Is praying for impenitent people a sin?

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vash88

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Are Catholics called to NOT pray for people who are excommunicated from the Church? Or the people referred to in Matthew 10:14 (“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet”)? I guess what I’m asking is, when God explicitly says to leave someone in His hands, does praying for them violate that command, even if you have left them and have no direct contact with them anymore?
 
The excommunicated are not lost. They have received punitive measures in hopes it will effect bringing them back fully into the community. If sincerely repentant, they can have a confession heard through the Bishop, or if the Bishop allows, through a designated priest.
 
Perhaps excommunicated people was a bad example, but I’m referring to people who seemingly have no intention of repenting even though they’re aware of their sins. The most hardened, vile sinners. I know only God knows peoples hearts and therefore we shouldn’t judge them, BUT as mentioned above, He does firmly tell believers to leave impenitent people in His hands and have nothing to do with them. So I’m just wondering if praying for them counts as “having something to do with them.”
 
These people probably need prayers the most. It is a very good and important thing to pray for the conversion of people in sin.
 
It is certainly NOT a sin. In fact, it is a good and admirable thing to do.
 
They of all people need our prayers. No one is beyond the reach of God until they die.
 
Oh my goodness, they need prayer the most!
We’re supposed to uplift each other in prayer.
What if you lost your way and nobody prayed for you :cry:
Pray and be at peace
 
Jesus didn’t come for those who are well, but for those who are in most need of the Divine Physician. The excommunicated and the hard of heart certainly fall under this category.
 
The Fatima prayer,
O my Jesus, forgive us our sins, save us from the fires of hell, and lead all souls to Heaven, especially those in most need of Thy mercy.

That says it all.
 
You mean you can’t tell by my font?

I try to be a gentleman, however, I also enjoy being able to talk about feelings on the forum which I can’t usually do in real life without some sidelong glances!

I hope that doesn’t change your opinion of me. 😊
 
Saint Stephen prayed for his enemies while they were stoning him to death.
 
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