Saints' Discussion Forums

Although I realize the number of people hurt or maimed or killed due to his orders, I know that Jesus asked us to pray for our enemies. I think bin Laden (especially) needs our prayers.

Maybe too late for that.  :-\

Prayers for the dead are never too late and we are told not to judge (people, not their actions).

I don't understand. Wouldn't it be pointless? He was obviously not baptized nor had a chance to repent for his crimes.  I do feel sorry for  the kind of life he lead and the final destination of his soul, though.  It would have been a better idea to pray for his conversion while he was alive, I think.  :-\

Praying for his conversion would have been great and even though I know that time makes no difference in Heaven, it still would seem too strange to pray for that now to me. As far as praying for him in death - well, Jesus forgave and prayed for forgiveness for His crucifiers (don't know if that's a real word) so I should pray for bin Laden, I figure.

As well as prayers for Bin Laden, I would think prayers for his followers are well needed right now. I am sure they are angry, and most likely planning attacks again. We can pray for them that they might have a conversion of heart. Especially since they are our enemies.

Only God knows what is within our heart of hearts and only God can judge our guilt. We can still pray and I do not believe that prayers are ever wasted. If it does not help the intended beneficiary, it will certainly help whoever offers that prayer to God.

God, have mercy on Osama bin Laden's soul and may his death serve to bring an end to the terror and destruction that he masterminded throughout the world.
We ask this through the Mercy of Our Lord Jesus Christ Your Son.
Who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit.
One God, for ever and ever.
Amen!

“You have heard that it was said,
‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’
 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,
 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5: 43-46

AMEN!

Fired off this question to a priest I try not to contact too much as he's quite busy:

"Would it be appropriate for an 1. an individual, 2. a group, 3. a group in church, to pray for the repose of the soul of Osama bin Laden? I suppose people would be hoping there had been some last minute miracle."

The reply was:

"Theologically, nothing prohibits someone from praying for the repose of the soul of Osama bin Laden. However, prudence would dictate otherwise insofar as an individual would probably be better to spend his prayers on things that are more likely to bring about some effect and a group should avoid doing these in common since it can give people the impression that it is okay not to hold the Catholic faith in relationship to getting into heaven and the same would go with a group in church. God bless."

Food for thought. I like the points that have been made on this thread too, and the spirit of forgiveness and love behind them. The subject is not one I have looked into, but I thought I'd share the reply. :D

Causing an effect would happen 1) possibly to bin Laden's soul, depending on mitigating circumstances in his young life, 2) in the person's soul who is praying for their enemy, 3) ...... ? only Our Lord and His Mother know.

That is why the Catholic Church prays for the ' faithful departed'.  Personally, I would have rather prayed for Bin Laden's conversion while he was alive. I wouldn't waste my time praying for him now after his death.  I know it sounds heartless, but the souls in Purgatory are more in need of our prayers than even sinners on earth.  :-\  It is not because I hate him, but because it would be futile knowing his sorry circumstances.

I agree that it seems futile (and and I certainly don't think you're heartless, Patricia!), however we don't know if he may have converted in the last moments of his life and we don't know if he was even certifiably sane (obviously there was some insanity there), however our prayers are never lost into the ether. Mother Mary and Her Son make sure they are received by those who need them most, if they can't be used by the intended person. I know it's hard, but if Corrie Ten Boom could forgive and pray for her captors (Third Reich) and the killers of her family, then I can I guess.  :)