Tainted Prayers

[The_Cavalier]

Hello, all! I am seeking some advice concerning prayer. I was wondering whether lying in order to get the time to pray invalidates the prayers one says. For example, if someone lies to get out of something, such as work or a class, in order to free up that time to pray, does that invalidate his prayers?

It’s obvious that the lie isn’t okay, but what about the prayers? Does that Rosary (or whatever prayer was said) need to be repeated to obtain the graces? Maybe that’s not how it works, and I have an incorrect understanding of how prayer works exactly. I don’t know, but I would appreciate any insight. Thanks in advance!

 

[ServusHumilis]

If I had did that I would be mentioning it in confession.

 

[Stephen_says]

I don’t know if it invalidates the prayer, I don’t think that’s how it works, but it’s not a good thing to do.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, you should instead look at your obligation itself as a prayer. Do whatever you do, either work, or school, or even recreation, to the best of your ability, and do it for the glory of God. He would be most pleased with that.

 

[MaryT777]

I don’t know if it invalidates the prayer, I don’t think that’s how it works, but it’s not a good thing to do.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, you should instead look at your obligation itself as a prayer. Do whatever you do, either work, or school, or even recreation, to the best of your ability, and do it for the glory of God. He would be most pleased with that.

This is well said. I don’t think lying to get prayer time is a good practice or habit to get into.
Use the time you have to pray. God understands people need to work and go to school etc.He understands and cares deeply and appreciates the prayers you do engage in.
It’s a great plan to do what you for the Glory of God. That is Faith in action.

God bless you on your prayer journey and I hope you find the time you need to pray as you wish. God Bless,

Mary.

 

[Beryllos]

Does it invalidate your prayers? I suppose the answer depends on why you pray. If you pray as an expression of your love for God, that is excellent. However, when you tell a lie, you act against love and against God, since Jesus said “If you love me, you will keep my commandments” (John 14:15), and also “God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth” (John 4:24). If your words and deeds are not in harmony with your prayers, that does not mean your prayers are invalid, but it does mean that there is a contradiction or inconsistency that is worth examining and correcting.

For someone in that situation, it should be possible to pray without lying. A student could pray before, between, or after classes. An employee could pray before or after work, or at allowed break times. If the government were persecuting Christians, they could pray at home or in other private places. Why lie?