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Isn't it a waste of time to pray for souls in purgatory?
Why would the Church encourage prayer for those in purgatory? Isn't it a waste of spiritual time? They may be suffering temporarily, but those souls are definitely going to heaven sooner or later. For those of us earthbound, there is no such guarantee.
Last edited by Michelle Arnold; Jan 20, '10 at 3:24 pm.
Re: Isn't it a waste of time to pray for souls in purgatory?
On the contrary, it is an act of charity to pray for the holy souls in purgatory. It is true that they will eventually get to heaven, but our prayers can help them get there sooner and they can do nothing to help themselves (unlike those still living, who can help themselves). And, although the holy souls cannot pray for themselves, they can pray for us, particularly for their benefactors. Given their utter vulnerability and dependence on the charity of others, it is reasonable to assume that God might be particularly attentive to the intercession of the holy souls for the needs of their benefactors.
__________________ "If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to Him." --St. Edith Stein
Isn't it a waste of time to pray for souls in purgatory?
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