Worship is not always adoration

 A Catholic friend told me once a long time ago that we don't pray to saints, we ask saints to pray for us, which I totally get. It's just that sometimes it sounds like people aren't making that distinction.

I think most of the confusion, even amongst Catholics is with the word, "pray".

1st, pray is not always worship.

In the ancient sense, pray, means a request.  Example:  I pray thee, pass the salt.  Therefore, when we pray to the Saints, we are asking them for their intercession.  However, there is also a confusion as to the idea of what constitutes worship or adoration.

Next.  Worship in the ancient sense, is not always adoration.

For this, an example from Scripture is in order:

Joshua 5:14
King James Version (KJV)
14 And he said, Nay; but as captain of the host of the Lord am I now come. And Joshua fell on his face to the earth, and did worship, and said unto him, What saith my Lord unto his servant?

Joshua, here, worshipped the Angel Michael, whom we know from Scripture is the Captain of the host of angels of God:

Revelation 12:7
And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels,

In addition, we have examples of men calling judges, "Your worship".  Therefore, worship due to angels and saints is a form of reverence which is due to anyone worthy of it.  Beginning with our own parents.  It is simply recognition that we recognize the position of those whom God has exalted.

Also, notice above that Joshua fell on his face before the angel.

We also may kneel and perform other acts of obeisance before any Saint of the Lord.  It is an expression of humility.

Finally, adoration is the highest form of worship.

It is reserved for God alone.  We do not adore the Saints or the Angels.  We adore the Holy Trinity.

Sincerely,

De Maria