Those not validly baptized, does God hear

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and answer their prayers? Are they without any help or aid from the divine?

Does the Catholic Church have a stance on this? Or does it pretty much contain itself to validly baptized peoples only?

TIA.
 
Marie5890 said:
and answer their prayers? Are they without any help or aid from the divine?

Does the Catholic Church have a stance on this? Or does it pretty much contain itself to validly baptized peoples only?

TIA.
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Good question. I tend to think God answers prayers as a way of drawing us closer to him, somehow. Likewise, Jesus’ main if not only purpose in performing miracles was to establish or prove his divine filiation. I would think that he would only answer prayers if he felt a desire for a relation, as opposed to a mere desire to get a wish granted. Mere speculation here. I have heard the “God loves all his children”, but I don’t know what those words mean. I see fathers who love their children because of what they do for and with their children, because of how they talk about their children, God’s love is not as readily apparent.
 
Robertanthony said:
Good question. I tend to think God answers prayers as a way of drawing us closer to him, somehow. Likewise, Jesus’ main if not only purpose in performing miracles was to establish or prove his divine filiation. I would think that he would only answer prayers if he felt a desire for a relation, as opposed to a mere desire to get a wish granted. Mere speculation here. I have heard the “God loves all his children”, but I don’t know what those words mean. I see fathers who love their children because of what they do for and with their children, because of how they talk about their children, God’s love is not as readily apparent.
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I like what you have to say here. I am of the opinion that one is more likely to have a relationship with God and have prayers answered when they show that they really want God. For example, for a long time I struggled to believe (and still struggle) and would tell myself I really wanted God, but then I would willingly choose to act in ways contrary to the will of God. When I started to actually work to align my actions with God’s will I noticed a difference.
 
Yes, God does give graces to the unbaptized.

For example:
Lumen Gentium:
  1. This Sacred Council wishes to turn its attention firstly to the Catholic faithful… They are fully incorporated in the society of the Church who, possessing the Spirit of Christ accept her entire system and all the means of salvation given to her, and are united with her as part of her visible bodily structure and through her with Christ, who rules her through the Supreme Pontiff and the bishops…
Catechumens [seeking baptism into the Church] who, moved by the Holy Spirit, seek with explicit intention to be incorporated into the Church are by that very intention joined with her. With love and solicitude Mother Church already embraces them as her own.
  1. The Church recognizes that in many ways she is linked with those who, being baptized, are honored with the name of Christian, though they do not profess the faith in its entirety or do not preserve unity of communion with the successor of Peter… They also share with us in prayer and other spiritual benefits. Likewise we can say that in some real way they are joined with us in the Holy Spirit, for to them too He gives His gifts and graces whereby He is operative among them with His sanctifying power…
  2. Finally, those who have not yet received the Gospel are related in various ways to the people of God. In the first place we must recall the {Jewish} people to whom the testament and the promises were given and from whom Christ was born according to the flesh. On account of their fathers this people remains most dear to God, for God does not repent of the gifts He makes nor of the calls He issues. But the plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator. In the first place amongst these there are the Muslims, who, professing to hold the faith of Abraham, along with us adore the one and merciful God, who on the last day will judge mankind. Nor is God far distant from those who in shadows and images seek the unknown God, for it is He who gives to all men life and breath and all things, and as Saviour wills that all men be saved. Those also can attain to salvation who through no fault of their own do not know the Gospel of Christ or His Church, yet sincerely seek God and moved by grace strive by their deeds to do His will as it is known to them through the dictates of conscience. Nor does Divine Providence deny the helps necessary for salvation to those who, without blame on their part, have not yet arrived at an explicit knowledge of God and with His grace strive to live a good life. Whatever good or truth is found amongst them is looked upon by the Church as a preparation for the Gospel. She knows that it is given by Him who enlightens all men so that they may finally have life…
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aspirant said:
Yes, God does give graces to the unbaptized.

For example:
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Thanks aspirant. Very helpful and important documentation.

I am always reminded of what my pastor tells us, “intent MATTERS, not just actions, not just words, but our intentions as well”

And he often times is referring to those other than Catholics specifically and Christians generally. 🙂
 
Marie5890 said:
and answer their prayers? Are they without any help or aid from the divine?

Does the Catholic Church have a stance on this? Or does it pretty much contain itself to validly baptized peoples only?

TIA.
Click to expand...
The bible says God knows every single hair on our head, With that said, God knows everything and hears everything. God is God.

God loves everyone. But the problem is not everyone accepts or loves God.

God hears all prayers and answers all prayers. The problem is sometimes God does not answer the prayers the way we want them to be answered. That is why many deny God because sometimes he just says No. No one wants to hear No.
 
Out of mercy, God hears the prayers of the unregenerate who seek him; but he obligates himself to hear the prayers of his spiritually adopted sons. So in a sense, being baptized gives us a “right” to be heard – not an inherent right, but a right that God grants those bound to him through sanctifying grace and supernatural charity. Whereas the unbaptized, not having sanctifying grace, have no right to be heard, but depend utterly on God’s mercy.
 
Ad_Orientem said:
Out of mercy, God hears the prayers of the unregenerate who seek him; but he obligates himself to hear the prayers of his spiritually adopted sons. So in a sense, being baptized gives us a “right” to be heard – not an inherent right, but a right that God grants those bound to him through sanctifying grace and supernatural charity. Whereas the unbaptized, not having sanctifying grace, have no right to be heard, but depend utterly on God’s mercy.
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Mmm, never thought of the idea of God being obligated to do anything. Interesting. 🙂
 
In Romans, Paul speaks of humanity that can recognize God’s works in reason and intellect, and in nature.

One can decide to choose evil after reflecting on God’s creation, and another can deem to do good and treat one’s neighbor as himself.

Vatican II “Lumen Gentium” speaks about people of good will, who have universal charity for all fellow human beings and treats them accordingly, and likewise share in the walk in salvation.

Sometimes I think of such people as what Paul also says in regards to a Christian marrying a non-believer, that our loving union with a non-believer makes them holy. And I privately believe that our union and working together with non-believers extends Christ’s holiness into the world.
 
Marie5890 said:
and answer their prayers? Are they without any help or aid from the divine?

Does the Catholic Church have a stance on this? Or does it pretty much contain itself to validly baptized peoples only?

TIA.
Click to expand...
God reaches out to all but not all respond. I think the question is are those whom have not been Baptized with the proper form, thus impeding the conferral of the Sacrament, are they capable communication with God? The big question here is invincible ignorance. A Catholic with a formed conscience who commits to a apostate church is not in good shape because they do know and are acting against their conscience. One that simply is invincibly ignorant? An Orthodox priest one time told me the Church is the Ark and if you are in it then it is safe to assume that God hears your prayers but if you are in the flood and trying to swim in the ocean of carnality of heresy than not so good…I often speak with persons that have invalid baptism because the baptism lacked form and I try to educate them that Christ commanded us to go forth Baptizing in the Name of the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit. along with the evidence contained in the Acts and Pauline Epistles. But some have simply not the capacity to accept this so I would recommend pray for them to know the truth. If they are honest with themselves and not lazy they will understand that the true church is the One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Any church that lacks those 4 marks are heretical at best. Reach out to them with the Three essential creeds: Apostle’s, Nicene and Anthenasian.
He is Risen Indeed!
Fr. Patrick, I.O.C.C., C-GC
 
Welcome, Fr Patrick and thank you for the Church’s pastoral care of souls.
 
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