I’m not sure if this was covered or not, but the crux of the issue essentially depends on who is actually wanting to offer the prayer. Generally speaking, there is never an issue if the Jehovah’s Witness is being asked to offer a prayer, regardless of the beliefs of the one asking. The issue arises typically when a member of another faith wants to say a prayer for the group (of which the JW is a part of), or they wish to ‘lead the group in prayer’ or something similar. That’s where the issue arises. We (JW’s) view that as a serious issue because whether not other person views it this way themselves, we essentially believe in different Gods - and would therefor be praying to different Gods. In my experience the vast majority of the time the person wanting to offer prayer has a very different opinion on the identity of God. JW’s for example don’t believe in a triune god. 99% of Christendom, however, does (that statistic is slight hyperbole; I’m not sure of the exact statistic). Thus, pretty much anyone claiming “Christianity”, other than JW’s are going to be praying to a Triune God. Now, if that’s what they believe, fine, let them believe what they want. But we respectfully decline to allow them to pray for us to what we believe to be a false representation of the person of God.

Another element of the situation that should be considered is the setting. For example I have been discussing the Bible with people in their homes, and it’s the first time I’ve met them, and at the end of the discussion they wish to pray. If we are guests in their home and they wish to prey, even out loud, we are guests and have no right to tell them not to prey in their own home. So we should not try to prevent them. I find that even trying to go into a long explanation isn’t even very productive. I just say “that would be fine” if they ask to pray. We would not hold hands with them during the prayer, nor would we say “Amen” audibly or inaudibly in our own minds. We simply would either say our own personal silent prayer at the same time. Or just pause and let them pray.

I hope this adds a little clarity.

The crux of the issue depends on who wants to offer the prayer.

Generally speaking, there is never an issue if the Jehovah’s Witness is being asked to offer a prayer, regardless of the beliefs of the one asking. The issue arises typically when a member of another faith wants to say a prayer for the group (of which the JW is a part of), or they wish to ‘lead the group in prayer’ or something similar. That’s where the issue arises.

We (JW’s) view that as a serious issue because whether not other person views it this way themselves, we essentially believe in different Gods - and would therefor be praying to different Gods. In my experience the vast majority of the time the person wanting to offer prayer has a very different opinion on the identity of God. 

JW’s for example don’t believe in a triune god. A significant majority of Christendom, however, does. Thus, pretty much anyone claiming “Christianity”, other than JW’s are going to be praying to the Triune God. 

Now, if that’s what they believe, fine, let them believe what they want. But we respectfully decline to allow them to pray for us to what we believe to be a false representation of the person of God.

Another element of the situation that should be considered is the setting.

For example I have been discussing the Bible with people in their homes, and it’s the first time I’ve met them, and at the end of the discussion they wish to pray. If we are guests in their home and they wish to prey, even out loud, we are guests and have no right to tell them not to pray in their own home. So we should not try to prevent them. I find that even trying to go into a long explanation isn’t even very productive.

I just say “that would be fine” if they ask to pray. We would not hold hands with them during the prayer, nor would we say “Amen” audibly or inaudibly in our own minds. We simply would either say our own personal silent prayer at the same time. Or just pause and let them pray.