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"If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life for those who commit sin not leading to death. There is sin leading to death. I do not say that he should pray about that. All unrighteousness is sin, and there is sin not leading to death" (1 John 5:16-17).

Two possible interpretations could be:

1. The only sin leading to death is the one which has not been repented from; and so we should pray for everyone, no matter what, until the last breath in their lives. After their death there would be no point in praying as the sins a person dies with, he dies with. Although someone pointed out that God who is above time would know that we are praying for a person after his death and may as a result of those prayers do something in his lifetime; hence one of the reasons (but not the only reason) why we pray for the departed.


2. The reference to death here is a reference to physical death, and whilst St. John is not necessarily asking us to pray for physical healing, the prayer for spiritual healing should continue...

The most acceptable interpretation of this verse is (i). However, when we pray for the departed, we ask God to have mercy upon them. We will all stand in judgment before God's throne; and will have nothing but His mercy. Therefore, we pray now for God's mercy and care for all the living and their needs, a repentant heart for all, as well as, mercy on the departed faithful.