Losing a loved one can be extremely difficult, and many of us find solace in the belief that they are still watching over us in heaven. But do our loved ones in heaven actually pray for us and see us? This question has been the subject of much debate and speculation among religious and spiritual communities. In this article, we will explore various viewpoints and provide insights into this fascinating topic.
Different Religious Beliefs and Perspectives
It’s crucial to understand that not all religions teach that our loved ones are in Heaven and can pray for us or watch over us.
Christian Views on the Dead
A majority of Christian denominations believe that our loved ones do go to Heaven, and some also believe that their spirits can and do reach out to us.
But the Roman Catholic Church states that the dead cannot communicate with the living and are “at rest.”
Protestantism is a bit more open on the subject. It doesn’t preach that they can help us, but it doesn’t say they can’t, either.
Many churches teach that angels are the ones who watch over us, as they are not humans and have access to God’s will at all times.
There are those who use the miraculous abilities of St. Anthony, claiming that he can help you find lost objects.
Judaism Views on the Dead
The Jewish faith has a very specific set of practices to observe when mourning a loved one. Mourning is broken down into different stages:
- Aninut is the first stage and begins when death occurs and lasts until after burial. During this time, close family members remain in seclusion and do not do much of anything.
- Shiva is a seven-day period of intense mourning, during which mourners refrain from working. Traditionally, shiva is observed by close family members. Friends and other family members visit the home of the mourners to offer condolences.
- Shloshim is a 30-day period beginning with the burial. During this time, mourners return to their normal lives but avoid public places and celebrations. It’s also a time of prayer at home for the deceased.
- Avelut is observed for a parent, spouse or child. It lasts for 12 months from when the family member died.
Judaism has strict rules regarding mourning, including what actions you take during the different stages, such as sitting shiva or praying every night for 11 months after death. But there aren’t practices for communicating with those who have passed away or for asking them to pray for you.
Interceding for Us: Prayers from Heaven
When someone’s earthly life ends, their spiritual life continues in the afterlife. While many Christians believe in the concept of heaven, it is not a location that can be mapped or located within our universe. It exists in a different plane of reality that is accessible to those who are already with the Lord.
Still, even though our late family and friends are not with us physically, we can take comfort in knowing that they are still looking out for us. While it is hard to prove whether or not our loved ones can see us from heaven, it is generally accepted as one of the Christian beliefs about the afterlife.
From what we know about heaven, it is a place of joy and rejoicing. The people who make it to heaven get to spend their days worshipping the Lord almighty and experiencing the kind of peace that surpasses all understanding. However, scripture also implies that those in heaven are still aware of what happens on earth.
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Both men died and went to different versions of the afterlife. The rich man was tormented in hell while Lazarus found comfort in Abraham’s bosom. The rich man pleaded with Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue with water, but Abraham explains that this will not be possible. He does say that those who wanted to visit their family on earth could not do so because of their unbelief.
“And besides all this, between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us.” – Luke 16:26
This verse implies that while people in hell cannot reach out for help, those who make it to heaven are still aware of what happens on earth. Although they cannot do anything to help us directly, scripture suggests that they find joy in watching over us from above.
Can Those In Heaven Intercede On Our Behalf?
While we have established that our loved ones pray for us in heaven, many Christians are still confused as to whether we can ask for their intercessions. This idea is often met with skepticism because some people think it sounds too much like praying for the dead.
The practice of praying for the dead is common in Catholicism and Eastern Orthodoxy. Believers send their prayers directly to a relative or friend who has passed onto the afterlife.
In certain denominations, there are designated saints who people can turn to for intercession prayers. Certain saints are known for watching over special occasions or events on earth. For example, St. Matthew is considered one of the patron saints of policemen while St. Francis is known for watching over animals.
While many Christians believe we can pray for intercession, we should never feel the need to do so simply because we think our loved ones are stuck in purgatory. Regardless of our beliefs about the spiritual realm outside of heaven and hell, everyone who makes it to heaven gets to experience real joy alongside Jesus Christ.
Divine Knowledge and Awareness
John 21:17 delivers another hint. Jesus asks Peter three times, “Do you love Me?” And when Peter replies, Jesus offers three different responses:
- “Feed My lambs.”
- “Tend My sheep.”
- “Feed My sheep.”
Scholars believe this dialogue is a reference to the disciples carrying on Jesus’ ministry from earth to heaven. In addition, this may highlight the responsibilities of deceased loved ones who oversee our well-being and spiritually shepherd us on earth.
Another key passage found in Revelations 6:9-11 speaks to the suffering of martyrs. John wrote that he saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held.” As they cried out for vengeance, “each of them was given a white robe; and they were told that they should rest a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who would be killed as they were was completed.”
This record illustrates how it’s possible for those in heaven to be aware of earthly events. Even though their prayers are not directly mentioned, there is comfort in knowing that those who have passed on are aware and seeking justice for injustices or persecution experienced by their loved ones.
There are additional references to prayer in other books of the Bible that suggest a connection between life on earth and in heaven:
- Revelations 5:8 (NKJV): “Now when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each having a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.”
- Revelations 8:3 (NKJV) – “Then another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne.”
- 1 Thessalonians 4:13 (NKJV) – “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope.”
- 2 Maccabees 15:14 – “Then Onias spoke to him suddenly as if he had not been dead…”
Unanswered Questions and Mystery
It is easy to understand why many Christians wonder about such things. And we can also understand why the biblical writers said so little about heaven.
If we consider all of the testimonies about heaven in ancient times, it’s clear that the Bible has revealed very little. And considering that ancient testimony captivates our imagination just as much as books and traditions written by humans, the Bible is mainly silent about heaven. This is for good reason.
But that doesn’t mean we have no basis to think about the question. If 2 Corinthians 12:2-4 were written by a less important figure than the apostle Paul, who had been taken up to the third heaven, we could probably chalk it up to a quirky belief that might not be true. But given who wrote this and what he wrote, we have good cause to think there is something substantial here.
What are we to make of this?
There are lots of things in life—even in the Bible—about which we need to say “I don’t know.” What happened to Elvis? I don’t know. What’s the capital of Botswana? I don’t know. What happened to Jesus between ages 12 and 30? I don’t know.
As much as we might want to know Elvis’ whereabouts or more about Jesus’ life before His public ministry, we can only make educated guesses at best. But when it comes to some questions—like whether or not our loved ones see us and pray for us from heaven—there are other important questions that need answers first.
The most important questions are: What are we supposed to believe about God? And what do we actually believe about this world? Or more succinctly: What do you mean by “God” and “heaven”?
In fact, it’s crucial that we work out good answers to these questions first so that we can trust ourselves and our loved ones to God.
What do you mean by “God”?
What is God like? Is God smart enough to handle a prayer from a loved one on earth while His church is battling COVID-19 (or any other matter) at sixes and sevens? Or is God just waiting for more people to pray?
If you or someone you know believes God needs more people praying in order to respond then maybe you should have doubts about whether or not your deceased loved ones will pray for you.
What do you mean by “heaven”?
What is heaven like? On earth there are places that are simply so wonderful and powerful that they humble us. There are places of pristine beauty, like Kinderdijk in the Netherlands, which inspire wonder at nature’s beauty. There are also holy sites, like Taizé in France or the Western Wall in Jerusalem, which inspire wonder at God’s beauty.
We can only imagine what a place must be like if a burst of beauty has the power to humble us. We can imagine and wonder what our response would be if we went there ourselves.
Comfort and Support in Believing
The idea that our loved ones are up there in Heaven praying for us is a concept that brings comfort to many. After all, their love for you doesn’t just stop when they pass. It continues on in spirit up there as you carry their love here through memory.
At the same time it’s not an altogether biblical concept. There are no passages in the Bible that explicitly state dead relatives are looking over us and praying for our well-being on Earth.
But we believe that it is well within God’s ability to allow spirits in Heaven to see and pray for the goings-on of loved ones on Earth. We’ve actually covered this topic earlier on and here we’ll be unpacking the spiritual context of the question.
God is able to do anything so it would not impossible for late loved ones to pray for and see us from their heavenly home. This isn’t something we can prove or disprove because of its supernatural and spiritual nature.
Some Christians also believe that these prayers are unnecessary because we can go directly to God through Jesus Christ. After all, there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Jesus.
The verses found in Romans 8:26-27 could also suggest that the Holy Spirit acts as an intermediary between us here on Earth and God:
End Time Comfort
In this passage, spirits in Heaven have the ability to speak with God about individuals here on Earth. Now this part of the passage could be taken as a one-off reference, since there aren’t other Bible verses that match this description.
But taking these verses at their face value could suggest a potential link between our loved ones in Heaven and us here on Earth. And this is the message that bring many people comfort during times of tragedy.
Are Dead Relatives Watching Over Us?
In short, this a topic up for discussion. This isn’t something we can prove right now but for many people the thought of it bring them comfort.
We won’t know what happens when we die until we go through with it ourselves. But what you will definitely be bringing with you into the afterlife is your love for your living family members.
Signs and Messages from Heaven
When a loved one dies, we often hope to receive a positive sign or message from beyond to give us comfort that they are okay and still with us.
These signs can come in many forms, like seeing a familiar bird visiting your backyard, finding small coins around the house or feeling a comforting presence when there is no logical explanation for it.
So, are these signs from Heaven? Can loved ones in Heaven send us messages?
In the Bible, angels are often sent by God to deliver messages directly from Heaven to various people on earth. To get up to speed on this topic, read our article on the significance of 333 in the Bible.
But what if these “angels” aren’t really angels at all? According to Bible scripture, earthly people (specifically souls) may also be selected by God to back and forth between heaven and earth. One example of is Moses who worked as an intermediary between God and the people of Israel after God spoke to him through a burning bush.
All of this creates a bit of confusion about whether or not souls who have gone on to Heaven can communicate with us and/or perform other kinds of physical tasks like moving objects.
To find tons of real life examples of this phenomenon, all you have to do is look at books on reports of near death experiences. It is not uncommon for those who have died and come back to life to tell stories about watching over their loved ones from the afterlife. Although there are more examples that suggest there is some kind of communication taking place here, there are some people who think that these events are nothing more than the person’s overactive imagination at work.
In reality, we’ll probably never know for sure whether or not these stories are true until we die and pass over into the afterlife ourselves.
To learn even more about how your deceased relatives may communicate with you from Heaven, check out our article on the best songs about spirits and death! It’s definitely worth a read! You can also visit us at Soul Cycle!
Scientific and Skeptical Viewpoints
For those of us who are more scientifically minded, the idea of communicating with the dead is one to be skeptical of.
This doesn’t necessarily mean communication with the dead is not possible. It may just not manifest in the way that so many people claim. And it could be something that is beyond our understanding as humans.
So whether you’re a skeptic at heart, or looking to have a more intellectual conversation about the topic, here are some things to consider.
How Can Loved Ones in Heaven Hear or See Us When They are No Longer On Earth?
What happens when we die? Where do our spirits go? While we can’t say for certain, there are many thoughts and theories about the afterlife among different cultures and religions. For instance:
- In Christianity, heaven is thought to be a place where those who have accepted God live for eternity after death. There is no pain, suffering or evil.
- In Judaism, the afterlife takes many forms. Some believe in heaven and hell; while others believe in reincarnation.
- Buddhism teaches that based on what type of life you live, you are reincarnated into a new life. After you have achieved enlightenment, your soul reaches Nirvana.
- Meanwhile in Hinduism, it is believed that every living being has an atman (soul). When someone dies, their soul leaves their body and enters a new one. This cycle keeps repeating until Moksha (liberation) from this cycle of birth and rebirth is attained.
While many religions discuss how we go to heaven or our own version of paradise after death, communication between heaven and earth is a completely different concept. And it’s one that can be difficult to explain for both science and faith.
One theory on how communication between earth and heaven can happen was discussed by scientists at Princeton University in 2006. The Princeton Engineering Anomalies Research (PEAR) lab had been studying mental influence on machines, and they found that human intention can cause unexpected changes in data under controlled conditions.
Is it Possible For Mediums To Contact Loved Ones in Heaven?
Certain religious texts and spiritual beliefs claim it’s possible to communicate with those who have passed on to the next realm. But a lot of skeptics question these claims.
The age-old debate between science and faith comes from the fact that faith can’t be measured. Scientists want evidence before believing in something that could potentially change the way we understand life on earth.
Likewise, psychics and mediums like Theresa Caputo connect individuals with their loved ones in heaven with messages that are too personal or specific to be general statements or lucky guesses.
Ultimately, proof of contact with loved ones in heaven has been found in past-life regression studies.
A study from 2016 examined experiences of people who have gone through past-life regression therapy. Many participants reported that they observed events while they were unconscious or brain dead during surgery.
While these experiences cannot be verified as true contact with loved ones who have passed on, they have been beneficial for those who have lost loved ones. It gives them hope that there is an afterlife beyond this one.
Finding Peace and Healing
If your loved one is in heaven, they are completely healed and living in the most beautiful place imaginable. The natural reaction to losing a loved one is to wish they were here in person with us. But when we know the truth of what’s waiting for us in heaven, we can learn to let go of the pain and anger in our hearts and start to heal.
It’s hard to imagine when we’re grieving that there will be a day when the pain feels less sharp. But if we cling to our faith and keep our hearts open, we will eventually find peace.
In the meantime, if you feel alone and are looking for a way to connect with your loved one who has already made their way to heaven, there are a few things you can try:
1. Create a Connection
If you’ve lost someone close to you, create a connection that helps make them feel near. Whether you talk about good memories or set up an altar in your house where you can sit and reflect, find a way to stay connected. His Word tells us when we gather together to reflect on Jesus’ life, He’s present with us (Matthew 18:20). The same principle applies to our loved ones in heaven.
2. Keep Their Memory Alive
Find ways to keep their memory alive so they can live on in your heart. You might:
- Create a memory book
- Plant a tree in their honor
- Donate to charity
- Have their handwriting made into a piece of jewelry
Doing these things keeps their memory alive in your heart and helps them be near.
3. Spiritually Connect with Them
The Bible tells us that those who have died in Christ are still alive (Romans 8:37-39). God created us as spiritual beings with an inner nature (2 Corinthians 4:16-18). Our inner being doesn’t die when our bodies do (2 Corinthians 5:1). Your loved ones may not be physically present, but you can connect with them on a spiritual level through prayer and reflection.
In conclusion, the question of whether our loved ones in heaven pray for us and see us is a deeply personal and subjective matter. Different religious and spiritual beliefs offer varying perspectives on this topic, and ultimately, it is up to each individual to find their own comfort and understanding. Whether we believe that our loved ones are actively praying for us and keeping an eye on us from heaven or not, the important thing is to cherish their memory and continue to honor them in our own ways.
