Why Do Catholics Pray to Mary? A Biblical Perspective

It is not only Catholics who seek the intercession of Mary and the saints. This practice spans all Christian Churches and is supported by the Apostolic Successors.

Matthew 18:18-19

Christ’s words in Matthew 18:18-19 affirm that whatever is bound or loosed on earth is bound or loosed in heaven. This suggests the importance of prayer and its impact on the spiritual world.

A Personal Perspective

I have been Catholic for over 56 years, and like many, I have asked both God and the saints to pray for me. I have never worshipped Mary or any other individual but only God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Venerating Mary and the saints is similar to showing reverence for the US flag or a person admired.

Understanding Veneration in Christianity

Our love and honor of Mary stem from her role in agreeing to become the Theotokos. However, we recognize that she is human and only a mortal. We honor and pray to her, as well as the saints, because it aligns with Biblical teachings.

Scriptural References

Several passages in the Bible provide a strong basis for praying to Mary and the saints:

Luke 1:42-48

In Mary’s meeting with Elisabeth, the Angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, telling her that she was blessed among women and full of grace. This suggests Mary’s special status in the eyes of God.

John 2:1-5

Jesus’ miraculous turning of water into wine at the wedding feast in Cana shows Mary’s intercessory role in the lives of believers. She spoke to Jesus on behalf of the guests, and He honored her request.

Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4

These passages explicitly mention that saints, including Mary, present the prayers of the faithful to the Lamb of God, emphasizing their continued role in the spiritual life of Christians.

A Protestant Perspective

As a former evangelical Protestant, praying to Mary and the saints is natural. Despite any misconceptions, it is Biblically grounded. As a Protestant, you might have or will ask another believer to pray for you. Why not a dead saint? The Bible supports the idea that they are alive in heaven.

Further Biblical Justification

Fundamental Christian beliefs suggest that the saints in heaven are not dead but alive, making it logical to pray to them. Jesus referred to God as the God of the living, not the dead, in Mark 12:26-27, further emphasizing their continued existence and role in the spiritual world.

Conclusion

There are many more Biblical reasons for praying to Mary, and the more you delve into the topic, the more you'll find support for this practice. Resources like provide extensive information on why Catholics pray to Mary. If you seek the fullness of the Christian faith, I invite you to explore and consider the wholeness it offers.

God bless you and may you find the path to the completeness of the Christian faith.