The distinction I had in mind was that Steve praying and Mary praying have a different effect because of what Mary is. It is not a Catholic thing, but if I were, with the Orthodox, say Holy Mary, save me! -- I would still be asking her for a prayer. The difference is that while Steve can pray for my salvation, Mary's prayer has the strength of her being one who made that unique and central contribution to my salvation already.
Also keep in mind that we do ask the saints for things other than prayer. We also ask for guidance. And, of course, we thank them and honor them for their witness.
None of that takes away from Christ. We discussed it before: when I spend time with my children and my parents in law, it take nothing from my love for my wife; rather, it is another expression of my love for her. Likewise with Christ: it is because I love Him, I feel compelled to put myself in the company of His saints and His mother.
Is there a Biblical principle that says that one believer's prayers are greater than another's because of status or position? Since Mary is being venerated for what she did, this seems to be another works-based principle.
When I see the words "Holy Mary, save me!", the last thing in the world I think of is a prayer request. And please believe me, this has nothing to do with my bias against Apostolic views. I simply look at the words and I see a request of someone who could directly make it happen. There are plenty of other words that would make me think it was a request for intercessory prayer, but none of them are used. Can you understand why I am having a problem seeing it the way you do from a logical standpoint?
Also keep in mind that we do ask the saints for things other than prayer. We also ask for guidance. And, of course, we thank them and honor them for their witness.
Thank you for saying so. Other than this has been advertised to me, and what you are saying fits much more in line with the evidence I have seen.
None of that takes away from Christ. We discussed it before: when I spend time with my children and my parents in law, it take nothing from my love for my wife; rather, it is another expression of my love for her. Likewise with Christ: it is because I love Him, I feel compelled to put myself in the company of His saints and His mother.
I do believe it takes away from Christ. When you spend time with your children and in-laws it certainly takes away time with your wife. But since you do not worship her in a religious sense, this is not necessarily a bad thing. However, you are asking God to share your time with Him the same way you would ask your wife to share your time with the in-laws. I really don't think these are comparable. One passage that comes to mind is:
Luke 10:41-42 ; 41 "Martha, Martha," the Lord answered, "you are worried and upset about many things, 42 but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her."
When I think of one minute spent in prayer to Mary or any Saint, I think of Martha.