From: stephanie_jereza
2006-10-10 23:26:35 · 9 answers · asked by Corny 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Homework Help
Prayer to saints (including the Blessed Virgin Mary) is simple communication usually a simple request for prayer. It is not worship.
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.
The Hail Mary prayer simply recites Bible passages (the Word of God) and asks Mary to pray for us:
Hail Mary Full of grace, the Lord is with you. (These are the words the angel Gabriel said to Mary, a Bible quote.)
Blessed are thou among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. (This is Mary's cousin Elizabeth's greeting, another bible quote.)
Holy Mary, (The angel Gabriel said she was full of grace and Elizabeth said she was blessed.)
Mother of God, (the Bible says Mary is the mother of Jesus Christ, God the Son)
Pray for us sinners now and at the hour of our death. (A simple request to pray for us.)
Amen.
With love in Christ.
2006-10-12 17:55:23 · answer #1 · answered by imacatholic2 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Usually prayer to Mary asks that she pray for us. "...pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death."
Remember that Jesus' first miracle was done at the request of his mother (wedding feast at Cana). We ask Mary to put in a good word on our behalf, because of her closeness to Jesus. It's just a little extra help we all could use.
Conversely, prayers to God are prayers of worship, thanksgiving, attrition, or requests for help. Asking Mary, or any of the saints, to interceed on our behalf does not hinder or replace our need to pray to God our Father.
2006-10-11 08:06:21 · answer #2 · answered by LadyJag 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think that a prayer to Mary asks for intersession with God, rather than addressing Him directly.
2006-10-11 06:45:54 · answer #3 · answered by catherine02116 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No difference, only Mary prayed with her heart and there was no guilt that hindered her communication to God.
2006-10-11 08:26:58 · answer #4 · answered by The young Merlin 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Perhaps praying to her and her female nurturing is another way to reach God!
2006-10-11 09:28:05 · answer #5 · answered by cadaholic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would not know, I am not catholic. But iam sure it works the the if that is your religion.
2006-10-11 06:44:26 · answer #6 · answered by Boricua Born 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My opinion,........praying to Mary is like paying to a ROCK......what next.....praying to the dipper of the kid in the manger???
2006-10-11 06:31:41 · answer #7 · answered by funguy 3 · 0⤊ 4⤋
No difference really. If you prayed to the invisible pink elephant the effect would be the same.
2006-10-11 06:29:28 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 6⤋
but it dosent,.
2006-10-11 06:43:52 · answer #9 · answered by cam_berry001 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋