Why do we pray for the dead if they're already judged?

[Merton]

When we die aren’t we judged by God at the instant of death? At that moment God decides if we are going to Heaven or Hell. I have even heard Fr. Benedict Groeschel say, “You have heard the saying that he was dead before he hit the ground. Well, he was also judged before he hit the ground.” This all being said, I was just wondering why we put so much emphasis on prayer for someone who has died? Most times we hear of a death many hours or days after it happens and we are asked to pray for the deceased. How do our prayers help when a soul is judged at the moment of death? I know I will hear that God is outside of time so we don’t know when judgement is.

 

[Reginald_Plum]

Merton,

These links should be helpful for understanding the Roman Catholic Church’s teachings on the particular and final judgment and praying for the dead. If you have any further questions or concerns that are not answered by these links, please contact Catholic Answers directly.

Recommended Reading:
Why do we pray for souls in purgatory?
If the souls in purgatory are destined for heaven, why do we pray for them?
He will come again to judge the living…