Why Pray to Saints? Can’t I Just Skip Them And Go Straight to God?

Many non-Catholics are confused with the idea of praying to saints. They may ask questions such as “why are you praying to dead men and women? shouldn’t you just pray to God alone? Are you worshipping false idols?”

These are valid questions and will lead us on to great answers as we will explore in this article.

The Difference Between Prayer and Worship

It is true that all our worship should be directed to God and God alone. We must be able to differentiate between worship and prayer.

For us Catholics, prayer is the truest form of expression where we cast aside our inhibitions and voice our innermost thoughts. It is where we communicate to our needs, desires, weaknesses and fears. Prayer is simply a request for help.

When we as Catholics dedicate prayers to Saints, we are not worshipping them or elevating them to the level of God. Instead, any supplications, prayers, petitions and thanksgivings that we offer are a humble plea to ask the saints to pray for us to God.

Just as we also pray for the intentions of others like our friends and family, in a similar way we are asking our saints who are beloved by God to also intercede on our behalf, and to make our voices stronger.

Is It Wrong to Ask Saints for Help Guidance?

Well the short answer is, no! In fact, scripture encourages us to pray to saints and ask them for help. Here are a number of reasons why God wants us to follow in the footsteps of these revered men & women.

In the Book of Revelation 5:8, John the Apostle had a vision of heaven where he saw the holy saints lifting up prayers of the faithful in their hands in offering to God. Also in Revelation 8:3-4 are descriptions of saints passing on our prayers to God.

Christ commanded us to pray to for one another

Jesus has repeated multiple times in the bible about the strength when we come together and pray in the presence of the Lord. It is undeniable that prayer unites as in faith.

As a community, we pray for others and also ask them to pray for our intentions. Doing so unites our bonds in Christ and deepens our connection as Christ’s body on earth.

We Believe In the Resurrection of the Dead

As Catholics we believe that life does not end after death and in the resurrection of our Lord, Jesus.

The Saints that we hold in reverence are holy men and women that have gone before us. Their souls are alive and active in Heaven, and they have a strong connection to God and with us humans whom they have dwelt amongst.

The Communion of Saints

We believe that saints remain in communion with those on earth after they have passed on gone to heaven. This is a tenet in the Apostles Creed that we recite in every mass. What this means is that we are all united as Christians and the spiritual union between the Church, the living and the dead is a indisputable part of our faith.

The Communion of Saints

5 Reasons Praying to Saints Will Bring You Closer to Christ

In the Book of Revelation 5:8, John the Apostle had a vision of heaven where he saw the holy saints lifting up prayers of the faithful in their hands in offering to God. Also in Revelation 8:3-4 are descriptions of saints passing on our prayers to God.

Saints Are Closer to God & Can Help Pass On Your Prayers

As the living examples of Christ’s love manifested in humanity, we call upon the righteous saints of heaven to intercede on our behalf for all our prayers & petitions.

More People Praying For Your Case

Jesus said, "when to or three are gathered in my name, there I am in their midst."

There is strength in numbers, especially when it comes to prayer and forging strong bonds with the community of God. No man can love on his own. To be Christian is to be a part of the communion with Christ. We do this by praying for one another in our daily lives.

You Learn From Their Lives & Great Deeds

The past lives of all our heavenly saints serve as a great example & motivation for us to emulate their deeds. As Christians, our lifelong goal is to share in the eternal blessings of God.

Saints Have Power to Perform Miracles

To become a saint, one must also perform miracles during their life and either be martyred in the name of their religion, or be responsible for miracles posthumously. Because of their holy connection to God, they have been granted divine power to affected miracles in your life.

Different Saints for Different Situations

Saints receive appointments based on the deeds in their lives as well as after. There is a saint appointed for literally any cause that you require.

Need protection from evil forces at work? Call upon St. Benedict! Want medical healing & recovery? St. Raphael is up to the job. You never suffer in silence because your heavenly protectors are always there to take up the call.

We Are a Community of Daily Prayer & Worship

Saints Prayer Circle was founded with the vision to help draw the faithful closer to God each day. We draw lessons from the lives of saints & seek to live by their example.

Come join our daily prayers, devotionals & thanksgiving and stay connected with the community on earth (and in heaven)!