Mortal sin = no prayer?

[EmRose87]

If one is in a state of in a state of mortal sin that person is said to be cut off from God; therefore, is it worth even trying to pray if one is not in a state of grace? Would all the prayers up until a sacramental confession be unheard or in someway not worth doing?

 

[Reepicheep]

If that was true, how could a person in a state of mortal sin ever pray for the grace to repent?

 

[acarlson]

If God didn’t listen to the prayers of sinners, what would be the point? Those who are in most need of His mercy are those who are farthest from him. While being in mortal sin does lead to a separation from God, it doesn’t mean that your prayers go unheard. Of course, one should get to Confession as soon as possible. In the meantime it would always be a good idea to say an Act of Contrition, so long as one is truly sorry for having offended God who loves us perfectly – and not so much afraid of going to Hell.

 

[laszlo]

If one is in a state of in a state of mortal sin that person is said to be cut off from God; therefore, is it worth even trying to pray if one is not in a state of grace? Would all the prayers up until a sacramental confession be unheard or in someway not worth doing?

One in the state of mortal sin does not lives in the house of God. He or she still can knock on the door.

 

[Shin]

One in the state of mortal sin does not live in the house of God. He or she still can knock on the door.

Very nicely put!

 

[JRKH]

I understand your question because we are taught that mortal sin cut us off from God, so how do we get back??

The answers already given are good ones. I’d like to offer a slightly different perspective.

First, consider what mortal sin is, It is a deliberate and grave sin against God, a refusal of God’s lordship over ones life. Mortal sin, by it’s very definition, cannot be accidental - it is always deliberate.
Now - Ask yourself this question. What would a person who has willfully rejected God pray for??? Conversely, has a person who continues to pray to God actually and willfully rejected Him??
This then is the cunundrum…

Consider a friend, your best friend, whom you have a falling out with. Never mind any details, just that you did something hurtful and so you two are not speaking to each other. Later something comes up that you need his help - and besides you miss him and his friendship.
What is the first thing you are going to do…Aren’t you going to phone him and ask forgiveness for past hurts? You might even offer to take him out for a meal to make up.
I mean you can hardly expect this person to help you if you are not sorry for previously hurting him. You’d call him up and say, “I need this help from you”, and he says, “well are you sorry for…”, and if you say, “no” - well how much help do you think you’ll get?

To relate this to God and mortal sin, before one in mortal sin can pray for something other than forgiveness or do anything else they must come to contrition, to “make that phone call” and then go and see, meet God in confession. Any other type of prayer must follow contrition.

It’s so hard to explain, but I hope this helps some…

Peace
James

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

To relate this to God and mortal sin, before one in mortal sin can pray for something other than forgiveness or do anything else they must come to contrition, to “make that phone call” and then go and see, meet God in confession. Any other type of prayer must follow contrition.

So, in effect, all my prayers have been useless (I am in a state of mortal sin now and have been for the past few months. I have been trying to go to Confession but it seems impossible for various reasons).

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[Domnall]

So, in effect, all my prayers have been useless (I am in a state of mortal sin now and have been for the past few months. I have been trying to go to Confession but it seems impossible for various reasons).

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

Well, think of it this way. You’re trying to go to confession, and I’m assuming whatever prayers you’re making are trying to beg forgiveness of God.
Sounds like working towards perfect contrition for me.

Now, in general I don’t think we should be asking God for anything other than forgiveness while in a state of mortal sin. God truly knows our heart. If he knows we’re tying to get to confession, he’s gonna take that into consideration. After all, He is merciful.

I apologize If I made any assumptions about anyone or any theological leaps.

 

[hazcompat]

If one is in a state of in a state of mortal sin that person is said to be cut off from God; therefore, is it worth even trying to pray if one is not in a state of grace? Would all the prayers up until a sacramental confession be unheard or in someway not worth doing?

Pray now more incessantly than ever. Mother Mary(intercedes) prays for us sinners. If you are fearful of Our Father ask your friends(especially saints) to pray for you.Say a perfect act of contrition. Go to confession. Be not afraid.

Peace

 

[Reepicheep]

So, in effect, all my prayers have been useless (I am in a state of mortal sin now and have been for the past few months. I have been trying to go to Confession but it seems impossible for various reasons).

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

Ask His mother for help.

Remember, O most gracious Virgin Mary, that never was it known that anyone who fled to your protection, implored your help or sought your intercession was left unaided. Inspired by this confidence, I fly unto you, O Virgin of virgins, my Mother. To you do I come; before you I stand, sinful and sorrowful. O mother of the Word Incarnate, despise not my petitions, but in your mercy, hear and answer me. Amen

 

[JRKH]

So, in effect, all my prayers have been useless (I am in a state of mortal sin now and have been for the past few months. I have been trying to go to Confession but it seems impossible for various reasons).

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

Not necessarily.
Are you contrite?
Have you prayed for forgiveness? (re-established contact?)
Have your efforts to get to confession been sincere?
Saying that it has been “impossible”, that is, not possible at all, is a pretty big assertion especially given that it covers a “few months”.
I don’t say this as a judgement but only so that you may examine the term you use against the actual circumstances that prevented your going to confession when surely there have been at least 12 opportunities (since most parishes have confession at least once a week and assuming “few” means at least three).

That said, even if you are unable to get to confession at regular times, most priests will be happy to hear your confession by appointment. I strongly suggest you make that call and get to confession.

Again, please don’t take what I say as being judgemental, but merely “thought provoking”. Certainly I don’t know your circumstances or what you have had to deal with lately.

But back on topic of whether your prayers are effective, I cannot say. Assuming your contrition and your prayers for fogiveness, and sincere attempts to get to confession, then I would say that other prayers would have some efffect even if not “full effect” since you are no longer fully “turned away from God”

Peace
James

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

Not necessarily.
Are you contrite?
Have you prayed for forgiveness? (re-established contact?)
Have your efforts to get to confession been sincere?
Saying that it has been “impossible”, that is, not possible at all, is a pretty big assertion especially given that it covers a “few months”.
I don’t say this as a judgement but only so that you may examine the term you use against the actual circumstances that prevented your going to confession when surely there have been at least 12 opportunities (since most parishes have confession at least once a week and assuming “few” means at least three).

That said, even if you are unable to get to confession at regular times, most priests will be happy to hear your confession by appointment. I strongly suggest you make that call and get to confession.

Again, please don’t take what I say as being judgemental, but merely “thought provoking”. Certainly I don’t know your circumstances or what you have had to deal with lately.

But back on topic of whether your prayers are effective, I cannot say. Assuming your contrition and your prayers for fogiveness, and sincere attempts to get to confession, then I would say that other prayers would have some efffect even if not “full effect” since you are no longer fully “turned away from God”

Peace
James

Yes, my parents won’t let me go to Confession. I wouldn’t say it’s “impossible” in the truly statistical sense, but insofar that Confession is normally carried out at the time that is on Saturday, it is impossible. After I’m finished with my exams, I’ll try and see if I can arrange another appointment. I have tried to previously (on 3/4 occasions if I remember correctly), but no response has been received.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[JRKH]

Yes, my parents won’t let me go to Confession. I wouldn’t say it’s “impossible” in the truly statistical sense, but insofar that Confession is normally carried out at the time that is on Saturday, it is impossible. After I’m finished with my exams, I’ll try and see if I can arrange another appointment. I have tried to previously (on 3/4 occasions if I remember correctly), but no response has been received.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

This being the case then, for the time being your sincere contrition and prayer for forgiveness is sufficient and your prayers are heard.
Just do try to get to confession as soon as you are able.

Peace
James

 

[Bohm_Bawerk]

This being the case then, for the time being your sincere contrition and prayer for forgiveness is sufficient and your prayers are heard.
Just do try to get to confession as soon as you are able.

Peace
James

I will try . God bless you James, and thanks.

Thank you,
Eugen von Böhm-Bawerk

 

[stuart12]

In fact, it is actual grace that enables one to ask for forgiveness. It is not a case of us being cut off, then deciding that we need to come back to God, Who then gives us grace once we have returned. It is His grace that delights our minds with confidence in Him to turn ourselves back. It is of divine initiative.

 

[EmRose87]

…yes I am contrite, yes I am going to confession ASAP - my question still remains while not having yet made my sacramental confession, is prayer worth while i.e. my rosary, my chaplet of divine mercy, liturgy of the hours, or even mass ( of course I don’t receive, don’t worry)?

 

[stuart12]

…yes I am contrite, yes I am going to confession ASAP - my question still remains while not having yet made my sacramental confession, is prayer worth while i.e. my rosary, my chaplet of divine mercy, liturgy of the hours, or even mass ( of course I don’t receive, don’t worry)?

If you don’t continue to pray the grace of repetence given to you may disappear. Furthermore, you have an obligation to assist at Mass, and if one doesn’t, another mortal sin is committed. A soul that believes that it does not matter to commit a further sin once is the state of mortal sin, does not have proper contrition in the first place.

 

[cviolette]

If you don’t continue to pray the grace of repetence given to you may disappear. Furthermore, you have an obligation to assist at Mass, and if one doesn’t, another mortal sin is committed. A soul that believes that it does not matter to commit a further sin once is the state of mortal sin, does not have proper contrition in the first place.

So if you have committed a mortal sin and do not plan on stopping, should you not bother with confession. For example, if you commit adultery and do not plan on giving up the person, should you stop going to church and confession. Are you being a hypocrite? Even though you are working hard on your other sins and trying to be the best person that you can.

 

[stuart12]

So if you have committed a mortal sin and do not plan on stopping, should you not bother with confession. For example, if you commit adultery and do not plan on giving up the person, should you stop going to church and confession. Are you being a hypocrite? Even though you are working hard on your other sins and trying to be the best person that you can.

You can not be forgiven for a mortal sin if you have no desire to avoid the sin in the future. Contrition is not enough if you plan on committing the same thing over and over again. Such a confession of adultery will not receive valid absolution. Adultery is not a minor sin, adulterers will not enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

 

[JRKH]

…yes I am contrite, yes I am going to confession ASAP - my question still remains while not having yet made my sacramental confession, is prayer worth while i.e. my rosary, my chaplet of divine mercy, liturgy of the hours, or even mass ( of course I don’t receive, don’t worry)?

Yes of course you should continue these things. Prayer IS worthwile…
Look at it like this.
Mortal sin is the wound.
Contrition is the recognition of the wound.
Prayer for forgiveness is “first aid”.
Continued prayer is like salve on the wound to adi healing.
Confession is the “seeing the doctor”.

Just because one hasn’t seen the doctor yet, does not mean the first aid and the salve has no effect.

Peace
James