My question regarding praying to Saints and Mary

[NMHS]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

 

[ibkc]

We do not pray to Mary and the saints with the expectation that they have the power to do anything directly. We pray to them to ask them to pray for us, just as you’d ask a neighbor to pray for you. And, we also pray directly to God and Jesus. The more prayers, the better. Right? Isn’t it wonderful, the idea of millions of saints in heaven praying for us?

 

[1edyson]

Too many tracts to post one by one so here is the link
catholic.com/library/mary_saints.asp
Mary and the Bible
Communion of Saints

I will agree that many Catholics often overemphasize their devotion to the saints and especially to Mary, but the teaching of the church is and has always been that we worship and pray to God Alone. We ask the saints ans Mary to Pray FOR us. The intercession they provide is the same as the intercession you would provide me if I asked you to pray to God for me that my grandmother is sick. The only difference is that we know the Saints and Mary are in Heaven, and that they are not separated from God by Sin, like we are here on Earth. But the cornerstone to any Catholic Christian prayers is Christ, and all of it needs to be Christ Centered.

 

[ralphinal]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

I am happy that you found peace in Christ. I accept your appology up front but I doubt that you will offend me.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

It does seem that way sometimes. Not all Catholics are this way. Some do not pray at all! Naturally, those with the strongest prayer lives pray to The Father, The SOn, the Holy Spirit and the Communion of saints. I will answer the rest later…

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

It should be through Mary TO JEsus TO the Father. Some stop at step one.

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

The best prayer life would contain prayers to saints as well as to God. Many pray to saints first out of habit or nature. Some people feel more comfortable approaching God than others. Some do it for cultural reasons. FOr example, I am Italian/Irish. My Catholicism comes from the Italian side. Praying to Mary is almost default for them. It does not mean that my family does not pray directly to God, they do. But, there is a cultural emphasis on a devotion to Mary.

We are told in the Bible to pray for each other at all times. We know that we can ask other Christians to pray for us. Likewise, we understand that the saints in heaven are alive and aware and able to us. Asking for their prayers is like me asking you for yours.

I hope that this helps some.

 

[emarc]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

you’ll find a lot of good answers to your questions right on this site’s archives. but your question why it seems more are praying to saints and to Mother Mary may not be accurate. for one, all catholics pray directly to God, the prayer Jesus taught us to pray. when Catholics pray to Mother Mary for intercession, we are not bypassing Jesus. her intercession is powerful being his Mother (remember the wedding feast at cana?). it’s also clear in the Scriptures that saints in heaven will intercede for us before the throne of Christ in heaven (Rev 8:3-4).
God bless.

 

[Jimmy_B]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

Hello NMHS,

Welcome to CAF.

For someone who has “been a Catholic for two years now”, I am surprised by your question here.

Did you attend an RCIA program?

Assuming that you attend Mass, then you know that Catholicism is focused on Christ and that Catholics do pray “directly” to God.

Peace

 

[Randy_Carson]

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

Lots of questions. Let me begin answering with the following:

Can We “Pray” to Saints?

Many people believe that it is wrong to “pray” to saints and suggest that prayer should be offered to God alone. While Catholics agree that worship is due to God alone, it is not correct to suggest that we cannot pray to our fellow believers who have gone to heaven before us. The difference in opinion hinges on the definition and usage of the word “pray”. Let’s examine the meaning of this word to resolve this dispute.

Two Meanings, One Word

When we speaking of prayer to God and when we say we’re praying to a saint, we’re talking about two very different types of prayer. However, we use the same word for both in English.

Prayer to God includes worship which is never given to saints while prayer to the saints can include honor that is their due but never worship. Part of our difficulty in understanding one another when speaking of prayer is simply due to semantics.

According to a dictionary definition of “prayer”, the word can mean worship of God, but it also means petition or intercession given to a man. This latter definition is what Catholics mean when they speaking of praying to a saint.

In former times, speakers of Old English would often use phrases such as “Pray tell” or “I pray thee” in everyday speech when speaking to one another. An example of this is found in the King James Version of the Bible which was written in Old English. In 1 Kings 20, we read the following exchange between King Solomon and his mother, Bathsheba:

Then she said, “I desire one small petition of thee; I pray thee, say me not nay.” And the king said unto her, “Ask on, my mother: for I will not say thee nay.”

While this language may sound strange to our modern ears, we can see from this example that one person, speaking to another person, uses the word “pray” in a manner which obviously does not mean communication with God alone.

Necromancy

Another charge leveled against Catholic prayers to saints concerns the prohibition against necromancy which is found in Deuteronomy 18:10-11. However, reading the verse in context, it is clear that God is prohibiting the practice of communicating with the dead through mediums or conjuring up the dead as Saul did through the witch of Endor in 1 Samuel 28.

On the other hand, the Bible does not condemn all communication with the dead. This becomes obvious when we consider that Jesus Himself spoke with the “dead” at the Transfiguration recorded in Matthew 17 where we read:

“After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.” (Matthew 17:1-3)

Additionally, when David asked the angels of heaven to bless the Lord, this also was not offensive to God (Ps.103:20–21). Likewise, when a Catholic asks St. Peter to pray for him, he is not conjuring up a spirit from Hades in order to acquire secret knowledge. After all, those in heaven are “like the angels,” and are more alive than we are, since the Lord is “not God of the dead, but of the living” (Luke 20:36–38). So, if it does not offend God when a Catholic says “St. Peter, pray for me,” we should all rejoice that God has given us the gift of Peter’s prayers.

Can they hear us?

Another charge made is that the saints in heaven cannot even hear our prayers, making it useless to ask for their intercession. However, this is not true. As Scripture indicates, those in heaven are aware of the prayers of those on earth. This can be seen, for example, in Revelation 5:8, where John depicts the saints in heaven offering our prayers to God under the form of “golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” But if the saints in heaven are offering our prayers to God, then they must be aware of our prayers. They are aware of our petitions and present them to God by interceding for us.

Some might try to argue that in this passage the prayers being offered were not addressed to the saints in heaven, but directly to God. Yet this argument would only strengthen the fact that those in heaven can hear our prayers, for then the saints would be aware of our prayers even when they are not directed to them!

In any event, it is clear from Revelation 5:8 that the saints in heaven do actively intercede for us. We are explicitly told by John that the incense they offer to God are the prayers of the saints. Prayers are not physical things and cannot be physically offered to God. Thus the saints in heaven are offering our prayers to God mentally. In other words, they are interceding.

 

[Della]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

Welc:wave:me to CAF!

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

We’re all here to learn no matter who we are or how long we’ve been Catholics, so you’re in good company. And many of us had similar experiences of finding Christ in Protestant churches, so we know what you mean. In the Catholic Church such experiences are called “an awakening to faith”–it’s the sort of thing that happened to some of our greatest saints, such as St. Francis of Assisi. Whatever brings us closer to God is a good thing.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Others have addressed praying to saints, so I’ll come from a little bit different angle here. Before Vatican II many people were brought up praying the rosary at home, and other popular devotions to the saints. Most people didn’t pray the Liturgy of the Hours, which is the official prayer of the Church, except for priests and religious, especially since the prayers were in Latin. But, the Church has been encouraging the faithful to pray some part of the LOTH in our private devotional life at home. Praying the LOTH puts such things as devotion to Mary and the Saints in their proper context, besides keeping us centered in the liturgical life of the Church. Devotions such as the rosary and other such devotions take on fresh meaning when we pray the LOTH. They are private prayers and devotions that have their roots the public prayer of the Church.

There are many versions of the LOTH for lay people from the very simple to a 4 volume set used by priests and religious in the vernacular. Personally, I recommend Magnificat Magazine which has Morning/Evening Prayer and a whole lot more. It’s perfect for families to use together. But, as I said there are other versions you can use–just ask your priest about it.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

You have been very respectful in your approach, so don’t worry about that. There’s no such thing as a wrong question, and those of us who have preceded you into the Faith are only too happy to help you out, as best we can. God bless you and your family.

 

[NMHS]

Thanks for the replies, the insights and the literature. I have been Catholic for a couple years now, but at the time in my life that I attended RCIA I wasnt in the state to dig to deep into Catholicism. I wish I would have I had a great teacher. My wife knows the routine of the Church but not the why. So I am seeking the why. I have noticed some parishoners over emphasize there prayers to the Saints and Mary so that is why I asked this question. Thanks!

 

[1edyson]

Thanks for the replies, the insights and the literature. I have been Catholic for a couple years now, but at the time in my life that I attended RCIA I wasnt in the state to dig to deep into Catholicism. I wish I would have I had a great teacher. My wife knows the routine of the Church but not the why. So I am seeking the why. I have noticed some parishoners over emphasize there prayers to the Saints and Mary so that is why I asked this question. Thanks!

The Why, may God keep you in your journey in finding this! I often times want to shout out during Mass to all the people there, HEY WAKE UP!!! Do you HAVE ANY IDEA WHATS GOING ON HERE! But that wouldn’t be proper church etiquette. Welcome home!

 

[ralphinal]

Thanks for the replies, the insights and the literature. I have been Catholic for a couple years now, but at the time in my life that I attended RCIA I wasnt in the state to dig to deep into Catholicism. I wish I would have I had a great teacher. My wife knows the routine of the Church but not the why. So I am seeking the why. I have noticed some parishoners over emphasize there prayers to the Saints and Mary so that is why I asked this question. Thanks!

Just keep looking. Perhaps had you had a better teacher, you would not have stuck to it.

We are here to help. PM me anytime.

 

[CHESTERTONRULES]

First time poster here.

First off this is not a post to bash anything or anyone, I couldn’t find the right forum topic to post this so here it is.

I have been a Catholic for two years now and I enjoy this site, as I am learning a lot about the Catholic church. I was saved in a protestant church at the age of 15. I must say for the anti-protestants that I was truly saved in a protestant church, it was an experience that words cannot explain. Anyway, I am Catholic now and this topic is one I am still struggling to understand. So since there are a few topics regarding this in here I felt this was a good place to start. I am here to try and understand these topics more and not condemn them so if it appers that my post seems that way I apolagize up front.

Doesn’t it seem that sometimes there are more catholics praying to the saints or Mary for intercession than praying directly to God or Jesus (this has been my experience). I have seen where Catholics pray to a Saint for something for so long and wonder why there prayer hasn’t been answered, why wouldn’t that person want to go directly to God, instead of praying really hard through a Saint or Mary? Why do some Catholics put so much emphasis on praying to saints than to God?

My wife is Catholic and it seems she puts more emphasis on the role of Mary and her assistance than that of God or Jesus. Shouldn’t it be the other way around, God and Jesus first? I

Why is when there are problems a Catholic will say pray to Mary or the Saint but I seldom hear a Catholic say pray to God or Jesus.

I see more mention of praying to Mary than directly to God or Jesus? But I also see the other side of this too.

Again, I am not anti-Catholic, I am just seeking answers to questions, or your opinion?

Please know that I am not trying to stir the pot, just seeking answers to some questions?

Thank you, NMHS

I am a convert as well.

Here are some of my thoughts:

The Saints can pray for us continually and with more understanding than we possess.

I believe that we will experience time differently after death. For this reason, our one request for intercession could be multiplied through the Saint’s prayers.

Intercessory prayer seems to bring results.

The bible tells us that the prayer of a righteous man is effective.

Anything of value for you here?

 

[look3467]

NMHS, Hi

There is this thing about the heart that cries out for help, comfort and or peace, but may not be sure just how to form the prayer.

Verse in mind is: Rom 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Therefore my friend, it is my belief that when you pray from your Heart, the Holy Spirit will fine tune your prayers to make it as sweet incense unto God.

Your choice as to how and to whom you address your prayers to, if it is from your heart, think not that God is to big that He won’t listen to you.

After all, is He not addressed as Father God?

As for participation in the Catholic church from a protestant one, makes no difference to Him, since He is concerned with you inner man of what it is.

If you demonstrate His love in your actions, then there are no distinctions to whom you direct it.

Allow this love to be expressed by you without reservation as it will be generated from within as good works, worthy, honorable and acceptable unto God.

For it is not you, but God in you doing the works.

Peace>>>AJ

 

[Paladin_V]

I ask Mary for her intercessory prayers quite frequently… I have a tendency to ask her intercession first when I’m suddenly confronted with something (I don’t like flying so you can imagine the Hail Mary’s when we hit some turbulence). When I have time to think, I tend to pray to God first and then commit my prayers to the intercession of Mary.

I do ponder this sometimes though and I like to think of the wedding feast of Cana. Mary is Christ’s mother and despite His not wanting to perform a miracle, He does so at His mother’s request. She is His mom, after all. Therefore, I like to think that with Mary as an advocate, our prayers have an even better chance (if they can be spoken of as a “chance”).

 

[Soutane]

Thanks for the replies, the insights and the literature. I have been Catholic for a couple years now, but at the time in my life that I attended RCIA I wasnt in the state to dig to deep into Catholicism. I wish I would have I had a great teacher. My wife knows the routine of the Church but not the why. So I am seeking the why. I have noticed some parishoners over emphasize there prayers to the Saints and Mary so that is why I asked this question. Thanks!

The most important act of worship or prayer is the mass and if one is paying attention one will realise that it is directed to God alone.Prayer to a Catholic is NOT worship-It is communication or entreaty.TRUE worship to a Catholic occurs at the Altar of the Mass or at Benediction where the Blessed Sacrament is exposed for Adoration.Weekly(or with greater frequency)we Catholics are simultaneously present at the Last Supper,the Crucifixtion and the wedding Feast in Heaven and we literally EAT LIFE-the risen Christ’s transfigured Flesh and Blood and the Soul and Divinity of God HIMSELF.As an extraordinary Minister of the Holy Eucharist I have come close to swooning at the idea of moving God through space and offering Him to my fellow worshippers.Words are not sufficient.

Out of love I suggest to you to resign up for RCIA invite your wife to attend and TO PAY ATTENTION this time