“And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and with golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints” -chapter 5, verse 8
“ And another angel came and stood at the altar with a golden censer; and he was given much incense to mingle with the prayers of all the saints upon the golden altar before the throne; and the smoke of the incense rose with the prayers of the saints from the hand of the angel before God.” -chapter 8, verses 3 and 4
2006-09-16 16:57:53 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
These are two bible scriptures showing saints in heaven praying to God.
Catholics partially base their belief in the Communion of Saints on these scriptures.
Catholics share the belief in the Communion of Saints with many other Christians, including the Eastern Orthodox, Anglican, Episcopal, and Methodist Churches.
The Communion of Saints is the belief where all saints are intimately related in the Body of Christ, a family. When you die and go to heaven, you do not leave this family.
Everyone in heaven or on their way to heaven are saints, you, me, my deceased grandmother, Mary the mother of Jesus, and Mother Teresa.
As part of this family, you may ask your family and friends here on earth to pray for you. Or, you may also ask the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Andrew, or your deceased grandmother in heaven to pray for you.
Prayer to saints in heaven is simple communication, not worship.
With love in Christ.
2006-09-17 13:17:00 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Saints = believers in Christ. Prayers of the saints = our prayers.
2006-09-17 00:14:39 · answer #2 · answered by Esther 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the Saints in Heaven hear our prayers and give them to God. Basically they intercede for us.
2006-09-17 00:16:05 · answer #3 · answered by Dysthymia 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋