Praying for non-Orthodox

[Baroness]

Please forgive me if this question has already come up, but I couldn't find anything by searching. Anyway, how do we as Orthodox Christians pray for non-Orthodox people (Christian's and non-Christians)? I ask this because I always pray for my family who are not Orthodox, and I pray that they will yield to God's Spirit and give their lives to Him. Some state they're Christian, but in essense do not practice. My concern is this, when I'm asking "Lord have mercy on me a sinner," and then praying "Lord save my family" who am I to say that even being a Christian, I will be saved in the end? And I'm not any better than some of my non-Orthodox friends and relatives. Therefore, how do I pray for them? Should I pray that God will save them, or do I simply pray "God have mercy on them" too??? Any thoughts, ideas and maybe even prayers that you could share are always helpful to me, a sinner. Thank you.

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

To answer your question, as I have been taught, which is monastic and not easy for everyone, I will say this.

From my Spiritual Father, it is best and correct to consider oneself the lowest of the low and to see any one else bathed in God's grace.

Thus, always, always, and may I repeat, always, pray for them. And also, that their living example will somehow by God's grace be assimilated by yourself.

All are God's children, beloved, unique and cherished. He so loves us, that He wishes that we all be saved.

Praying for others, will grant you the gift of true prayer.

[Vasilis Kirikos]

I'm no theologian, but I fail to see how praying for non-Orthodox could possibly be an issue. The Lord taught us to pray for everyone; even for our enemies and those who use and abuse us.
I can, however see how praying with those who are non-Orthodox is an issue. But praying for someone vis-`a-vis praying with someone are two quite different and separate issues.
Vasilis

[Sunny]

Vasilis comment about praying with non-Orthodox brings up a question for me. I'm a former Protestant Evangelical and have lots of evangelical friends who ask to pray with and for me. What is the Orthodox stand on this? (Sometimes close friends ask if they can pray for me while I am speaking to them.)
Sunny

[Hieromonk Ambrose]

I think of the great Saint John of Kronstadt who was a priest in the poorest shipbuilding suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Miracles flowed from him and he was always being called out to visit the sick. Being the true ecumenist that he was ( http://www.monachos.net/mb/clipart/happy.gif ) he never refused to visit non-Orthodox sick people.. there were lots of Baptists and Lutherans in Petersburg. But when he was asked to pray, he used to say: "Yes, let's pray, you pray in your way and I'll pray in mine."

[Fr Seraphim (Black)]

To again, hopefully underline my own post above (# 109), Hieromonk Ambrose has given a very correct answer.

We often used to encounter this question during the Western inspired week of Prayer, which I believe normally occurred sometime in late January.

Pray for all, consider yourself with the deepest humility, and God will find the way.

[Alec Lowly]

Hieromonk Ambrose writes:


I think of the great Saint John of Kronstadt who was a priest in the poorest shipbuilding suburbs of Saint Petersburg. Miracles flowed from him and he was always being called out to visit the sick. Being the true ecumenist that he was ( ) he never refused to visit non-Orthodox sick people.. there were lots of Baptists and Lutherans in Petersburg. But when he was asked to pray, he used to say: "Yes, let's pray, you pray in your way and I'll pray in mine."

Glory to the Lord for His saints! By word and example, they so often shine through the fog of ignorance, malice and false piety!

[Sunny]

Hello to all,
Does anyone know if we can give holy oil to friends or family for them to anoint themselves with when ill if they themselves are not Orthodox? I have a very ill friend who would use it if I gave it to her. Is this improper?
Please pray for me, a sinner.
Sunny

[Katherine]

I don't know if it's correct or not, but my best friend who is Orthodox, gave some holy oil to her brother-in-law who is not Orthodox. Perhaps if the person using the oil still uses it in faith, it is OK, and God can do His work.

[Trudy]

Hello to all,
Does anyone know if we can give holy oil to friends or family for them to anoint themselves with when ill if they themselves are not Orthodox? I have a very ill friend who would use it if I gave it to her. Is this improper?
Please pray for me, a sinner.
Sunny
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last year when my Mother was waiting to undergo surgery for lung cancer, I brought home a little cotton ball with holy oil on it from one of the Lenten Services. She is Roman Catholic.

I took the oil and blessed her with it on her forehead, palms and tops of her hands and did the same with my Father, asking God to strengthen them in the time of crisis.

I then took the cotton ball home with me and burned it in the fireplace, which is the right and proper thing to do with holy things.

I share this story as an example that will perhaps help you. However, keep in mind, I had permission from my priest to do this, as well as his instructions on what to do.

In Christ, Athanasia

[Father David Moser]

Hello to all,
Does anyone know if we can give holy oil to friends or family for them to anoint themselves with when ill if they themselves are not Orthodox?

I just want to chime in here and give you an answer to your question. To the best of my experience and knowledge, there is nothing that is improper about this. There are a couple of "caveats" - first, such things are not "magic" and should be used with prayer and faith in God, not as some potion, charm or talisman; second - do not give such things to people who do not have respect or reverence for things that are holy; third - when you do give these things to people who aren't Orthodox, take time to explain to them about where these things come from and how they fit into what you believe and about the prayers of the saints through whom these things are given, etc.

Fr David Moser

[Sunny]

Thank you to all for your very helpful replies.
Sunny