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Pope John Paul stands in heaven, stretching out his hand in greeting, as we ask for his help.

People who are trapped in their sins have no lasting happiness. Those who are enslaved by particular sins or bad habits have confined themselves to even greater isolation and futility. All need the 'outside help' which is God's grace, to achieve freedom and true joy.

The Lord grants the graces of repentance and conversion in different ways, to different souls. This is not only to assist different personalities, but also to show out His own power, His patience, His generosity, and His wisdom. We must persevere in prayer for others, even when there seems to be little hope.

Someone who wants to prepare for Heaven should simply do the Will of God, for love of God - whether it is by labouring, teaching, serving, or praying; or simply offering up her sufferings in sickness, with Jesus, to help souls.

Christ's Holy Mother Mary deserved to be honoured; and there should be visible reminders for us, in our churches, that she who is in Heaven now, praying for us, is God the Father's holy daughter, the Spirit's faithful spouse, the Son's holy and loveable Mother, and our mother too.

It is worthwhile to persist in prayer for people in need, or in great trouble, and to pray even when there seem to be few results and little help. By prayer, a fervent soul can stop another from committing worse sins. By prayer, we can even prevent dying souls from falling into Hell.

In intercession, it is as if God allows one person to descend on a rope to rescue another person who is stranded in a deep shaft underground. Both are dependent on God, but the one praying is in touch with God and the one waiting to be rescued is on a broken ladder, with no way 'up'.

In intercession, it is as if God allows one person to descend on a rope to rescue another person who is stranded in a deep shaft underground. Both are dependent on God, but the one praying is in touch with God and the one waiting to be rescued is on a broken ladder, with no way 'up'.

To persevere in intercession, and help someone to abandon grave sins, is to save him from the fires of Hell.

When someone perseveres in intercession for a person in danger, it's as if someone allows herself to be suspended on a rope and lowered into a mineshaft, to rescue someone trapped on a broken ladder with no way up and only danger below. The 'rescuer' has to be supported from above; but she can invite the endangered person to hold on, and to be brought up high, to light and safety.

If we greet Christ warmly in Holy Communion, we want to see our friends enjoy His love; and we can help them by our prayers, and by 'Christ-within-us' reaching out to include others in His embrace.

I was shown how marvellously worthwhile is the prayer of intercession. It is as if we hold up before God, through a great procession before Heaven, all the individuals we keep in mind. Truly, they receive help from God, through our prayers for them and God's mercy.

As I pray to the Father, in Jesus' name, in the Spirit, asking for help for someone in need, I can be certain that Jesus too prays for that praiseworthy intention, with His whole attention, and His Spirit's love and power.

When we pray to God, in Jesus' name, for help for someone in need, we can be sure that God sends down grace from Heaven, like a stream of glory, to enfold that person in need, to enlighten his mind and strengthen his will to do good - if he will respond and turn to God.

Few books today contain wise words about the 'Four Last Things', which are Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. It is important that people speak about these, and reflect on them. Many will be helped to change the way they live their lives.

Few books today contain wise words about the 'Four Last Things', which are Death, Judgement, Heaven and Hell. It is important that people speak about these, and reflect on them. Many will be helped to change the way they live their lives.

Ever since the time when Christ offered His life for sinners, on Calvary, and prayed for us to be forgiven, that same Sacrifice and sacrificial prayer have been offered by Christ for sinners: in a sacramental manner, all over the world, century by century, at every celebration of the Mass.

A person who is trapped in immorality, to satisfy his appetites, is like a man living deep in the earth, in a small cellar with a trap-door. For a Christian to live like that is shameful - and for a priest to do so is especially tragic - though even the most sinful people can be helped by the intercessions of others.

It is important that when we pray for other people, we pray with confidence and hope. God has foreseen everything that will ever happen. He has already taken account of our prayers, in His plans for souls, and our world. We should trust that when we ask, He helps.

The Lord explained that He delights in giving gifts to those who ask in faith for His help - and He is lavish in His response. This applies to beautiful weather and glorious skies as much spiritual requests.