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To: annalex; Blogger
[Alex to Blogger:] More to the point, what exactly is supposed to be the problem with these prayers, in your view? They all make clear that her mediation is to Christ. I've got to run but I would really like to know if it is simply a form of spirituality that is foreign to you or where do you see a fundamental problem.

Well, the prayers that Blogger posted all show a theme. Even from the first one we DO see a fundamental problem:

Mary, Help of Those in Need

Holy Mary, help those in need, give strength to the weak, comfort the sorrowful, pray for God's people, assist the clergy, intercede for religious. Mary all who seek your help experience your unfailing protection. Amen.

Here we have a list of different tasks being asked of Mary. One of the many is to pray for God's people. But that is what you tell us is your entire request of Mary, to pray for us. This obviously does not match. Helping, giving, comforting, praying, assisting, and interceding are all listed as separate requests. Just this one example, among the others Blogger cited, and still hundreds more that are out there, I'm sure, tell us that there is MUCH more going on here than the simple solicitation to Mary to pray for us.

The last thing in the world I think of when reading these prayers to Mary is mediation. These are action requests. "Mary, do this for me now", etc. When I ask my friend for prayer I do not say "Steve, give strength to the weak, and I experience your protection of me." After reading the prayers that Blogger posted, that comparison is now officially COMPLETELY out the window as far as I'm concerned. (Thank you, Blogger :)

6,207 posted on 01/16/2007 3:16:05 AM PST by Forest Keeper
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To: Forest Keeper; annalex; Blogger
The last thing in the world I think of when reading these prayers to Mary is mediation.

That should be intercession.

6,208 posted on 01/16/2007 3:19:49 AM PST by Forest Keeper
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To: Forest Keeper; Blogger
These are action requests. "Mary, do this for me now", etc. When I ask my friend for prayer I do not say "Steve, give strength to the weak, and I experience your protection of me."

Yes, but the requests are not such that only Christ can give. Most certainly your friend Steve can give you strength, and protect you, and if he does, you will experience it. The point remains that nothing the saints do for us comes from their putative divinity.

6,334 posted on 01/16/2007 3:21:27 PM PST by annalex
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