Revelation 22:20-21
(20) “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’” “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”
(21) May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones. (New World Translation)
The boldface below is mine.
Sometimes the Jehovah's Witness refer to Revelation 22:20-21 as a prayer (singular) while other times the Jehovah's Witnesses affirm they are prayers (plural). Either way what is recorded in these two passages teach the Lord Jesus is the proper recipient of prayer. This proves He is God.
Notice throughout different time periods the Jehovah's Witnesses affirmed what took place is a vision so it wouldn't constitute a prayer. Yet, later on they once again teach it was a prayer. This truth is so powerful that I believe they are unable to resist what is so obvious. That is, Revelation 22:20-21 teaches the Lord Jesus is the proper recipient of prayer.
1943 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: Where should prayer be presented, and how? These and many other questions can be answered satisfactorily by looking at the Record which has the approbation and imprimatur of Jehovah God and his High Priest, Christ Jesus. That very Record closes with prayers written so they can be read by all: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."—Rev. 22:20, 21.
(Prayer And The New World, Vol. 64, No. 23, December 1, 1943, page 361)
1967 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: John replies to Jesus’ warning of the quickness of his coming: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” John was one beloved of Jesus Christ and he earnestly looked for his coming. If we love him and the things that he stands for we will certainly be eager for his return and the destruction of those things that are against him and will pray, with the apostle John, "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus." In saying this "Amen!" it means that we are fully in harmony and agreement with it and are carrying out those things that the Revelation transmitted to John. This we must do until he comes...We must remember that John was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, filled with his spirit and a member of the governing body of the Christian congregation. Therefore, the prayer that he makes is sure of fulfillment. (Jas. 5:16-18) It is in behalf of, not only the remnant of the 144,000 “holy ones,” but certainly also the “great crowd” of temple servants who have earthly hopes and who are associated with the remnant of “holy ones,” that the apostle John continued in prayer in the closing words of the prophetic scroll: “May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the holy ones.”—Rev. 22:21.
(An Invitation Is Extended to You, December 1, 1967, page 732)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1967884
1971 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
Aid to Bible Understanding: The entire book of Psalms consists of prayers and songs of praise to God, its contents illustrating what prayer should be. Among many other notable prayers are those by: Jacob (Gen. 32:9-12), Moses (Deut. 9:25-29), Job (Job 1:21), Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1-10), David (2 Sam. 7:18-29; 1 Chron. 29:10-19), Solomon (1 Ki. 3:6-9; 8:22-61), Asa (2 Chron. 14:11), Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:5-12), Elijah (1 Ki. 18:36, 37), Jonah (Jonah 2:1-9), Hezekiah (2 Ki. 19:15-19), Jeremiah (Jer. 20:7-12; the book of Lamentations), Daniel (Dan. 9:3-21), Ezra (Ezra 9:6-15), Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4-11), certain Levites (Neh. 9:5-38), Habakkuk (Hab. 3:1-19), Jesus (John 17:1-26; Mark 14:36), and his disciples. (Acts 4:24-30) The Bible, as presently arranged, ends with a prayer.—Rev. 22:20, 21; see ATTITUDES AND GESTURES (Prayer and Homage); INCENSE. (Prayer, January 1, 1971, page 1331)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200013463
Before moving on the next chronological year notice the boldface from above was scrubbed in 1988. In addition to this, see "1988" below.
Insight on the Scriptures: The entire book of Psalms consists of prayers and songs of praise to God, its contents illustrating what prayer should be. Among many notable prayers are those by Jacob (Ge 32:9-12), Moses (De 9:25-29), Job (Job 1:21), Hannah (1Sa 2:1-10), David (2Sa 7:18-29; 1Ch 29:10-19), Solomon (1Ki 3:6-9; 8:22-61), Asa (2Ch 14:11), Jehoshaphat (2Ch 20:5-12), Elijah (1Ki 18:36, 37), Jonah (Jon 2:1-9), Hezekiah (2Ki 19:15-19), Jeremiah (Jer 20:7-12; the book of Lamentations), Daniel (Da 9:3-21), Ezra (Ezr 9:6-15), Nehemiah (Ne 1:4-11), certain Levites (Ne 9:5-38), Habakkuk (Hab 3:1-19), Jesus (Joh 17:1-26; Mr 14:36), and Jesus’ disciples (Ac 4:24-30).—See ATTITUDES AND GESTURES; INCENSE (Significance).
(Prayer, volume 2, January 1, 1988, page 671)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003543
1972 - A vision (not a prayer to Jesus).
Awake!: Thus Stephen was not directing a prayerful expression to Jesus in the way he usually prayed to Jehovah God. He was making a request to one whom he beheld in vision. That this is the correct conclusion can be seen from the fact that the only other instance in which such an expression is directed to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is in a situation of a similar nature. The apostle John, in the book of Revelation, tells of seeing Jesus in vision and hearing him say: “I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you people of these things for the congregations.” Jesus further added: “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” Because of having heard Jesus say these words, John responded: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”—Rev. 22:16, 20.
(Is It Proper to Pray to Others Aside from God?, August 22, 1972, page 28)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101972610
1973 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached: About twenty-six years after that horrible event shocked the Jewish religious world, the apostle John had his prison term on the Isle of Patmos brightened by receiving the divine Revelation, in which he pointed to the future and said: “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him.” And John closed the Revelation account with the prayer: “‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.’ May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the holy ones.” (Revelation 1:7; 22:20, 21) That fervent prayer for the Lord’s coming was not actually answered before more than eighteen centuries had passed.
(Increasing the King's Belongings, January 1, 1973, page 228)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101973022
1980 - A prayer and a vision. (See the very bottom of this post for more information).
The Watchtower: The Bible also provides examples, in effect, indirect commands for us to pray. From Genesis to Revelation, the inspired record abounds with examples of men of prayer. We read of Abraham’s praying to Jehovah. (Gen. 12:8) From the time of his baptism in the Jordan to his hanging on the execution stake, Jesus Christ time and again prayed to his Father. (Luke 3:21; 23:46) The apostle Paul mentions the subject of prayer literally dozens of times in his letters. Repeatedly he tells of praying for others, gives encouragement to pray, or asks others to pray for him. (Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 6:18, 19) The book of Revelation, written by the apostle John, closes with two prayers.—Rev. 22:20, 21...However, some persons wonder: ‘May we not also ask things directly of Jesus himself? Did not the disciple Stephen in prayer directly address Jesus, and did not the apostle John do likewise?’ True, Stephen, just before he expired, said: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59) And the apostle John did pray: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."—Rev. 22:20
However, we do well to consider the circumstances. Stephen, for example, had a vision, for he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” Therefore, because of seeing Jesus in a vision, Stephen could directly address the Son of God. (Acts 7:56) The apostle John likewise had a vision of heavenly things. (Rev. 1:1, 10; 4:1, 2)
(Praying to Jehovah so as to Be Heard, June 1, 1980, pages 17-19)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1980406
1988 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed. ----> Notice this is the same date it was scrubbed from Insight on the Scriptures. (see above)
Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!: Thus, with John, we fervently pray: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."
(Revelation and You, January 1, 1988, page 319)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101988044
1994 - A vision (not a prayer to Jesus).
The Watchtower: ‘But,’ some may ask, ‘does the Bible not report that both the disciple Stephen and the apostle John spoke to Jesus in heaven?’ That is true. These events, however, did not involve prayers, as Stephen and John each saw Jesus in vision and spoke to him directly. (Acts 7:56, 59; Revelation 1:17-19; 22:20)
(Should You Pray to Jesus?, December 15, 1994, page 24)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1994923
2007 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: After receiving the revelation about this coming and about what it will mean for the earth, John earnestly prayed: "Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)
(Christ’s Coming—Should We Fear It?, March 15, 2007, page 3)
2015 - Prayer to Jesus was denied.
The Watchtower: The Bible records a few occasions when faithful humans spoke to the heavenly Jesus—and sometimes to angels. (Acts 9:4, 5, 10-16; 10:3, 4; Revelation 10:8, 9; 22:20) But were those men praying to these heavenly creatures? No. In all such instances, the heavenly creatures initiated the communication.
(Should We Pray to Jesus?, January 1, 2015, page 15)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015007
See "1980" above.
Elsewhere the Jehovah's Witnesses affirmed what Isaiah experienced was a vision, but they also teach that Isaiah prayed.
Insight on the Scriptures: Vision from God from God were also received by such Bible writers as Isaiah (1:1; 6:1-13), Amos (7:1-9, 12; 8:1, 2), and Ezekiel (1:1).
(Vision, volume 2, January 1, 1988, page 1159)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004564
Awake!: Since it was not possible to return to that country, I did my best to publish the good news to Cambodians living in Austria. I prayed as Isaiah did, "Here I am! Send me," hoping that Jehovah would use me to help my fellow countrymen.—Isaiah 6:8.
(Cambodia—Surviving a Nightmare, February 22, 1987, page 19)
(20) “The one who bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming quickly.’” “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”
(21) May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus be with the holy ones. (New World Translation)
The boldface below is mine.
Sometimes the Jehovah's Witness refer to Revelation 22:20-21 as a prayer (singular) while other times the Jehovah's Witnesses affirm they are prayers (plural). Either way what is recorded in these two passages teach the Lord Jesus is the proper recipient of prayer. This proves He is God.
Notice throughout different time periods the Jehovah's Witnesses affirmed what took place is a vision so it wouldn't constitute a prayer. Yet, later on they once again teach it was a prayer. This truth is so powerful that I believe they are unable to resist what is so obvious. That is, Revelation 22:20-21 teaches the Lord Jesus is the proper recipient of prayer.
1943 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: Where should prayer be presented, and how? These and many other questions can be answered satisfactorily by looking at the Record which has the approbation and imprimatur of Jehovah God and his High Priest, Christ Jesus. That very Record closes with prayers written so they can be read by all: "Even so, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen."—Rev. 22:20, 21.
(Prayer And The New World, Vol. 64, No. 23, December 1, 1943, page 361)
1967 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: John replies to Jesus’ warning of the quickness of his coming: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.” John was one beloved of Jesus Christ and he earnestly looked for his coming. If we love him and the things that he stands for we will certainly be eager for his return and the destruction of those things that are against him and will pray, with the apostle John, "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus." In saying this "Amen!" it means that we are fully in harmony and agreement with it and are carrying out those things that the Revelation transmitted to John. This we must do until he comes...We must remember that John was an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ, filled with his spirit and a member of the governing body of the Christian congregation. Therefore, the prayer that he makes is sure of fulfillment. (Jas. 5:16-18) It is in behalf of, not only the remnant of the 144,000 “holy ones,” but certainly also the “great crowd” of temple servants who have earthly hopes and who are associated with the remnant of “holy ones,” that the apostle John continued in prayer in the closing words of the prophetic scroll: “May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the holy ones.”—Rev. 22:21.
(An Invitation Is Extended to You, December 1, 1967, page 732)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1967884
1971 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
Aid to Bible Understanding: The entire book of Psalms consists of prayers and songs of praise to God, its contents illustrating what prayer should be. Among many other notable prayers are those by: Jacob (Gen. 32:9-12), Moses (Deut. 9:25-29), Job (Job 1:21), Hannah (1 Sam. 2:1-10), David (2 Sam. 7:18-29; 1 Chron. 29:10-19), Solomon (1 Ki. 3:6-9; 8:22-61), Asa (2 Chron. 14:11), Jehoshaphat (2 Chron. 20:5-12), Elijah (1 Ki. 18:36, 37), Jonah (Jonah 2:1-9), Hezekiah (2 Ki. 19:15-19), Jeremiah (Jer. 20:7-12; the book of Lamentations), Daniel (Dan. 9:3-21), Ezra (Ezra 9:6-15), Nehemiah (Neh. 1:4-11), certain Levites (Neh. 9:5-38), Habakkuk (Hab. 3:1-19), Jesus (John 17:1-26; Mark 14:36), and his disciples. (Acts 4:24-30) The Bible, as presently arranged, ends with a prayer.—Rev. 22:20, 21; see ATTITUDES AND GESTURES (Prayer and Homage); INCENSE. (Prayer, January 1, 1971, page 1331)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200013463
Before moving on the next chronological year notice the boldface from above was scrubbed in 1988. In addition to this, see "1988" below.
Insight on the Scriptures: The entire book of Psalms consists of prayers and songs of praise to God, its contents illustrating what prayer should be. Among many notable prayers are those by Jacob (Ge 32:9-12), Moses (De 9:25-29), Job (Job 1:21), Hannah (1Sa 2:1-10), David (2Sa 7:18-29; 1Ch 29:10-19), Solomon (1Ki 3:6-9; 8:22-61), Asa (2Ch 14:11), Jehoshaphat (2Ch 20:5-12), Elijah (1Ki 18:36, 37), Jonah (Jon 2:1-9), Hezekiah (2Ki 19:15-19), Jeremiah (Jer 20:7-12; the book of Lamentations), Daniel (Da 9:3-21), Ezra (Ezr 9:6-15), Nehemiah (Ne 1:4-11), certain Levites (Ne 9:5-38), Habakkuk (Hab 3:1-19), Jesus (Joh 17:1-26; Mr 14:36), and Jesus’ disciples (Ac 4:24-30).—See ATTITUDES AND GESTURES; INCENSE (Significance).
(Prayer, volume 2, January 1, 1988, page 671)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200003543
1972 - A vision (not a prayer to Jesus).
Awake!: Thus Stephen was not directing a prayerful expression to Jesus in the way he usually prayed to Jehovah God. He was making a request to one whom he beheld in vision. That this is the correct conclusion can be seen from the fact that the only other instance in which such an expression is directed to the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ is in a situation of a similar nature. The apostle John, in the book of Revelation, tells of seeing Jesus in vision and hearing him say: “I, Jesus, sent my angel to bear witness to you people of these things for the congregations.” Jesus further added: “He that bears witness of these things says, ‘Yes; I am coming quickly.’” Because of having heard Jesus say these words, John responded: “Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.”—Rev. 22:16, 20.
(Is It Proper to Pray to Others Aside from God?, August 22, 1972, page 28)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/101972610
1973 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years Has Approached: About twenty-six years after that horrible event shocked the Jewish religious world, the apostle John had his prison term on the Isle of Patmos brightened by receiving the divine Revelation, in which he pointed to the future and said: “Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him.” And John closed the Revelation account with the prayer: “‘Amen! Come, Lord Jesus.’ May the undeserved kindness of the Lord Jesus Christ be with the holy ones.” (Revelation 1:7; 22:20, 21) That fervent prayer for the Lord’s coming was not actually answered before more than eighteen centuries had passed.
(Increasing the King's Belongings, January 1, 1973, page 228)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101973022
1980 - A prayer and a vision. (See the very bottom of this post for more information).
The Watchtower: The Bible also provides examples, in effect, indirect commands for us to pray. From Genesis to Revelation, the inspired record abounds with examples of men of prayer. We read of Abraham’s praying to Jehovah. (Gen. 12:8) From the time of his baptism in the Jordan to his hanging on the execution stake, Jesus Christ time and again prayed to his Father. (Luke 3:21; 23:46) The apostle Paul mentions the subject of prayer literally dozens of times in his letters. Repeatedly he tells of praying for others, gives encouragement to pray, or asks others to pray for him. (Phil. 1:9-11; Eph. 6:18, 19) The book of Revelation, written by the apostle John, closes with two prayers.—Rev. 22:20, 21...However, some persons wonder: ‘May we not also ask things directly of Jesus himself? Did not the disciple Stephen in prayer directly address Jesus, and did not the apostle John do likewise?’ True, Stephen, just before he expired, said: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” (Acts 7:59) And the apostle John did pray: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."—Rev. 22:20
However, we do well to consider the circumstances. Stephen, for example, had a vision, for he said: “Look! I behold the heavens opened up and the Son of man standing at God’s right hand.” Therefore, because of seeing Jesus in a vision, Stephen could directly address the Son of God. (Acts 7:56) The apostle John likewise had a vision of heavenly things. (Rev. 1:1, 10; 4:1, 2)
(Praying to Jehovah so as to Be Heard, June 1, 1980, pages 17-19)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1980406
1988 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed. ----> Notice this is the same date it was scrubbed from Insight on the Scriptures. (see above)
Revelation—Its Grand Climax At Hand!: Thus, with John, we fervently pray: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus."
(Revelation and You, January 1, 1988, page 319)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1101988044
1994 - A vision (not a prayer to Jesus).
The Watchtower: ‘But,’ some may ask, ‘does the Bible not report that both the disciple Stephen and the apostle John spoke to Jesus in heaven?’ That is true. These events, however, did not involve prayers, as Stephen and John each saw Jesus in vision and spoke to him directly. (Acts 7:56, 59; Revelation 1:17-19; 22:20)
(Should You Pray to Jesus?, December 15, 1994, page 24)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1994923
2007 - Prayer to Jesus was affirmed.
The Watchtower: After receiving the revelation about this coming and about what it will mean for the earth, John earnestly prayed: "Come, Lord Jesus." (Revelation 22:20)
(Christ’s Coming—Should We Fear It?, March 15, 2007, page 3)
2015 - Prayer to Jesus was denied.
The Watchtower: The Bible records a few occasions when faithful humans spoke to the heavenly Jesus—and sometimes to angels. (Acts 9:4, 5, 10-16; 10:3, 4; Revelation 10:8, 9; 22:20) But were those men praying to these heavenly creatures? No. In all such instances, the heavenly creatures initiated the communication.
(Should We Pray to Jesus?, January 1, 2015, page 15)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/2015007
See "1980" above.
Elsewhere the Jehovah's Witnesses affirmed what Isaiah experienced was a vision, but they also teach that Isaiah prayed.
Insight on the Scriptures: Vision from God from God were also received by such Bible writers as Isaiah (1:1; 6:1-13), Amos (7:1-9, 12; 8:1, 2), and Ezekiel (1:1).
(Vision, volume 2, January 1, 1988, page 1159)
https://wol.jw.org/en/wol/d/r1/lp-e/1200004564
Awake!: Since it was not possible to return to that country, I did my best to publish the good news to Cambodians living in Austria. I prayed as Isaiah did, "Here I am! Send me," hoping that Jehovah would use me to help my fellow countrymen.—Isaiah 6:8.
(Cambodia—Surviving a Nightmare, February 22, 1987, page 19)
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