Why pray to saints?

Answer 1

Look at it this way. When you fall ill and your GP refers you to a specialist, the reason he/she does that is because your illness is better treated by a doctor who has specialized in that illness. The specialist has the advantage of a narrower focus and much experience of many cases similar to yours. A saint is a specialist. Roman Catholics pray to saints to "intercede with God" on their behalf, not to bypass God. These saints, supposedly, have special understanding of the situation, and are closer to God.

All religions, no matter how "pure" they aspire to be, end up having the equivalent of saints. The Roman Catholic Church is the most prolific in the production of saints, and it has an allegedly rigorous procedure for doing that -- beatification, then canonization. See the first link below. The purest of all mainstream religions is probably Theravada Buddhism, very austere, agnostic, and in its undiluted form it regards prayer as a waste of time. No saints. It did not take long for a variant to appear -- Mahayana Buddhism. Saints aplenty! They are called bodhisattvas. The Chinese Kuan Yin, goddess of mercy, was a bodhisattva. I simplify a lot here, so please see the second link below for details.

Ultimately I think, the need for saints manifests a Freudian sub-conscious desire to connect with someone more human-like than a remote, abstract God, especially in times of personal crises and despair. Who are we to deny supplicants such comfort? They only seek to still their torments by asking the specialists to beseech God on their behalf.

Answer 2

I think a better question would be "Would praying to Saints alludes to praying to different gods"

Because God's portfolio is too general, people pray to Saints, who suppose to aid in specific wishes like St. Isidore of Seville who looks after students and school children.

However, this would be almost similiar to praying to Kui Xing, who is the Chinese patron deity for those taking examinations.

I think praying to Saints is the remnants of an idol/ancestral worshipping practice, after integration to Christianity

Answer 3

Praying to a saint, it's as if you were to ask a friend for a favor from someone else whom your friend knows better than you do. Was that clear? Hmm. Also the saints are wonderful people to imitate and to help you to be a better person.

Answer 4

Catholicism uses this intercession method to pray their friends & relatives out of the level of purgatory (between heaven & hell). The virgin Mary is the icon of choice, because she was a virgin she is deemed Holy, Immaculate. I am not familiar of other religions or sects that pray to the saints. Personally, and Scripturally we are to pray to 1 God -- "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might." Deuteronomy 6:4,5 (KJV)
He will hear all of our prayers & supplications, some argue God cannot hear a sinners prayer, I'm not sure. The Saints were just regular christian people that is what set them apart. Would you walk up to a Christian these days and start praying to them??? Yet, people are set in their beliefs and if that helps them who am I to judge? Would you ask another person's father for something, or ask your own? I believe it is more what is portrayed with the saints than the actual saint, if you saw them as a typical person daybyday you wouldn't even want to speak with them, let alone pray to them. Yes, catholic churches are beautiful, and I think this is where the misconception comes into play, sitting in a beautiful church that smells good and without the walls of the church is that of dead.

Answer 5

You can pray directly to God obviously, but Saints are anyone believed to be in heaven. Different Saints are known for different strengths. If you are struggling in one area in particular, you can pray to them to guide you in your prayers. Kind of like a spiritual mentor. You can also ask them to pray on your behalf.

Answer 6

Because for example praying to certain saints can help you find things while others may help you heal etc...

Answer 7

I guess because they're close to God and might put in a good word for you.

Answer 8

Why go to an agent or to a lawyer ?