Based on †Paul's “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means and in any way, save them.” (1 Cor 9:22).
Apparently †Paul believed he was endowed with this power as God's "deputy," a co-worker of God.
We are also told that we are our own co-redeemers, as well as of others who hear us (1 Tim 4:16).
This takes away the unique role ascribed by the Latin Church to Mary's exclusive co-redemptive role.
The word pray also doesn't always mean "taking to God." That is somewhat of a Protestant innovation. The word used to mean "ask." It could be anyone. You can even say "pray tell" and no one thbinks you are praying to God. The same way the word kyrios was used: a title that applies to humans as well as to God.
The prayer in the Orthodox Church I am familiar with is the one that says "Though the prayers of the Theotokos, O Savior, save us." [Feast of Transfiguration of Our Lord God Jesus Christ, August 6th] That makes sense to me. Theotokos save us doesn't.
Only God saves. It is his prerogative. Excluding Christ, no human is divine, period.
A Google on "Theotokos, Save Us" yields dozens of entries.
Some modern Orthodox Christians don't like the words "Most Holy Theotokos, Save Us." They would prefer the words "intercede for us," reminding us that the exclamation "Save Us" is confusing to non-Orthodox. The veneration of Mary is not for the non-Orthodox. Once people have been fully converted to Christ, the love of the Panagia follows naturally.