The difference between prayer, worship and Liturgy

There is very little difference between the words "prayer" and "worship". But they do not mean exactly the same thing.

The basic difference in this day and age, is that worship is only directed to God but prayer can be directed to either God or the Saints.

So, what is prayer?...(Read more)

So you'd better join your aunt in praising Mary because that is the Will of God.

Originally Posted by HW 

Lies. I can do a quick google search and find tons of prayers to Mary that the Catholic Church is okay with. Most of these prayers aren't asking her for anything but are in fact adoring her.

Have you ever said to your spouse or has your spouse ever said to you, "I adore you."? Or have you ever heard anyone say that to a spouse or to a parent?

Do you think they were worshipping them as deities? If you do then you better work on your powers of discernment.

If we ever say we adore Mary, the context is from one creature to another and we mean that we love her exceedingly. If you want to twist that into something it isn't, it is between you and God. We have provided you the truth.

I remember one time my aunt "asking Mary to pray for her" and I never heard her once ask Mary for anything. She was actually praising her

Are you upset because your aunt praised Mary? Are you also upset because she is following God's example of which Jesus said:

Matthew 5:48

King James Version (KJV)
⁴⁸ Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

But let me show you what Scripture says. Scripture says that God's will should be done on earth as it is in heaven.

And God wills that the Angels praise Mary. Don't believe me? Read this:


Luke 1:26-28
King James Version (KJV)
26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God unto a city of Galilee, named Nazareth,27 To a virgin espoused to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary.28 And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women.


Let's break this down:

ANGEL GABRIEL
1. an angel is a messenger of God. That is what the word, angel, means.
2. this angel, Gabriel, is one of the four angels that stands before the throne of God.

WAS SENT FROM GOD
1. God sent this angel to Mary.
2. Since this angel is a messenger of God's, God sent Him to deliver a message.
3. Therefore, the angel was not speaking on his own, but was communicating God's message to Mary.
4. If we skip down to verse 28, we see that this was a message of praise (i.e. blessed art thou).
5. Therefore God praised Mary through His Angel.

That is great praise indeed. Do you know of any man whose praise is worth more than God's? In other words, what do you value more highly, the praise of man or the praise of God?

But, there's more. God sent the Angel to do His Will. What is His Will. Obviously, God sent the Angel to deliver a message of praise. Therefore it is God's will that the Angels praise Mary.

And there's yet more. Because the Holy Spirit inspired a holy woman to exclaim, ""Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear! "
still in:

Luke 1:41-45
King James Version (KJV)
41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost: 42 And she spake out with a loud voice, and said, Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb.

Should we break this down?
1. The Holy Spirit is God the Third Person of the Holy Trinity.
2. Therefore, God inspired Elisabeth to praise Mary.
3. This praise is inscribed in the Word of God for all generations.
4. Since Elisabeth is a member of the human race, then it is safe to conclude that God wills that men praise Mary.
5. And we find, again, that God praised Mary through His Saint. Saint Elisabeth praised Mary when she was inspired by the Holy Spirit to do so. That means that it is the Holy Spirit's praise which she passed on. That is why Scripture is called the Word of God. Because it is inspired by the Holy Spirit.

Need we say more? Let's do it anyway.

Mother of God
Luke 1:43-45
New International Version (NIV)
43 But why am I so favored, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy.45 Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her!”

Lets break this down:
1. The word "Lord" is here mentioned two times.
2. In the second instance, it is an obvious reference to God. "Blessed is she who believes that the LORD would fulfill His promises." That is an obvious reference to God.
3. Therefore, then, what could she possibly have meant when she said, "mother of my LORD"?
4. Since she was inspired by the Holy Spirit to utter these words, she must have meant what is most obvious. Is Jesus, God? Yes. Therefore, the words she uttered could also be translated, "mother of my GOD".
5. So, God explicitly teaches us, in His Word, that Mary is the Mother of God.


Is there any higher praise than that? Is there? Is your praise worth more than the Word of God? Is mine? No!

So you'd better join your aunt in praising Mary because that is the Will of God.

and when I confronted her she had the nerve to say she did not pray to Mary but was asking for her intercession.

Nothing wrong with that either. We are commanded to make intercessions at all times. That command encompasses Mary as well.

It's amazing how you people are so blind when even if we pull out these "intercession prayers" that are clearly adoration to that saint you will still deny it. It never ceases to amaze me.

It amazes me that you people don't see the spiritual teachings of Scripture. But Scripture is clear:
1 Corinthians 2:14

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁴ But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

Wrong. We just don't like to sin by adding extra things in there such as it is okay to pray to these saints because they can hear us.

These are not extra things. They are deep things which the Spirit reveals:

1 Corinthians 2:10

King James Version (KJV)
¹⁰ But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God.

She is frequently mentioned? Really? How come there is absolutely nothing about her in the majority of the New Testament? If she was so important you think she would be mentioned more frequently.

Even Jesus could have been mentioned more frequently. Here is a search for explicit mentioning of Mary in the Scriptures:

• Matthew 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary....
• Matthew 2:11And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother,....
• Matthew 13:55 Is not this the carpenter's son? is not his mother called Mary?....
• Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, ....
• Acts 1:14 These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus,....

Here she is mentioned indirectly:

Luke 2:43
And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.John 19:25
Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, ....

There are more indirect mentions of Mary, but that should suffice.

What did Jesus request of her??

Many, many things. Was He not her son? Did she not carry Him in the womb and give birth to Him. What does a Child request of His mother on a daily basis? First of all love, in all its forms. Then, nourishment, then clothing, then shelter, what else?

As for Jesus talking to Moses and Elijah, here is the thing, Jesus is GOD.

Jesus is God made man. And He did not commit any sins. Therefore, if it were sinful to address the dead, Jesus would not have done it. Just because He is God does not mean that Jesus will disobey the Commandments of His Father.

He can talk to anyone He wants to.

As can we.

As far as I know, no one else living on earth is God, so what makes you think that just because Jesus communicated with them that means you can also. Jesus also raised the dead. Can you do that?

You really need to read the Scripture according to how God wants you to read it:

2 Corinthians 3:6

King James Version (KJV)
⁶ Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life.

Have you not read in Scripture that Jesus came to give us an example to follow?
1 Peter 2:21

King James Version (KJV)
²¹ For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

1 Corinthians 11:1

King James Version (KJV)
1 Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.

As for raising people from the dead. Have you not read in Scripture:
John 14:12

King James Version (KJV)
¹² Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.


And yes, many of the Saints of God have even raised men from the dead.

Sincerely,

De Maria

You can't give what you don't have

De Maria September 7, 2014 at 11:16 PM

Tom January 9, 2014 at 7:47 PM
I am a practicing Roman Catholic and chatechist and want to serve the Lord and worship only Him.

Good job, Tom. However, I believe you should stop being a catechist until you resolve this issue. You should not teach or pass on your doubts about the truth of Catholic Doctrine to those seeking the knowledge of the Truth. This is for the good of your own soul. The Scripture says:

Mark 9:41 And whosoever shall scandalize one of these little ones that believe in me; it were better for him that a millstone were hanged around his neck, and he were cast into the sea.

If we were meant to speak/pray to other believers who have died in the flesh and are now we assume to be with the Lord, wouldn’t one of the Gospel writers, or Paul, or any of the other writers of the epistles (especially Revelation) have mentioned that such a practice occurring or admonished us to do so. Our Church has taken liberties in this regard where the truth is not certain as to whether God approves of this practice and Who may be jelous that our prayers are only directed to Him.

Several things here.

1. Remember that Scripture tells us that the Church teaches the wisdom of God:

Ephesians 3:10

10 That the manifold wisdom of God may be made known to the principalities and powers in heavenly places through the church,

Therefore, you are not the interpreter of the Word of God. The Church is the one whom Christ appointed to teach you His Doctrines:

Matthew 28:
19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost. 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world.

2. What you haven’t noticed is that we have a New Dispensation in Jesus Christ.
a. First, Jesus Christ is our model.
b. In the Transfiguration, we see Jesus Christ speaking to Moses and Elijah:

Matthew 17:
2 And he was transfigured before them. And his face did shine as the sun: and his garments became white as snow.3 And behold there appeared to them Moses and Elias talking with him. 4 And Peter answering, said to Jesus: Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles, one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

3. And St. Paul reveals that we, who are baptized, now walk with the spirits of men made perfect. These are the Saints. They are walking side by side with us and they can hear us:

Hebrews 12 Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

1 And therefore we also having so great a cloud of witnesses over our head, laying aside every weight and sin which surrounds us, let us run by patience to the fight proposed to us:….

18 For you are not come to a mountain that might be touched, and a burning fire, and a whirlwind, and darkness, and storm, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words, which they that heard excused themselves, that the word might not be spoken to them:20 For they did not endure that which was said: And if so much as a beast shall touch the mount, it shall be stoned. 21 And so terrible was that which was seen, Moses said: I am frighted, and tremble.

22 But you are come to mount Sion, and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to the company of many thousands of angels, 23 And to the church of the firstborn, who are written in the heavens, and to God the judge of all, and to the spirits of the just made perfect 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new testament, and to the sprinkling of blood which speaketh better than that of Abel.

Therefore, Tom, we are walking with the Saints and Angels upon Mt. Sion. And we can talk to them the way Jesus talked to Moses and Elijah upon Mount Tabor.

Many catholics, including my wife, pray to St. Anthony when they lose something of value. Strangely enough, often times they find the item in a very unusual and mysterious way that defies logic. While I am not dogmatic that this is wrong, we must be wary that this could be an example of 2 Cor 11:14, where “Satan transforms himself into an angel of light.” He does this for the purpose of steering people away from our true Lord and His gospel and he may be allowed by God to interact with us in this way when we attempt to speak to spirits (including believers and saints who have died in the flesh). We would most likely consider it as sinful if we prayed a similar prayer St. Anthony sincerely using a ouija board and invited his feedback instead of instead of attemptig to speak to him at church while also praying to God in the next sentence. Nevertheless, I digress.

Its not the same thing. When we pray to the Saints, we pray to members of the body of Christ.

When you use a ouija board, you are practicing witchcraft.

This issue seems to come down to one’s comfort in only trusting the Word of God, the Bible, as the ultimte authority on this topic, or if one is open to Church tradition as also having authority in this manner.

If the Bible were your authority, you would obey Church Tradition. Because the Bible tells you to obey your Rulers in the Church:

Hebrews 13:
7 Remember your prelates who have spoken the word of God to you; whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation,

Notice that it is Priests from whom you learn the Word of God. Not from the Bible alone.

While I have on rare occasion, said the Hail Mary, etc. usually in a group setting, I am not comfortable doing so. For some Catholics such as myself and most protestant brothers, bowing our head and speaking to someone other than our God creates guilty and seems like a blasphemous act for which I must request His mercy.

First of all, don’t do anything that violates your conscience.
Second of all, if Mother Mary is good enough for Jesus Christ, she is good enough for me. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ had to ask her for food, clothes and for her loving arms? Do you not realize that He gave her to us from the Cross to be our mother? Do you not realize that all who keep His Commandments and profess His Gospel are children of Mary?

Revelation 12:
17 And the dragon was angry against the woman: and went to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Therefore, I choose to offer my prayers to God alone, bolding approaching His throne of grace, as we are admonished to do throughout His Word.

Then it sounds as though you are no longer a Catholic. May God forgive you because you have committed the sin of Esau:

Hebrews 12:16-17Douay-Rheims 1899 American Edition (DRA)

16…. as Esau; who for one mess, sold his first birthright.
17 For know ye that afterwards, when he desired to inherit the benediction, he was rejected; for he found no place of repentance, although with tears he had sought it.

See also: Prayer for the dead and Communion of Saints

Praying to dead saints

Just my two cents. The Bible does not say anything about praying to “dead” saints.

The Bible simply commands the Saints in Christ to pray for “all” (1 Timothy 2:1). We don’t cease to become members of the Body of Christ when we die. Therefore, we don’t cease to pray when we die. If anything, our prayer becomes more perfect as we get closer to the source of our spiritual life (2 Corinthians 5:8).

The New Testament is a new dispensation in Christ. This is clearly expressed in the book of Hebrews. Where the Old Testament is described, it says:

Heb 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more: 20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart: 21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

But the New Covenant in the name of Jesus Christ is totally different. We are living amongst our brethren. How can it be that we are not permitted to communicate with those amongst whom we live?

Heb 12:22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

Christ is our example. And it is He who first portrayed the new dispensation of the communion of saints, when, still in the flesh, he climbed the Mountain of Tabor and spoke freely with Moses and Elijah in the company of Peter, James and John (Matthew 17:1-3).

Therefore, although the Bible does not give an explicit command to pray to dead saints. The New Testament teaches, by example and implication, that we who are born again in Christ are living in and amongst the saints upon Mount Sion. And since we are living amongst them, we are free to communicate with them.

I wonder what Jesus was doing on Mt. Tabor?

Random Catholic said:
Protestants say that despite the fact that Mary is alive,  we are practicing necromancy, or communing with the dead. I explained further, but they didn't buy it. These are the same folks who don't believe Jesus literally when He said it was His Body and Blood, not crackers and grape juice. Go figure.

I wonder what Jesus was doing on Mt. Tabor?

Matthew 17:2-4
King James Version (KJV)
2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light.

3 And, behold, there appeared unto them Moses and Elias talking with him.

4 Then answered Peter, and said unto Jesus, Lord, it is good for us to be here: if thou wilt, let us make here three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

Answer:  Setting an example of communion with the Saints.  As we are called to do.

Sincerely,

De Maria

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

Scripture says that the Saints are alive in Christ:

Melanie said...
A member of the Separated Bretheren would just like to point out that we don't think asking Mary to pray for us would work, because we don't believe that there's a direct line of communication there. Just because we can talk to Jesus doesn't mean we can talk to *anyone* in Heaven.

Hi Melanie,

Well, I believe Scripture.
And Scripture says that the Saints are alive in Christ:
John 11:25 (KJV)
25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

To confirm this, Scripture says that we, who believe in Christ are members of His Body:
Romans 12:5  (KJV)
5 So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

So, unless you believe that Jesus is dead, you must believe that the Saints are alive.  All of them.  We don't fall off the Body of Christ when we die.

Those are just a few of the Scriptures which show that the Saints of God are alive.  There are many more.  In addition though, there are Scriptures which show that the Saints in heaven are aware of that which is happening on earth.

Luke 16:24 (KJV)
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

If you are familiar with the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man, you know that Jesus recounts the story of three people who have died.  And yet, they are conversing with one another.  In addition, Father Abraham expresses knowledge of the condition of Dives' (aka the rich man's) brothers.

Hebrews 12:1  (KJV)
1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

Notice that we are surrounded by witnesses.  The term "witness" is here used as a double entendre.  First of all, they witnessed their faith by their life.  But if that were als, they would not surround us.

The fact that they surround us is evidence of the fact that "witnesses" is being used also in the sense of one who gathers information and reports it to another.  These are spirits of men made perfect amongst whom we walk, right now (Heb 22-24).

I don't believe it.

You don't believe that they surround us, literally?  Have you not read in Scripture:
2 Kings 6:17
And Elisha prayed, and said, LORD, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the LORD opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha.

Now, there are some who say that they feel confident that they are worthy to approach Jesus and the Father, without going through our advocates.  Then you should read in Scripture:
Matthew 23:12
King James Version (KJV)
12 And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

Note the next verse that I will post, these men approached Jesus with confidence.  What did Jesus say?

Matthew 7:21-23
King James Version (KJV)
21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.  22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works?  23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.

And then there are these fellows who approached the Father in prayer:
Job 42:8
King James Version (KJV)
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.

You can go on believing the carefully crafted fairy tales and traditions of men passed down by the Separated Brethren.  As for me, I believe Scripture.

Sincerely,

De Maria

7 QT's on Santa Claus

When I was young,  no one taught me of the relationship between Santa and the Catholic Church.

I had a vague understanding that he was a Saint because of the title, "Santa" which means Saint in Spanish.  My wife had a similar experience, so, in order to remedy that problem for our children, we made sure to associate the Santa in popular culture to the true Santa, Saint Nicholas, Bishop of Myra.

--- 1 ---

A prayer to Santa Claus (i.e. Saint Nicholas)

A Prayer to Saint Nicholas

Glorious St. Nicholas, my special patron, from thy throne in glory, where thou dost enjoy the presence of God, turn thine eyes in pity upon me and obtain for me from our Lord the graces and helps that I need in my spiritual and temporal necessities and especially this favor, provided that it be profitable to my salvation. Be mindful, likewise, O glorious and saintly Bishop, of our Sovereign Pontiff, of Holy Church, and of all Christian people. Bring back to the right way of salvation all those who are living steeped in sin and blinded by the darkness of ignorance, error, and heresy. Comfort the afflicted, provide for the needy, strengthen the fearful, defend the oppressed, give health to the infirm; cause all men to experience the effects of thy powerful intercession with the supreme Giver of every good and perfect gift. Amen.

Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory be

V. Pray for us, O blessed Nicholas.
R. That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.

Let us pray.

O God, who has glorified blessed Nicholas, Thine illustrious Confessor and Bishop, by means of countless signs and wonders, and who dost not cease daily so to glorify him; grant, we beseech Thee, that we, being assisted by his merits and prayers, may be delivered from the fires of hell and from all dangers. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.

--- 2 ---

When our children were young, we taught them that their letters to Santa were prayers to St. Nicholas.

--- 3 ---

We taught them that St. Nicholas was a Bishop and his cap, is really a Mitre.

--- 4 ---

We frequently recounted the true life of  Saint Nicholas.

--- 5 ---

Of course, the popular Santa is still fun. But we made sure our children knew that this is a fairy tale invented by non-Catholics.

--- 6 ---

Did it work?  Yes.  Our children are now, 15, 17, 25 and 27.  We asked them how they felt about how my wife and I had handled the "Santa dilemma".  They all agreed that, even though some of them had shed tears when they discovered that Santa wasn't literally sliding down the chimney, they wouldn't have missed the excitement for the world.

Furthermore, they all said they would do the same for their children.

--- 7 ---

A new Santa.  Pope emeritus Benedict, wearing the Santa cap.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

7QT's on Fellowship

Fellowship

Protestants restrict fellowship to the interaction of living Christians.  Therefore, they go to their assemblies to fellowship with other Christians and to pray for them.  But Scripture tells us that when we become Christians, when we are baptized, we fellowship with the saints and angels which are in heaven.  Let's go over the Scripture in detail.  Turn to Hebrews 12:18-24.  I'm using the King James Version (KJV).  We begin where St. Paul describes the Old Testament.

--- 1 ---

 He says:

18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest,

He is distinguishing the Old Testament from the New.  And the Old seems a very impersonal and scary relationship with God compared to the New.  What St. Paul is describing here is described originally explained in the book of Exodus:

Exodus 19:11-13 

King James Version (KJV)

11 And be ready against the third day: for the third day the Lord will come down in the sight of all the people upon mount Sinai.  12 And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death:  13 There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount.

So, it is a clear distinction.  The Hebrew people literally "feared" the Lord.

--- 2 ---

19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word should not be spoken to them any more:

The Hebrew people feared the Lord so much that they begged Him no longer to speak directly to them but to speak to them through Moses:

Exodus 20:19 And they said unto Moses, Speak thou with us, and we will hear: but let not God speak with us, lest we die.

--- 3 ---

20 (For they could not endure that which was commanded, And if so much as a beast touch the mountain, it shall be stoned, or thrust through with a dart:

Even if an animal should touch God's abode, he should die.

--- 4 ---

21 And so terrible was the sight, that Moses said, I exceedingly fear and quake:)

Most astounding of all, Moses, whom God called His friend, also confessed great fear.

--- 5 ---

22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,

But it is totally different in the New Testament.  When we are baptized, we enter the City of God, which is the Church.  And in it we mingle with the angels.

--- 6 ---

23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,

The general assembly is the Mass and those who participate in the Mass are the Church.  But the Church of the first born is the company of Saints whose names are written in heaven.  That means we are in the company of St. Mary the Mother of God, St. Joseph her spouse, Sts. Peter, James the greater, John, Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Jude the brother of James, Simon, James the less, Matthew, Mark, Luke, the early church fathers, the canonized saints etc. etc.

We are in company with them! 

--- 7 ---

24 And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.

And we are in the company of our Lord!

This is the fellowship to which you have come when you become a Catholic.  This is why we are permitted to pray to and with the Saints who have come before us. Because we already commune with the Saints.  Just as your neighbor will pray for you, so will your brother in Christ who is already on Mount Sion with Christ.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

 

7QT's Biblical reasons for prayer to the Saints

--- 1 ---

Because the Saints are alive in Christ


Scripture says:
John 11:25... he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Therefore,the Saints who died with Christ are alive in Christ

--- 2 ---

Because we are one Body in Christ

Romans 12:5
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.

Whether dead or alive all the saints are one in Christ

--- 3 ---

Because Scripture commands all Saints to pray for each other

1 Timothy 2:1 I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

Therefore, the Saints intercede for all men

--- 4 ---

Because the prayer of a just man is very effective

James 5:16.... The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

The Saints in heaven are just men who have been perfected by God therefore, their prayers are highly efficacious.

--- 5 ---

Because he that prays in the name of a Saint is acceptable to God

Matthew 10:41...he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

Therfore, those who honor God's saints will in turn be honored like saints

--- 6 ---

Because, the Saints are our brothers in Christ

Galatians 4:5 To redeem them that were under the law,  that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because  ye are sons,  God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. 7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

All the Saints are sons of God and therefore, brothers in Christ

--- 7 ---

Saints imitate Christ.

Romans 8:34
... It is Christ that died,  yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us.

Christ intercedes for us from heaven. Saints are Saints because they imitated Christ during their lives. They don't stop imitating Christ when they are in heaven.

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!