Do our prayers count if we are in mortal sin?

[klhutch]

If we are in a state of mortal sin, due to purposely missing Sunday Mass, are our prayers, fasting, and penances heard and answered by God? or do we need to go to confession and be in a state of grace?

 

[Pug]

klhutch:

If we are in a state of mortal sin, due to purposely missing Sunday Mass, are our prayers, fasting, and penances heard and answered by God? or do we need to go to confession and be in a state of grace?

It is always a good idea to pray. God’s “ears” still work no matter what you did. You cannot alter Him. He still has the power to answer your prayers.

However, your deeds don’t have the same “merit” if you are not in a state of grace. God’s grace is antecedent to the type of merit you would probably have in mind. It is better to fast, etc. in a spirit of Charity, and that supernatural gift does not remain in you if you have done a mortal sin. God has to put it back, so to speak. However, don’t neglect any of your typical spiritual practices during the week it takes you to get to confession!

I suggest you pray for the grace of perfect contrition and that you don’t delay confession (I know, your question is probably hypothetical, but just in case…)

 

[JimG]

Prayers of repentance always count. Ask for forgiveness and keep praying.

 

[UKcatholicGuy]

klhutch:

If we are in a state of mortal sin, due to purposely missing Sunday Mass, are our prayers, fasting, and penances heard and answered by God? or do we need to go to confession and be in a state of grace?

I had the exact same question a few months ago, and it was answered on the “ask an apologist” forum. You should search for it and see what Fr Serpa said (because I can’t remember exactly). But I do know that we most certainly should continue to pray even when we are in mortal sin.

Think about it: if God can’t hear our prayers while we’re in mortal sin, or if they count for nothing, then how do we ever receive God’s grace in the first place? We all start out spiritually dead, and God’s grace brings us to life. For most, this is done as an infant at baptism. But think about the adults who have never been baptized or known God, yet the search for Him. Does He not answer them because they’re not in a state of grace? Of course not! He hears their prayers and answers them in His time.

Secondly, there is Perfect Contrition in some cases. Here’s the Catechism on Perfect Contrition:

  1452 When it arises from a love by which God is loved above all else,    contrition is called "perfect" (contrition of charity). Such contrition    remits venial sins; it also obtains forgiveness of mortal sins if it    includes the firm resolution to have recourse to sacramental confession as    soon as possible.

So, keep praying.

God bless.

 

[ibelieveit]

By all means keep praying! I believe that’s when the Lord is really listening to you. He knows what is in your heart and the reason for your prayer. Just lay it out for him in your own words and say it from the heart. Remember, He came and died for all of us sinners; He yearns to hear you say how sorry you are and will welcome you back. Don’t worry about how you may feel at the time. As a priest friend said to me, “just fake it till you make it!”