Is it a sin to pray for death?

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If a person is sick and suffering, is it a sin to pray for either healing or death?
 
Years ago the standard format for prayer for one suffering serious illness was for - a quick recovery or a happy death. This was often used at mass; so I presume it is proper.

Some one in his autobiography told of their sister-teacher being ill and the class praying this way. He added that - and we knew which we were pushing for. 😃
 
Jude_Smith said:
If a person is sick and suffering, is it a sin to pray for either healing or death?
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Ultimately either outcome would be God’s will and death is a transition that we all will face. I could not find any sin there…teachccd
 
I agree. I don’t think it’s a problem as long you’re not praying for a slow, painful death. Even Paul was torn between life and death, knowing that death means being united with Jesus (I can’t remember the verse).
 
Joe_Kelley said:
Years ago the standard format for prayer for one suffering serious illness was for - a quick recovery or a happy death. This was often used at mass; so I presume it is proper.

Some one in his autobiography told of their sister-teacher being ill and the class praying this way. He added that - and we knew which we were pushing for. 😃
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I sincerely hope that this person was not implying that they were hoping for the death of their sister-teacher. That would be horrible and just plain sadistic. :eek::(:mad:
 
I don’t think it’s a sin when we are thinking of wanting the Lord to help put an end to our loved ones pain and mental anguish.
The Lord God knows our hearts,he knows what we are really saying even more plainly then we do as we actually say our prayer.
But I’ll tell you my experience. I have prayed such a prayer.
After years of wondering why this person was just breathing in and out day after day year after year. No love of life or people. Such suffering with mental illness. I asked God many times,Why Lord?
I would ask the Lord why keep him alive when he wants to die.
He did what he could to end his life. Yet the Lord didn’t allow his life to end. He actually died in the hospital for a few minutes.
They were just waiting for the doctor to arrive and make the official pronouncement. But he suddenly took in a deep breath.
Like God himself took over.
Well now I know why the Lord didn’t take him away.
He now has a reason to smile at life. God knew what he was doing all along. I just had to wait on the Lord.
If your prayer is for yourself. All I can say is keep praying that the Lord will perform a miracle in your life. That one miracle that only God your Father can give.
And I add to this a prayer for you and your reason for asking this question.
 
When my dear mom was alive she had Alzheimers, breast and
skin cancer. I used to pray to God to please call her home sooner than later. I did not want to see her go through the whole
stages of the AD. Well, he heard my prayers, she died from the cancer and although she did suffer it was nothing compared to what it could have been if she had gone the AD distance. She died so peacefully and the greatest gift was that the last time she spoke she was very lucid.
I thank God always for answering my prayers.
 
In the night prayer in the LOTR we pray for a peaceful death. I think, though, that it could be considered sinful to pray for a premature death, i.e. “…your will not be done”.
 
Frankly I think praying for death even if you are suffering would be a sin. The suffering should be offered up to God as a sacrifice.
 
Yes, or praying for a relief of suffering would seem to be OK, and let the Almighty figure out the best way for that to happen. 👍
 
thistle said:
Frankly I think praying for death even if you are suffering would be a sin. The suffering should be offered up to God as a sacrifice.
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absolutely wrong to state such a thing without a clear church teaching to back it up
 
puzzleannie said:
absolutely wrong to state such a thing without a clear church teaching to back it up
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I said “I think”. I did not state it as a fact.
However, I disagree with you anyway. It is in my view a sin (grave or venial I don’t know) to pray for death (either for self or for others). The Church teaches life is precious.
If, however, you can give me a Church teaching that allows you to pray for someone’s death I will readily stand corrected.
 
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