I prefer the direct line to Jesus. No need for ‘saints’ to get between us.
Why pray to a creation when the Creator has given Himself to/for us,and made Himself available to us directly?
Jesus chose the indirect line to come to us, His mother. His very first miracle was performed because he listened to His mother who in turn told the servants to listen to Jesus. So, yes, I do go to Mary sometimes for prayer knowing that her Son listens to her. I never have to pray alone, I have the benefit of thousands of prayers from saints who came before me, who followed the Word of God and are now in the presence of God.
I only know how to pray in my human way, I have not beheld the Face of God. I ask in my childlike way while looking in the mirror dimly and I know that Jesus will not ignore me but the saints see God and their prayers only add to mine.
It's not "either/or" but "both/and". If you love Jesus how can you not love his mother? At the cross Jesus told John "behold your mother". Mary is the mother of all those who wish to come Jesus.
If you think about, we frequently ask friends and family to pray for someone who is sick or is in a dangerous occupation, etc. Why is it wrong to ask Mary or the saints, all of whom are closest to Christ, to pray for the same?
“No need for ‘saints’ to get between us.”
They don’t get between us. They get around us both. They are our family, our brothers and sisters in Christ, not enemies.
Who was at the Transfiguration?
Amen. Christ’s resurrection tore the veil in the temple that previously separated man from God.