Praying for the deceased

 

Quite often when praying for those who are still in this life, our heart experiences a change: from sorrow into joy.

However, something similar also takes place when we pray for those who have slept in the Lord - in fact, even for those who have passed away a long time ago.

It is indeed a wondrous experience for one to "encounter" those who had passed away many years ago, especially if they are not immediately familiar.  An encounter such as this with the "world beyond" is particularly characteristic when addressing our prayers to Saints.

However it is possible - albeit rarely - when praying for the deceased, either familiar or unfamiliar, that our heart will receive information regarding their state - if good or bad.

True union in the Holy Spirit with the souls of those who have passed away - recently or centuries ago - testifies about their hypostatic eternicity in our Lord God.

"... For I long to see you, so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift, that you may be supported — this is how we console each other, through the mutual faith of both you and me...."  (Rom.1:11-12)

 

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1 Thess.4:13

¹³ But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Translation:  K.N.  

Greek article:  www.oodegr.com/oode/dogma/psyxika/proseuxh_yper_kekoimhmenwn_1.htm