couple of incurable health problems for years, and I just can't take it anymore. It has robbed me of any chance at a good life here, and I'm ready for the next life.

Thank you for your time.

Answer:

There are several cases of men in the Bible praying for an end to their lives.

  • Moses - Numbers 11:15
  • Job - Job 3:1-26; 10:18
  • Elijah - I Kings 19:4
  • Jonah - Jonah 4:3,8
  • Jeremiah - Jeremiah 20:14-18
  • The wicked - Revelation 9:6

What is interesting is that not one of these examples was granted their request. There were things that God wanted them to accomplish before their deaths. So while life can get very difficult, we need to remember that God is in control and that if God can use us, then we should accept our task. "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong" (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

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