The Hail Mary Prayer

[rockytopva]

The Hail Mary Prayer... Or I mean this thread to mean the significance of the last minute prayer. Wernher von Braun, the famous rocket scientist, mentions being invited to church to be met up with a vibrant community. He does not mention church affiliation, only that, "these people make a live, vibrant community." He also hints that he was brought up to believe in the significance of a last minute prayer.

One day in Fort Bliss, a neighbor called and asked if I would like to go to church with him. I accepted, because I wanted to see if the American church was just a country club as I'd been led to expect. Instead, I found a small, white frame building... in the hot Texas sun on a browned-grass lot... Together, these people make a live, vibrant community. This was the first time I really understood that religion was not a cathedral inherited from the past, or a quick prayer at the last minute. To be effective, a religion has to be backed up by discipline and effort. - Wernher von Braun

The first quick prayer at the last minute...

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. - Luke 23:42

The last minute prayer... Recommended? I would say no. If Christ knocks on the door... Open it right then and there!

 

[rockytopva]

But... I believe having been brought up in the military and heard so many things... Many have plans to live their life as they please and try the last minute prayer in the end.

 

[David Lamb]

The Hail Mary Prayer... Or I mean this thread to mean the significance of the last minute prayer. Wernher von Braun, the famous rocket scientist, mentions being invited to church to be met up with a vibrant community. He does not mention church affiliation, only that, "these people make a live, vibrant community." He also hints that he was brought up to believe in the significance of a last minute prayer.

One day in Fort Bliss, a neighbor called and asked if I would like to go to church with him. I accepted, because I wanted to see if the American church was just a country club as I'd been led to expect. Instead, I found a small, white frame building... in the hot Texas sun on a browned-grass lot... Together, these people make a live, vibrant community. This was the first time I really understood that religion was not a cathedral inherited from the past, or a quick prayer at the last minute. To be effective, a religion has to be backed up by discipline and effort. - Wernher von Braun

The first quick prayer at the last minute...

And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. - Luke 23:42

The last minute prayer... Recommended? I would say no. If Christ knocks on the door... Open it right then and there!

Sorry, but not being a Roman Catholic, I am not sure what the connection is between the "Hail Mary" and a last minute prayer.

 

[rockytopva]

Sorry, but not being a Roman Catholic, I am not sure what the connection is between the "Hail Mary" and a last minute prayer.

Again, being brought up in the military I was exposed to "all kinds." My grandfather was a non-Catholic WW2 Army drill sergeant and I would hear him say things like, "And just give them a Hail Mary" as if saying a prayer of last resort. I have also heard of a Christian Craighead, a former British 22 SAS soldier, who before stepping into active gunfire, prayed the traditional Hail Mary. He recounted on the Shawn Ryan Show that it was the first thing that came to mind because of his deep connection to the Blessed Lady. He carried a Bible and a Holy Rosary throughout the 18-hour operation, which helped save over 700 people.

 

[David Lamb]

Again, being brought up in the military I was exposed to "all kinds." My grandfather was a non-Catholic WW2 Army drill sergeant and I would hear him say things like, "And just give them a Hail Mary" as if saying a prayer of last resort. I have also heart of a Christian Craighead, a former British 22 SAS soldier, who before stepping into active gunfire, prayed the traditional Hail Mary. He recounted on the Shawn Ryan Show that it was the first thing that came to mind because of his deep connection to the Blessed Lady. He carried a Bible and a Holy Rosary throughout the 18-hour operation, which helped save over 700 people.

Thanks for explaining.

 

[rockytopva]

Thanks for explaining.

I am also a non-Catholic. Not recommending the last minute prayer and not finding the Hail Mary prayer biblical... But... It is in the minds of many as useful. In my travels I have found many who will live the way they please and then hope for salvation from some kind of last minute prayer. In which I would believe as a gamble.

 

[Mike B]

Many have plans to live their life as they please and try the last minute prayer in the end.

Hope they know that simply repeating a string of words won't save them.

Here in the US, a "hail Mary pass" is a last resort measure in American football.
It's a long pass made in hopes someone from your team catches it and scores a
winning touchdown.

 

[rockytopva]

Deathbed repentance.. The big advantage...

Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17

There is a newness of life that comes with being truly born again. With time and trouble bitterness can arise...

Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled. - Hebrews 12:15
Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. - 2 Timothy 2:3