/christian/ - Christian Discussion and Fellowship

>>561988

>to pray is to speak

More than that.

To pray is to worship. In fact one of the highest, if not the highest form of worship.

Don't say "I pray to a saint", instead I would rather you say "I ask saints to pray for me".

>>561987

There is a saying that for every step we take toward Christ, he takes 10 toward us. Like the father who ran to meet the prodigal sun, Christ longs to be with us, particularly in Confession and the Eucharist. It is Christ who invites us. So to believe that’s it’s somehow disrespectful to pray to Christ directly AFAIK is a heretical view.

It is true, however, that our prayers become more powerful when united with other souls, both on earth and already in heaven. It is basically one giant prayer circle that is not divided by the grave.

Asking the saints for their intercession is extremely simple. Just ask them like you would ask a close friend or family member to pray for you. You can look at a picture, icon or statue of the saint as a visual aid to help you remember them. Just remember the visual aid has no magical powers, all the power comes from God. If we forget this, then the visual aid becomes an idol. You could also touch an item previously belonging to the saint. We call this a “Relic.” It is another visual aid.

Again, just remember that all power comes from The Holy Trinity. The saints are simply our friends in heaven who will pray for us if we ask them.

>>562056

Yep, it is a problem to be sure. Especially among less educated populations where folk magic and false saints (ex. Santa Muerta, Baron Samedi) creep their way in to fill the knowledge gap.

We have to pray and educate others. The simple way to tell what comes from God and what comes from the devil is Jesus Christ. All the saints and exorcists are in agreement with this advice. For example, Mary will always point to Jesus. In a legitimate Marian apparition, she will always be imploring us to go to Christ. “Santa Muerta” will claim she is a jealous saint and does not want her statues to be placed next to Christ or Mary.

>>562075

(Continued)

Demons will often try to trick us by using Christian imagery without Christ. For example, Baron Samedi is often seen holding a cross, but notice it is not a crucifix. We worship Jesus, not the cross. A cross without Jesus on it has no significance. Even the Church of Scientology use a cross as their symbol.

Legitimate saints and apparitions will always be pointing toward Christ. Do not fear to direct people to Mary, for she will in turn, always direct people to Christ. “Santa Muerte” on the other hand, will only be directing people to herself, asking horrific human sacrifices to be done in appeasement to her. The Church has consistently condemned “Santa Muerte” as a fraud, but this vile heresy continues to propagate itself.

Just remember Christ is the way. Keep Christ at the center of all your prayers, venerations, devotions and requests for intercession.