Is Praying for the "Other Side" Prideful?

[oppositeman13]

With what is going on in our church, it seems to me that praying for the conversion of the “other side” is prideful. One is taking the position that they belong to the “correct side” - something they cannot know for sure. I don’t think prayers for this intention are particularly pleasing to God. What I think God wants to see is us praying for the unity of our church and that He leads Pope Francis in the way necessary to do this. So many of us have already made up our mind that there will be no resolution soon and we need to dig in for the long haul. By praying for the “other side” we reinforce in our minds there is division - which is true but we don’t need to focus on that. The enemy will use this to his advantage. When we pray for unity we disarm the enemy and soften our hearts.

So, please think about this and comment if you want. As long as you are here I ask you to pray these 3 short simple prayers for unity. Excuse the format but I made these for facebook where they work very well in getting people to pray.

 

[Samuel_Mary]

If one has reached their conclusion from a careful study of the Deposit of Faith, rather than ‘‘it’s what I feel and I’m usually right, so I’m backing myself’’ then I wouldn’t say it’s necessarily prideful. Then again, perhaps it’s a safer bet and more spiritually healthy to simply pray that the Church upholds truth and is protected from error, and led God decide what that entails.

 

[AKDee]

I think it depends on your reason for praying for their conversion.

If it’s “I’m right, you’re wrong. God please convert these heretics” then yes, that’s probably pride.

If it’s “Lord, I really want my protestant Christian brethren to have access to all the canonical scriptures, to have the fullness of the faith and the beauty of the Mass, and most importantly to have ALL the sacraments available to them especially the Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation” then it’s probably coming from the right spot.

We want people to become Catholic because it’s TRUE. And because protestants are unwittingly impoverishing themselves of great spiritual benefits that they aren’t even aware of.

 

[SuperLuigi]

It can be prideful, but it doesn’t have to be.

I think a lot of people who are too proud of whatever don’t pray seriously about it anyways.

 

[oppositeman13]

I agree - but that is not what I am referring to - which is the 2 camps of catholics for and against the pope’s reforms.

 

[AKDee]

Oh, ok. Well, I guess I don’t feel a need to convince anyone. We’re all Catholic. I feel we need to pray for the Holy Spirit to continue to ensure that His church remains without error and that He will help the Pope to address the concerns and correct any misunderstandings, and walk back any heretical teachings or misunderstandings. I, too, have some serious misgivings but I trust the Holy Spirit to help. Pray, then pray more. The last thing we need is another schism.

 

[RandomAlias]

Interesting topic.