Question about prayer and mortal sin?

[Mercy_Saved_Me]

When someone has committed a mortal sin and is no longer in a state of grace, how are their prayers affected?

 

[Trishie]

Humbly turn to God and ask pardon and grace. Do restitution if possible.
Trust in God’s mercy, go to Confession when you can.
If your loved one does wrong and humbly, sincerely asks pardon, do you not respond kindly. Should we imagine that God’s mercy is not far greater than that?

Remember: “Cease to do evil. Learn to do good, search for justice, help the oppressed, be just to the orphan, and plead for the widow. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” [Isaiah 1:17-18]

Scripture does suggest we do need to make reparation.
“As by your will you first strayed away from God, so now turn back and search for Him ten times as hard…so will He rescue you and give you eternal joy.” [Baruch 4:21, 4:28]

 

[FightingFat]

When someone has committed a mortal sin and is no longer in a state of grace, how are their prayers affected?

I don’t know that they are affected in terms of how God hears our prayers, but I find it harder to pray when I am separated from Him by my sin.

 

[m134e5]

God knows your heart. If you’re in a state of mortal sin, but are contrite, I don’t think God refuses to listen just because you haven’t physically gone to confession. It’s important when you commit a mortal sin to make an act of contrition right away, to go to confession as soon as possible, and to refrain from receiving the Eucharist until you have gone to confession. If you are a priest, you shouldn’t celebrate Mass while in a state of mortal sin. Those are the only things people should NOT do while in a state of mortal sin (other than die). You should still continue with your devotional life as you would in a state of grace (if not more fervently- and focusing particularly on repentance).

 

[Catholic_Dude]

When someone has committed a mortal sin and is no longer in a state of grace, how are their prayers affected?

Their efficacy shifts from helping you to grow in holiness to helping you be contrite and repent. Passages in Scripture like Psalm 32 and 51 are prayers of David when he fell into mortal sin and was repenting. You should not cease your devotional life at such points however because it is possible that you either didn’t fully fall into mortal sin or that such devotions will still be somewhat efficacious as you continue them in a state of contrition.

It’s something we all struggle with, but to cease prayer at any time, especially in mortal sin, is probably one of the worst things you could do. It’s a form of despair, it hinders reconciliation, and it makes you a sitting duck for the Devil to take you down an even worse path.

If you need Confession soon, check the website MassTimes.org which lists all parishes doing daily confessions in your area. If need be during the weekdays, find the courage to go to the local parish office and ask if a priest is available (it can be humbling, but is also very powerful as far as fostering Christian humility and contrition is concerned).