Adonai Jehovah Roi, Jehovah Ori: Abba:
LORD, is there a purgatory? Thou Alone knowest. Purgatory has been a staple of Catholic doctrine based on the books of Maccabees for centuries, whereas most Protestants and evangelicals deny it vehemently. Yet, one very intelligent and devout Protestant author believed in purgatory, a one C.S. Lewis, who asked, "Doesn't our souls demand it?" There are certain scriptures in even the 66-book Protestant canon that at least hint that there *could* be a purgatory, a place of purification where we go to prior to going to heaven...it's not CALLED by that name, but there seems to be a hint of it...
LORD, I don't honestly know if there's a purgatory or not. I'm not going to be arrogant and snide and claim that it's a doctrine of devils, nor am I going to call it a delusion. The truth of the matter is, that it *might* exist.
And if there is even any remote possibility that purgatory exists, then the ETHICAL thing for me to do, Father, is to pray for this man's release, the father of Carlo's friend.
LORD, Thou knowest. Thou Alone knowest. If the father of Carlo's friend is down there, then grant him peace and swift, speedy release: if he is in purgatory, get him out of there QUICKLY, father, as it's a place of great suffering. Allow him to enter heaven and be with You, Father God...
And if there is no such thing as purgatory, then I ask that You give comfort and love and peace to Carlo and his fatherless friend, and that You make Yourself known to them, and bring them much, much closer to YOU, Father God, where there is all-peace and all-security. And Father, I actually ask this *anyway* even if the father IS in purgatory---that You bring these boys closer to You, Father God...that You grant them Love and Light and Peace and Rest, safe in YOUR arms...
In the Name of Jesus,
Amen.
