The Bible does not explicitly mention the practice of praying to saints. This tradition is primarily found in the practices and teachings of certain Christian denominations, like the Roman Catholic Church, and is based on interpretations of biblical principles rather than direct biblical citations. While there are no verses in the Bible that directly instruct believers to pray to saints, some passages are interpreted by certain Christian traditions to support the concept of venerating or honoring saints. Here are a couple of examples:
- Hebrews 12:1 – This verse speaks of being «surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses,» which some interpret as the saints in heaven being aware of our struggles and potentially interceding on our behalf.
- Revelation 5:8 and Revelation 8:3-4 – These passages describe the elders and angels in heaven offering the prayers of the saints on earth to God. This is sometimes seen as a scriptural basis for the saints participating in some form of intercession.
Hebrews 12:1
Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
Hebrews 12:1
Revelation 5:8
And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
Revelation 5:8
Revelation 8:3-4
And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand.
Revelation 8:3-4
What does the Bible teach us about praying to the saints?
When we explore the topic of praying to the saints, it’s important to note that the Bible itself does not directly instruct Christians to pray to saints. Instead, this practice has developed within certain Christian communities, particularly in the Roman Catholic tradition, and it is based more on church tradition and the interpretations of Scripture rather than direct commands from the Bible.
Now, for many evangelical Christians who hold a strong belief in the Bible as the ultimate authority in faith and practice, the concept of praying to saints may seem unfamiliar or unsupported. Evangelicals often emphasize a direct relationship with God through Jesus Christ, without the intercession of saints. This is rooted in passages such as 1 Timothy 2:5, which states, «For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.» This verse is often seen as a cornerstone in evangelical faith, emphasizing that Jesus alone mediates between God and people.
However, it’s interesting to consider how different segments of Christianity interpret Scripture differently. For instance, Hebrews 12:1 talks about being surrounded by «a great cloud of witnesses.» Some Christian traditions interpret this metaphorically, suggesting that these witnesses (or saints) are aware of our lives and might intercede for us. This is not necessarily seen as them hearing our prayers, but more like them being aware of our struggles and possibly presenting these before God.
In another instance, Revelation 5:8 and Revelation 8:3-4 describe scenes in heaven where the prayers of the saints on earth are presented to God by angels and elders. This imagery has led some to believe in the saints’ ongoing involvement in the spiritual realm, participating in some form of intercession.
It’s crucial for each believer to seek understanding through personal study and prayer. In many evangelical circles, the focus remains on praying directly to God through Jesus, which aligns with their interpretation of the biblical teachings. The Bible teaches that every believer has the Holy Spirit as a guide and helper in prayer (Romans 8:26-27), reinforcing a direct and personal approach to God.
For those who come from traditions where praying to the saints is not practiced, it might be beneficial to understand these differences as expressions of faith that ultimately seek to honor God, albeit in varied ways. Each tradition holds its practices with deep respect and sincerity, aiming to live out their understanding of Scripture and faith. In conversations about practices like praying to the saints, it’s important to approach them with openness and respect, recognizing that our unity in Christ can transcend our different expressions of worship and prayer.