Should Christians pray to saints? This is a question that has caused division among different Christian traditions for centuries. While Catholic and Orthodox traditions encourage praying to saints, Protestants argue that prayer should be directed to God alone. But what does the Bible say?
In this blog, we will explore:
✔️ The definition of saints according to Scripture vs. church tradition
✔️ Whether the Bible supports prayers to saints
✔️ Who the only true mediator between God and man is
✔️ How Christians should approach prayer
Let’s dive into the Word of God and see what it says.
Who Are the Saints? Biblical vs. Catholic Definition
Many people assume that saints are only those who have been canonized by the Catholic Church. However, the Bible defines saints differently.
📖 1 Corinthians 1:2 – “To the church of God in Corinth, to those sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be his holy people, together with all those everywhere who call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ—their Lord and ours.”
📖 Ephesians 1:1 – “Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, to God’s holy people in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus.”
The Biblical Definition of Saints:
✅ All believers in Jesus Christ are called saints. ✅ Saints are those who are set apart and made holy by God. ✅ There is no biblical mention of saints as intercessors or receiving special prayers.
The Catholic & Orthodox Definition of Saints:
❌ Saints are specific historical figures who lived exceptionally holy lives.
❌ They are believed to have special standing before God and can intercede on behalf of the living.
❌ Catholics pray to saints to ask for their intercession before God.
While church tradition elevates specific individuals, the Bible consistently refers to all believers as saints.
Does the Bible Support Praying to Saints?
One of the most common arguments in favor of praying to saints is Revelation 5:8, which describes saints in heaven presenting prayers before God.
📖 Revelation 5:8 – “Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of God’s people.”
However, this passage does not say that these saints received prayers or interceded on behalf of the living. It simply states that prayers were being offered to God, not to saints.
In contrast, Scripture repeatedly emphasizes that prayer is to be directed to God alone.
📖 Exodus 20:3-5 – “You shall have no other gods before me. You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below. You shall not bow down to them or worship them.”
📖 Matthew 6:9-13 – “This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name…’”
Nowhere in the Bible does Jesus or the apostles instruct believers to pray to saints or angels.
Who Is the Only True Mediator?
The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
📖 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
This verse is crucial because it eliminates the need for any other intercessor—whether saints, priests, or angels. Through Jesus, we have direct access to God.
📖 Hebrews 4:16 – “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
Does the Bible Warn Against Praying to the Dead?
Yes, the Bible explicitly forbids communication with the dead.
📖 Deuteronomy 18:10-12 – “Let no one be found among you who… consults the dead. Anyone who does these things is detestable to the Lord.”
Although praying to saints may not seem like consulting the dead in the same way as occult practices, it still involves communicating with those who have passed away, something Scripture does not endorse.
How Should Christians Pray?
Rather than praying to saints, the Bible encourages believers to pray directly to God through Jesus Christ.
📖 Philippians 4:6 – “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Prayer is an act of worship and should be directed to God alone.
✔️ Jesus Christ is the only mediator between God and man.
✔️ The Bible never instructs believers to pray to saints.
✔️ Christians should approach God directly in prayer.
Final Thoughts
Praying to saints is a church tradition, not a biblical command. While we can honor faithful believers who came before us, Scripture makes it clear that prayer belongs to God alone. Jesus is our mediator, and through Him, we have direct access to the Father.
📖 John 14:13-14 – “And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.”
Watch or Listen
The Radiant Mission Podcast | Episode 137
Host: Rebecca Twomey @theradiantmission
Thank you for listening to The Radiant Mission podcast! We are on a mission to encourage and inspire you on your walk with Christ and as you journey through life.
In Episode 137, we explore the question: Should Christians pray to saints? Discover what the Bible says about prayer, intercession, and why Jesus is the only mediator between God and man.
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