Does God ignore the prayers of those not in a state of grace

[ineedofmercy]

Sorry if this isn’t the place for a question like this

I’m not in state if grace because my addiction
Does God ignores my prayers even those not for myself

 

[ineedofmercy]

It wouldn’t make sense if god did that…since the people who might need prayers heard or answered the most are those not in “a state of grace.”

.

Thank you for this answer
I could see God answering my prayers in my life even though I’m in the bad state
I wanted to make sure because sometimes it’s not for myself and I want my prayers to work for other people

 

[ChurchSoldier]

I think He especially hears the prayers of those who struggle.

 

[mountee]

Personally, I can not imagine that God would ever ignore a prayer from anyone. I believ firmlynthat He hears every word we say in all circumstances and conditions,

 

[meltzerboy]

Sorry if this isn’t the place for a question like this

I’m not in state if grace because my addiction
Does God ignores my prayers even those not for myself

If G-d did, He would have to ignore an awfully lot of prayers! My opinion is that G-d does not ignore ANY prayers, provided they are sincere and not designed to do harm.

 

[hazcompat]

From todays Office of Readings.

Second Reading

From a Sermon of St. Maximus of Turin Bishop

…And so, my brothers, each of us ought surely to rejoice on this holy day. Let no one, conscious of his sinfulness, withdraw from our common celebration, nor let anyone be kept away from our public prayer by the burden of his guilt. Sinner he may indeed be, but he must not despair of pardon on this day which is so highly privileged; for if a thief could receive the grace of paradise, how could a Christian be refused forgiveness?

Peace

 

[Eichelbaum]

Here is a wonderful post on this subject: forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13323345&postcount=6

The part that is bolded reflects my understanding as well. We cannot merit anything supernatural if we are not in a state of grace. To argue the contrary is to argue for pelagianism. Nonetheless, God does hear the prayer of the repentant sinner.

… but the prayer of the unrepentant sinner, who prays for something other than for the graces of conversion, is a prayer lacking in merit or efficacy it would appear.

 

[marlap2]

I know for certain FOR CERTAIN that God does not ignore the prayers of a person seeking conversion and freedom from addiction.

Think of the song Amazing Grace…

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound. That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see.

I was in more than one kind of addiction. I really understand the darkness and fear and worry that bondage to one thing or another than do.

But through GOD’S GRACE, lots of time in the confessional, being honest with myself, and most of all the help of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, I am an overcomer.

Those addictions are no longer part of my life. The darkness is gone. NEVER ever give up trying and asking for God’s Grace. Doesn’t mean I’m a saint yet. Still have to spend time in the confessional And I abhor any kind of sin that wants to be persistent. I know I have an addictive personality, so I fight it with prayer, and in some cases, avoiding any near occasions that would lead me to sin. (that’s a big one).

No Thing is Impossible with God’s Help.

Never be afraid to ask for help in the way of prayer as well. There are wonderful prayerful people here that will be your advocate before the Throne of God.

You are in my prayers today at Mass.

 

[phil19034]

Here is a wonderful post on this subject: forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13323345&postcount=6

The part that is bolded reflects my understanding as well. We cannot merit anything supernatural if we are not in a state of grace. To argue the contrary is to argue for pelagianism. Nonetheless, God does hear the prayer of the repentant sinner.

… but the prayer of the unrepentant sinner, who prays for something other than for the graces of conversion, is a prayer lacking in merit or efficacy it would appear.

I believe this is a good post. The unrepentant sinner’s prayers have no merit unless they are requesting help with belief and/or repentance. I also believe that sincere prayers for others are merited too.

It might sound crazy, but I can personally attest to this.

When I’m in a State of Grace and I’m praying, learning about Scriputre, theology, etc; I can start to feel God’s presence and feel the Holy Spirit in me.

But when I mortally sin, if honestly feel empty after. Unless I’m asking for forgiveness, I feel unconnected to God.

I can’t explain it other that. I basically believe that I MIGHT have gotten to the point when my subconscious is aware of the fact whether or not I’m in a State of Grace. It’s amazing how empty I feel until I go to confession and then how much better I feel after.

I really can’t fully explain the feeling, but it makes be try to work hard at avoiding temptation.

God Bless

 

[powerofk]

Here is a wonderful post on this subject: forums.catholic-questions.org/showpost.php?p=13323345&postcount=6

The part that is bolded reflects my understanding as well. We cannot merit anything supernatural if we are not in a state of grace. To argue the contrary is to argue for pelagianism. Nonetheless, God does hear the prayer of the repentant sinner.

… but the prayer of the unrepentant sinner, who prays for something other than for the graces of conversion, is a prayer lacking in merit or efficacy it would appear.

Good points. In fact, it’s often said that a prayer of praise by one in a state of mortal sin is actually offensive to God.

I remember a story I read or heard many years ago. One man who habitually committed sins of the flesh and was unrepentant for them would pray the rosary daily. One day, the Blessed Virgin Mary appeared to him and showed him a dirty dish filled with roses. She asked him if anyone he knew would appreciate receiving roses this way.

He replied, “Of course not, my lady.”

She replied to him, “Every time you pray the rosary with unrepented mortal sin on your soul, you offer me roses in a filthy bowl. I am seriously offended by it!” After this, he repented of what he had been doing.

Anyway, when dealing with an addiction, one of the best prayers may be Psalm 50/51 - “The Miserere”, attributed to David himself after his double sin of adultery with Bathsheba followed by murder by rival army of her husband Uriah:

I

Have mercy on me God, in your goodness;
In your abundant compassion blot out my offense.
Wash away all my guilt;
From my sin cleanse me.
For I know my offense;
My sin is always before me.
Against you alone have I sinned;
I have done such evil in your sight
That you are just in your sentence,
blameless when you condemn.
True, I was born guilty,
A sinner, even as my mother conceived me.
Still, you insist on sincerity of heart;
In my inmost being teach me wisdom.
Cleanse me with hyssop, that I may be pure;
Wash me, make me whiter than snow.
Let me hear sounds of joy and gladness;
Let the bones you have crushed rejoice.

II

Turn away your face from my sins;
Blot out all my guilt.
A clean heart create for me, God;
Renew in me a steadfast spirit.
Do not drive me from your presence,
Nor take from me your holy Spirit.
Restore my joy in your salvation;
Sustain in me a willing spirit.
I will teach the wicked your ways,
That sinners may return to you.
Rescue me from death, God, my saving God,
That my toungue may praise your healing power.
Lord, open my lips;
my mouth will proclaim your praise.
For you do not desire sacrifice;
A burnt offering you would not accept.
My sacrifice God, is a broken spirit;
God, do not spurn a broken, humbled heart.

III

Make Zion prosper in your good pleasure,
Rebuild the walls of Jerusalem.
Then you will be pleased with proper sacrifice,
Burnt offerings and holocausts;
Then bullocks will be offered on your altar.

And keep going to Confession every time you stumble. Make sure the priest understands that you’re dealing with an addiction/habit that is extremely difficult for you to break and that you truly are sorry for every time you fall. And keep going.