Praying to the dead for repose/intercession?

[New Jack Swinger]

Hey guys,

I understand that when people who die, who lived a saintly life, people are often encouraged to pray to them for a miracle so that their Sainthood can be recognised. For example, Pope John Paul II passed away, and I'm sure multitudes are now praying for a miracle through his intercession.

Now on a more personal scale, we meet holy priests etc in our lives. I met Hermit Chayna in Lebanon who I believe lived a very holy life (miracles apparently have been reported during his lifetime). Now, Hermit Chayna passed away 2 years ago.

Am I to pray for the repose of his soul or ask for his intercession? I don't know where he has gone too but I can have a good guess, but how or when do we draw the line as to when we should be praying for their soul or asking their intercession, or is it a combinaton of both?

[sandiego]

I think as a communion of saints we are to pray for each other... intercessory prayers are a part of that communion... they intercede for our intentions here on Earth, and we intercede for the salvation of their souls to heaven... they cannot pray for themselves, so we pray to God on their behalf... and for those in purgatory...

[Matthew]

You can do both. If he is in heaven the prayer for his soul may give some other soul relief. If he is in purgatory it is possible for them to make intercession for us as well according to the Catechism (however the theological ranking of this teaching is no more than common theological opinion at most).

[OneFaith]

I say both. Pray for their soul and ask for their intercession. Just in case.