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Thank you for the comment.

I am looking from the outside in, but one thing does stand out in my mind in this prayer and in discussions of prayers with my Catholic friends: you ask Mary and the Saints to pray to God for you, not you praying to God directly. The way I see it, the veil has been lifted; we no longer need to approach God thru intermediaries like the High Preists or the Saints. We are told to boldly go directly to the Throne ourselves.

I do get that intercessory prayer is important. Praying for each other here is a bonding opportunity between the members of the Body of Christ. We gain intimacy with each other by sharing those personal moments of praise and sorrow. God wants us to grow closer together as a body and praying for each other helps accomplish this goal.

I just don't see how praying to those who have gone to Heaven before us accomplishes anything for the Body of Christ. Thank you again for the discussion.

I agree exactly! Involving fellow believers in the day to day needs we have - whether for physical healing, spiritual warfare, personal failings, family, friends, etc. - gives us a stake in each other's lives and we see our faith grow as we acknowledge Almighty God's hand in answering every concern we have. I just don't see that same kind of dynamic happening with prayers to the departed "Saints". There isn't a direct connection - we don't hear, see, touch, speak or otherwise have any assurance that our prayers are "being handled". When our petitions are NOT answered, we have nothing, no feedback, with which to determine WHY they weren't and how we could change in what we ask for.

I also believe it is God that receives ALL the glory, honor and praise when we involve others in interceding with us because we actually see specific requests get answered and we rejoice together in gratitude to our Lord and Savior for His mercy, grace and love and for caring about everything that concerns us. Putting such needs before an unseen, dead person - Saint or saint - just doesn't provide the same assurance of knowing HE hears us and will provide all our needs in Christ Jesus - and He is NEVER too busy.

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:6,7)

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>> “those who have gone to Heaven before us” <<

Read John 3:13.

Nobody has gone to heaven, but he who came down from heaven.

The dead sleep in the bosom of Abraham.

All who will ever be resurrected will be resurrected at the day of Trumpets. This is declared by Yeshua in Matthew 24, and affirmed by Paul in 1Corinthians 15, and 1Thessalonians 4.