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I think it is noteworthy that NONE of the writers God used to pen the New Testament ever make mention of praying to "saints" for their intercession. Stephen was one of the first martyrs for Christ and Acts 7 speaks about his stoning for preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Yet, no mention is made of believers encouraged to ask Stephen for his intercession with Christ even though they all believed he was with Jesus. Acts 7:55-56 says, "But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. “Look,” he said, “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” and then in verses 59-60 we read, "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his knees and cried out, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” When he had said this, he fell asleep."

Mary WAS blessed among women and she is a model for all believers of faith in the midst of adversity, but she did not die as a martyr for Christ. In Hebrews 11 we are given what are called profiles of faith and courage, those who are commended for their faith and who endured unimaginable torment and suffering for righteousness sake. Yet we are not taught in Scripture to pray TO them in hopes that they might have Jesus' "ear" and may be more successful in granting our requests than going directly to Christ would. Having fellow Christians, who are in our lives right now, pray with us, joining with us in prayer, is how God intends for us to intercede with and for each other - it gives us a tangible part in each others' lives and ministry and we see God's hand as he deals with us and He is glorified. That really IS what prayer is for - communicating with God as an individual and knowing that we DO "have His ear" because we are His children by faith. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:11, "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!"

Amen to the Bible never saying to pray to saints.

If it did, I imagine it would point to Stephen as first choice.

He died a horrible death while speaking of Jesus, while Mary died peacefully and was put in a tomb.

Praying to Mary is just a way to get people to look at a domination seeped in the traditions of men which takes their eyes off of Jesus.

It's not about a particular denomination (like the Founders recognized in the Constitution) it's about a personal relationship with Jesus.