***That it is a lawful and useful thing to invoke the Saints, as intercessors, to obtain for us, by the merits of Jesus Christ, that which we, by our demerits, are not worthy to receive, is a doctrine of the Church, declared by the Council of Trent. “It is good and useful to invoke them by supplication, and to fly to their aid and assistance to obtain benefits from God through his Son Jesus Christ.” [Sess. 25, De. inv. Sanct.]
Such innovation was condemned by the impious Calvin, but most illogically. For if it is lawful and profitable to invoke living Saints to aid us, and to beseech them to assist us in prayers, as the Prophet Baruch did: “And pray ye for us to the Lord our God” [Bar. 1: 13] and St. Paul: “Brethren, pray for us; [1 Thess. 5: 25] and as God Himself commanded the friends of Job to recommend themselves to his prayers, that by the merits of Job he might look favorably on them: “Go to my servant Job, . . . and my servant Job shall pray for you; his face I will accept;” [Job 42: 8] if, then it is lawful to recommend ourselves to the living, how can it be unlawful to invoke the Saints who in Heaven enjoy God face to face? This is not derogatory to the honor due to God, but it is doubling it; for it is honoring the king not only in His Person but in His servants. Therefore, says St. Thomas, it is good to have re- course to many Saints, “because by the prayers of many we can sometimes obtain that which we cannot by the prayers of one.” And if any one object, But why have recourse to the Saints to pray for us, when they are already praying for all who are worthy of it? The same Doctor answers, that no one can be said to be worthy that the Saints should pray for him; but tat “he becomes worthy by having recourse to the Saint with devotion.” [In 4. Sent. d. 45, q. 3, a. 2]***
The Communion of the Saints mentioned in the Nicene Creed which many of the children of the Reformed recite without understanding or believing.
Prayer and Suffering
Prayer, Charity and the Joy of Forgiveness (some spiritual catechesis from Cardinal Sean)
Does Prayer Work?--Research and ‘Unanswered’ Prayer
Long-Awaited Medical Study Questions the Power of Prayer
The Power of Prayer
Prayer Study: Humans Fail to Manipulate God
Study fails to show healing power of prayer
Explanation of the Prayer of Saint Michael [Father Robert J. Altier]
24-7 prayer movement spreads on college campuses
Confession for RCIA Candidates And More on the Prayer of the Faithful