Praying to Saints

[CatherineofA]

I have had something in prayer for a while and I’ve been investigating Catholicism for some time. During prayer, I have never prayed to the saints. Yesterday, I prayed to two. How is the done? I was wondering how it’s done correctly.

 

[Marie5890]

First to clear up the most common error of understanding. You are not praying to the saints. You are asking them to pray for you (intercede)

Just like if you asked a loved one to pray for you. ie “Sis I am having a hard time with _____. Pray for me please?”

Just like that.

When I ask for the Holy Mother’s intercession I approach her and say “Holy Mother, please intercede for me to your Son for _________”

 

[Orchanian]

I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way to pray. Speak from your heart. If it helps for you to know some of the saints prayers, here are a few from a book on Novenas:

O Saint Agatha, who withstood the unw4elcome advances from unwanted suitors, and suffered pain and torture for your devotion to our Lord, we celebrate your faith, dignity, and martyrdom. Protect us against rape and other violations, guard us against breast cancer and other afflictions of women, and inspire us to overcome adversity. O Saint Agatha, virgin and martyr, mercifully grant that we who venerate your sacrifice may recieve your intercession. Amen (mention your request)

O glorious St Joseph, faithful follower of Jesus Christ, to you we raise our hearts and hands to ask your powerful intercession in obtaining from the compassionate heart of Jesus all the helps and graces necessary for our spiritual and temporal welfare, particularly the grace of a happy death, and the special grace for which we now ask (mention your request). O guardian of the Word Incarnate, we feel animated with confidence that your prayers for us will be graciously heard at the throne of God. O glorious St Joseph, through the love you bear for Jesus Christ, and for the glory of his name, hear our prayers and grant our petitions.

You can do a search on line for novenas or for prayers to Saints and get many more. If you have a specific intention, find a saint who is the patron of that intention and look for a prayer to them. But don’t feel that you must say specific words. It’s what’s in your heart that is most important.

Hope that helps!

 

[Adira]

As has already been pointed out, it’s not really praying TO a saint in the same way as praying TO God. It’s requesting the saint intercede for you.

Just like you may ask a person to pray for you, this is essentially what you’re requesting the saint to do.

The saint will take your request(s) and bring them before God.

Hope this Helps

Adira

 

[peary1]

First to clear up the most common error of understanding. You are not praying to the saints. You are asking them to pray for you (intercede)

Just like if you asked a loved one to pray for you. ie “Sis I am having a hard time with _____. Pray for me please?”

Just like that.

When I ask for the Holy Mother’s intercession I approach her and say “Holy Mother, please intercede for me to your Son for _________”

C’mon, Marie…call a spade a spade. OF COURSE we are praying to the saints! When you ask for their intercession, IT IS PRAYER. It is not the same as directing one’s prayer to God, but it is still prayer, but a different type. It’s called INTERCESSORY PRAYER and it has been part of the Church’s teaching since its inception.

 

[Charlie_Zeaiter]

I have had something in prayer for a while and I’ve been investigating Catholicism for some time. During prayer, I have never prayed to the saints. Yesterday, I prayed to two. How is the done? I was wondering how it’s done correctly.

I want to read Frank Sheed’s book Theology and Sanity. (His other book, Theology for Beginners, is wonderful.) The following is taken from Catholic Answers…

A good introduction to the real implications of the afterlife may be found in Frank Sheed’s book Theology and Sanity, which argues that sanity depends on an accurate appreciation of reality, and that includes an accurate appreciation of what heaven is really like. And once that is known, the place of prayer to the saints follows.

catholic.com/library/Praying_to_the_Saints.asp

 

[chris_molter]

I usually just ask them.

example: “Saint Thomas, please pray for me that I might have the courage to do XXXXX and persevere in the Faith and follow your example of bravery and fortitude in the face of death.” or “Saint Dominic, please pray for me that I may be open to the leading of the Holy Spirit and fearlessly preach the Gospel.”