Should a Christian pray to Mary and the Saints?
The Devotional Answer
This is a question that often comes up because many Christians grow up seeing different traditions. The key difference lies in understanding who has the authority to act as our go-between, or Mediator, with God.
The Simple Answer
No. Christians should pray directly to God (the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) and to God alone. The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the one and only Mediator between God and humanity, which means we have direct, open access to God through Him.
The Deeper Dive: Three Ways to Know
Before Jesus died on the cross, the way to God was blocked by our sin. Only a special priest could enter God's presence, and only once a year. The moment Jesus died, the curtain in the Temple was torn from top to bottom, which was a powerful sign: The way is now open!
Jesus is Our Only Go-Between: Jesus’s sacrifice means you don't need anyone else to deliver your message or make your case. He is our high priest who is always praying for us in heaven.
The Saints are Fellow Believers: Mary and the Saints (believers who have died and are now in heaven) are heroes of faith, but they are not God and cannot hear the millions of prayers that people pray across the world. They were human beings who needed a Savior, just like us.
The Command is Clear: When Jesus taught His followers how to pray, He told them to address God directly: "Our Father in heaven..."
God’s Clear Statement
The Bible makes it absolutely clear that only one Person stands between us and God:
"For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus."
— 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
Important Note
It is biblical to ask a fellow Christian on earth to pray for you. That is called intercessory prayer. However, asking someone in heaven (Mary or a Saint) to pray for you is not taught in the Bible, and it often misses the great privilege of being able to come boldly to God's throne yourself through Jesus Christ.
Your Takeaway Thought
Because of Jesus, your prayer line to God is always open, always direct, and always free. You never have to worry about bothering Him or needing someone else to intercede for you!
