I have known several people in my lifetime who have wished “to die” and prayed for death. Mainly in nursing homes, which was my entire career. My patients who were sick, riddled with excruciating pain were the ones most likely wishing for death.

Some screaming for it. And I’ve been in witness of others outside of the nursing home who have wished for death – and not from being ill, but from being lonely, bored, or depressed. All very sad – but not fatal in their physical sense – but spiritual sense.

Which brings me to what many Christians have asked – Is it a sin to pray to God for death?  Well -God has chosen to leave you here on this planet in order to accomplish something for Him. The scriptures remind us that God has determined the length of our days. –Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”  James 4:15 (NKJV)

We must recognize that it is His will and not ours when we die. We must be willing to submit to His plan for how long we live on this earth. God uses the difficult events of life to grow us and mature us spiritually. He uses these events in our lives to motivate us to seek Him with all our hearts.

When we know Jesus, we can readily accept the joy that comes from being in an intimate relationship with Him, and all that entails. Hearing His voice, listening with ears perked at all times, and steadfastly staying in His Word and adhering to it day and night, all the days of our lives. And when it’s over, it’s His call not ours.

With Jesus as your Lord, peace and joy will most definitely come to fruition -as you spend time in prayer and the scriptures, and dwell on Him. The following two examples are perfect verses to meditate and dwell upon as we seek His face wishing to grow closer still to Him.

I have inherited Your testimonies forever, for they are the joy of my heart-
Psalms 119:111 (NASB)

Those who love Your law have great peace- Psalms 119:165 (NASB)

As faithful Christians- we serve a Holy pure and loving God- who works all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). I would encourage you to ask God to reveal His will and purpose for you over the remaining days of your life, and readily accept His will, His timing, and His control in all areas of life, including when the time is to be called home.

God our mighty Father has a plan and purpose for your life. He has brought you here on this planet in order to accomplish things for Him. Scripture always reminds us that the LORD has determined the length of our days. And until that time and length has expired – it won’t happen until it happens by God’s hands alone.

I therefore leave you to answer the question yourself after praying and spending time with the LORD – Is it a sin to pray for death? After reading scripture and asking for wisdom I think you will find your answers – Amen.

“Father, I pray for those who are in the grips of depression, grief, loneliness, and longing for death, may they be touched in spirit and heart by Your hands of mercy and grace, may they come ‘alive’ in the Presence of Your Spirit and willingly submit to Your will and purpose for their lives, and may they survive in a mode of optimism knowing if they believe, they shall live forever, all to all things there is a purpose, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”