It’s a common practice for some to pray to Mary and the Saints. But is this a practice that has the approval of God? Is there a need for such a practice or does the Bible teach something quite contrary?
The Bible is the word of God and, as such, is authoritative. It declares that there is only ‘one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.’ (1 Timothy 2:5) The Bible says that Jesus is our high priest and ‘is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.’ (Hebrews 9:24) And the Bible speaks of the role of the Holy Sprit in our prayers. ‘In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.’ (Romans 8:26-27) And finally it is Jesus who says, ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.’ (Matthew 11:28)
In summary, we have Jesus as our only mediator, our high priest always interceding for us, we have God the Holy Spirit making intercession for us in our prayers and Jesus inviting everyone to come to him.
Why would anyone need to pray to Mary or any of the saints? Such a practice has no authority in the Bible. Furthermore, we have the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit involved in our prayers. No other is needed.