Praying for each other

[pebbles]

For the sake of discussion ... What is the concept of praying for each other?  When people say, "Please pray for me."  What does that actually mean? And what is the ultimate goal of praying for somebody?

[pebbles]

I thought of this discussion because it occurred to me that Protestants and Catholics could have different concepts of "praying for somebody".  For Protestants, they would ask their pastor, "Please, pray for me."  Basically, one is asking for blessings, good health, success for endeavors... that there is "something" one should get for a prayer. (Since they don't believe they can be saints.)  But for Catholics, I think the prayers one offers for others is for God to grant the person the grace to be holy.  Because we know and accept that "NO" is also an answer from God.  NOT a denial of one's prayers. 

Let me share the 4 different answers God gives us.  Maybe it will help for others not to be discouraged  to think that God is not answering their prayers.

If one prays for something bad, God says "NO". 
If what one prays for is something good, it's the right time, but the person is not mature enough, God says "GROW."
If what one prays for is something good, the person is mature enough, but the time is not right, God says "SLOW." 
But if what one prays for is something good, the person is mature enough, and it is the right time, God says "GO." (YES) 

So, dear friends, don't be disheartened if you think your prayers are not being answered.  You can always reflect that maybe it is not yet time or you still need learn more.  And therefore, you'll have HOPE.   

This was a homily from a priest in relation to the coming of Christ.  It was the right time, and the people were mature enough to accept Him as the messiah ... the one they've been praying for.     

[Shin]

I like that Pebbles.

It reminds me of how the prayers we always pray should always be in union with the will of God.

When I think of praying for someone, and the idea of 'why', I always think of a person's salvation. We want people to go to Heaven.

[pebbles]

Yes.  Like if you pray for somebody who is sick.  You don't just pray that the person gets healed.  You also pray that if he doesn't get healed, he finds the strength to accept his cross with open arms. And find peace in the love of God with the realization that he is not being punished but being very loved a lot by God. 

[Patricia]

You also pray that if he doesn't get healed, he finds the strength to accept his cross with open arms. And find peace in the love of God with the realization that he is not being punished but being very loved a lot by God.  Little Angel

I think this is  very Catholic to pray for grace to accept the cross sent to us with love. I have not heard of this in any other faith.  I remember once posting about yearning for heaven and to be dead to things of the world and a person of another faith scolded me as to not to be so pessimistic and dreary    If only all people knew the beauty of the Cross. 

[Brigid]

Maybe there are some Protestants who recognize the need for mature spirituality in their intercession. They probably recognize the possibility of a NO forthcoming, I would think. There are a number of very developed people in the area of spirituality who are not a member of the Catholic Church (on earth). I am thinking of the Protestants who are much more spiritually adept than I (and I realize, I hope ) the possibility of a NO from Him.

[George]

Wondering about Luke 6:28
"Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you"

PS
Hope everyone here had a blessed Christmas

[pebbles]

You also pray that if he doesn't get healed, he finds the strength to accept his cross with open arms. And find peace in the love of God with the realization that he is not being punished but being very loved a lot by God.  Little Angel

I think this is  very Catholic to pray for grace to accept the cross sent to us with love. I have not heard of this in any other faith.  I remember once posting about yearning for heaven and to be dead to things of the world and a person of another faith scolded me as to not to be so pessimistic and dreary    If only all people knew the beauty of the Cross. 

And to think they always say to "Follow Christ"... but they seem to forget that to follow Christ is paired with carrying one's cross.  They seem to skip that line of "carrying one's cross", huh? 

And for Protestants who have a mature spiritual intercession and very spiritual, it is sad that such learnings are individualistic instead of being taught to everybody.  Since in the Catholic Church, it is being taught...and the sad part is when we Catholics don't try to learn it.     

[Brigid]

Code:

And for Protestants who have a mature spiritual intercession and very spiritual, it is sad that such learnings are individualistic instead of being taught to everybody.  Since in the Catholic Church, it is being taught...and the sad part is when we Catholics don't try to learn it.      

Oh, that is so true! Would that we Catholics were sure of our Faith and humble enough to learn from some Protestants not only to carry our cross, but to fully rejoice at His Resurrection.