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In the wake of some of the tragedies that have happened here in the US recently, I was reflecting on a habit that I have. I’m not sure where it came from. Whenever someone passes away I find great solace in saying a prayer for them. This was immensely helpful to me when my grandfather passed away a few months ago. A little after hearing the new I went to a quiet place and prayed for him. I prayed he’d find happiness in the next life. I prayed his soul would find comfort as he learned eternal truths in the next life. I prayed he’d be surrounded by those he loved that had gone before him. I prayed he would be there to greet me when my time comes. I really prayed a lot of things. And somehow I felt connected to my grandfather. Not that he was with me or anything like that. Just that he still “was” and that God could still see him as well as God sees me. I still pray for him every now and then. Same as I did in life. I guess it makes me feel like although he’s gone from this life he hasn’t disappeared from the scope of my reality. Or something like that…
Also, whenever there’s a tragedy I try to make a point to say a prayer for the victims. Even if I come across an article online about a bombing in Pakistan for example my first instinct is to pray for the victims, then for their families. With my grandpa it was a very long prayer but I figure I can give 10 seconds to say a prayer for someone whose death I have read about even if I never knew them.
I’ve always found the words of the Catholic “Requiem Aeternam” to be incredibly beautiful. I don’t necessarily agree with all of their doctrinal justification for it but I don’t let that take away from it.
Anyways, I’ve never been taught one way or the other on this and I did a search on these forums about it and found only some passing mentions to the practice. I was wondering if anyone more knowledgeable than myself had any insight/experience/opinion on this. I know the Church has a lot of ordinances for the dead. I’ve just never heard of simply praying for them.
I think that sounds really nice. Actually, that is the best idea I have heard in a long time. I think I will start making that a habit myself. I don’t understand your question about “this practice”. Are you referring to the Catholic prayer? (If so, could you provide more details? I’m not at all familiar with it.) Are you simply asking if it is ok to pray for the dead? What you’ve described sounds pretty awesome, and I think it’s a pretty cool practice. I can’t think of any reason to stop doing it. I read a book called “The Message” after my brother died about 5 years ago. It’s written by an LDS man with a Near Death Experience. (He has since died.) Anyway, he said that the dead that we know often come to us and support us. In a way, our family members are like the promptings of the Holy Ghost. It’s given me a new perspective. I often wonder if my brother and sister are prompting me, and comforting me in times of distress.
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