One will think that the topic of prayer, either for the living or the dead should not raise any form of dust or concerns, certainly not. There are some faiths, or religions that believe that once a man is dead, nothing can be done again. No prayer whatsoever is necessary. In fact, to them, praying is a waste of time.

Such faiths do not believe in the reality of purgatory and they see God as a judge who cannot be appealed. Some even describe their relationship with God as Master-servant relationship. While some just take God like a strict policeman booking the sinners for eternal punishment.

What is the best way to start this discussion? The Church teaches that there are 4 last things. Death, Judgement, hell or heaven. The four last things are very real and the evidences and testimonies of the scripture is copious.

Heb. 9:27 says: Everyone must die once, and after that be judged by God. When you look at Luke 16: 19-31, you will see some similarities also. Pay Special attention to verses 22 & 23 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. v 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.

Reading these scriptures closely suggest the reality of Death and Judgement and Hell (Hades) and heaven (paradise). If anything is not certain, at least Death is and it is a fact. Therefore, we Christians believe that human death closes the state of human life.

Scripture speaks of death in many ways:  as a return to dust (Genesis 3:19); as a departure (2 Timothy 4:6; Philippians 1:23); to be at home (2 Corinthians 5:8-9); a discarding of a tent (2 Peter 1: 13-14); a sleeping (Matthew 9:24, John 11:11-13); a rest (Revelation 14:13); a return to God (Ecclesiastes 12:7); to be with Christ (Philippians 1:23); and to live with Christ (2 Timothy 2:11).

From the foregoing, after Death comes Judgement into condemnation (Hell) or Eternal life (heaven). Regarding Heaven, in Luke 23:43 He (Jesus) replied to him, "Amen, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise." Catholic Christians and all other Christians believe in the blessedness of heaven realized in the possession of God.

Scripture speaks of heaven in many ways: ​as life (Matthew 18:8); ​as eternal life (Matthew 25:46); as the crown of life (James 1:12); as the tree of life (Revelation 2:7); ​as glory (Romans 8:18); as eternal glory (2 Timothy 2:10); as the eternal glory of God (1 Peter 5:10); ​as rest (Hebrews 4:3, 11); as the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8); ​as the Kingdom (Matthew 25: 34); as a dwelling in the heavens (2 Corinthians 5:1); ​as paradise (Luke 23:43)

According to the scriptures, those who are in heaven will have: ​great rewards (Luke 6:23); treasures (Matthew 6:20); an imperishable inheritance incapable of fading or defilement (1 Peter 1:4). Also in heaven the blessed will be with God (Revelation 21:3); ​will be with Christ (Mark 16:19); will be with the angels (Matthew 22:30); will be in the house of the Father where there are many dwelling places (John 14:2); ​are heirs of God, heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17); will see God face to face (1 Corinthians 13:9-12); will see God as he is (1 John 3:2)

Christians believe in the existence of hell because the Bible is clear that hell exists. Scripture speaks of hell in many ways: ​as a place of torment (Luke 16:28), as the netherworld (Luke 16:22), as the abyss (Luke 8:31; Revelation 9:1-2,11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1,3), as a fiery furnace (Matthew 13:42, 50), as a pool of fire (Revelation 20:10, 14), as a fiery pool of burning sulphur (Revelation 19:20), as a pool of fire and sulphur (Revelation 20:10; 21:8), as Tartarus (Greek mythological place of punishment)​​(2 Peter 2:4), as Gehenna or as the fire of Gehenna (Mt 5:22, 29; 10:28; 18:9; 23:33).

This is the simple implication: those in hell are eternally damned and our prayers cannot help them, nor can our good works or supplication as you saw in the Gospel of Luke 16 and in other places where Jesus states clearly that there cannot be a restitution for sins.

As for those is heaven, they are enjoying God’s light and frankly, our prayers are not needed. Rather we need their prayers. They have their eternal reward already.

But is this the only divide we have? Just hell and Heaven? We can’t pray for those in heaven neither can we pray for those in hell. This thus brings us to introduce the term, Purgatory. But you notice, the term "purgatory" is not found in the Bible; but neither are other such important Christian beliefs such as Trinity and Incarnation and many others terminologies used to describe some truth of our Faith.

What is Purgatory according to the teachings of the Catholic Church?

1. Purgatory is defined as a state of being, the continuing process of purgation or purification of the soul after human death.

2. The Catechism of the Catholic Church also has something to say about prayers for the dead, stating: All who die in God’s grace and friendship, but still imperfectly purified, are indeed assured of their eternal salvation; but after death they undergo purification, so as to achieve the holiness necessary to enter the joy of heaven” (1030). Note: these people are in need purification and unification to Christ. So Purgatory is a gift.

All who enter Purgatory are assured of eternal salvation in Heaven, but still have certain imperfections and attachments, whether to people, possessions, position, or other worldly things. These separate us from God and prevent us from experiencing the complete and utter joy God plans for us in Heaven (see CCC 1030-1032). Purgatory is a sign of God's mercy on those who have honestly sought to know God and to do His will in this life and yet die in some degree of bondage to sin or the effects of sin.

Here we rely solely, not on their merit but on the mercy of God. The Church has only two official teachings concerning purgatory: it exists, and our prayers help the souls in purgatory. So we go again, we can’t help or pray for those in Hell, we can’t also pray for those in heaven but we can pray and help those in purgatory. They are in an interim state

God is revealed as perfectly holy and He requires that we be as holy as He is. In Matt 5:48 Jesus said: be perfect as your Heavenly Father is perfect but who can stand in the face of the holiness of God? Psalms 15:1 says: “Lord, who may abide in your tent? Who may dwell on your holy mountain?

The implication is that those who died with some stains of sin cannot be straightforwardly admitted into God’s company. Yet they aren’t damned. They do not have the perfection required. According to Revelation 21:27 ...but nothing unclean will enter it (the City of God), nor any (one) who does abominable things or tells lies. Only those will enter whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

So such ones are deprived of the vision of God because of their sinfulness. But here is the Good news. There is a divine purging fire which can heal them. So we have Hebrews 12:29 describing God has a fire “For our God is a consuming fire.” Also Hebrews 12:6,10 “For whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. ... but he does so for our benefit, in order that we may share his holiness.

Can they pray for themselves or do any Good work to liberate themselves and quickly enter into heaven? No. Can the souls in purgatory fast? Can they attend Mass? Certainly, No. It means they need our help and prayer and I will give us plenty scriptures to show that praying for the dead is a pious thing

2 Macabees 12:42-46: “Turning to supplication, they prayed that the sinful deed might be fully blotted out. The noble Judas warned the soldiers to keep themselves free from sin, for they had seen with their own eyes what had happened because of the sin of those who had fallen. He then took up a collection among all his soldiers, amounting to two thousand silver drachmas, which he sent to Jerusalem to provide for an expiatory sacrifice. In doing this he acted in a very excellent and noble way, inasmuch as he had the resurrection of the dead in view; for if he​ were not expecting the fallen to rise again, it would have been useless and foolish to pray for them in death. But if he did this with a view to the splendid reward that awaits those who had gone to rest in godliness, it was a holy and pious thought. Thus he made atonement for the dead that they might be freed from this sin. (cf. 2 Timothy 1:18). This is the most direct evidence we have but there are others.

So how do we pray for our dead efficaciously? Anointing of the Sick: So much grace, forgiveness, and even healing, can come from receiving this sacrament. If a loved one is nearing death, or even undergoing a serious procedure, consider asking a priest to come administer last rites.

Very important, is the Funeral Mass. The prayers in the funeral liturgy express hope that God will free the person who has died from any burden of sin and prepare a place for him or her in heaven. The funeral Mass comforts family and friends and formally commends the soul of our loved one to God. Graces will abound.

All Souls’ Day: On November 2, we remember everyone who has died. It is a tradition in the Catholic Church to visit a cemetery on that day. It is even possible to receive an indulgence for souls in Purgatory by doing so. (An indulgence removes some or all of the time spent in Purgatory. In order to receive the indulgence, you are asked to be detached from sin, go to Confession, receive Holy Communion, and pray for the Pope, visit a Church or Chapel and pray devoutly.)

Mass: The greatest prayer that we can offer for the dead is the prayer of Christ on the Cross, the sacrifice of the Mass.  That is why we have funeral Masses. You may recall hearing intentions at Mass for people who have died, either before Mass begins or during the intercessions.

Light a Candle: Most Catholic Churches have shrines of Mary, Jesus, and the Saints with candles you can light. This is a beautiful way to ask for their intercession for your loved one.

Pray the Rosary: The Rosary is one of the most powerful prayers available to us. It is particularly powerful in praying for the dead. Note: each Hail Mary even ends with asking for grace in death: “pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”

Anniversary: You can make a special effort to pray for your loved one on the anniversary of his or her death. You could visit the grave and offer special prayers on that day.

Offer it Up: Our days are filled with many little trials and sufferings. We can offer these pains for our loved ones. When something happens, we can say something like, “Jesus, I offer You this pain for this person.” Here, we unite our pain with that of the Christ

Pictures: Keep photographs of your deceased loved ones in your home. Every time you see them, offer a quick prayer for them.

Don’t forget, Purgatory is a place of intense suffering and joy. Suffering because of their apparent separation from God and their burning desire and passion to see him. A Joyful place because of the Hope to see him someday. So, Purgatory, as even though there is a joyful hope of reaching Heaven, the poor souls there still feel the acute pain of their separation from God. Our prayers can help shorten their time in Purgatory. Our prayers can more quickly bring them to the eternal embrace of God in Heaven