Christians believe Mary is Jesus' mother~Why it is okay to pray to her as well as God
82Ave Maria~Charlotte Church
This came to me a few days ago while I was praying the rosary.
I was concentrating on the prayer, and looking at pictures of the Sacred Heart and the Immaculate Heart of Mary and it came to me:
Jesus is God and is very much a King- of Heaven and Earth. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is merciful as well as just. He can only be so merciful---for if He's too merciful.....to us, He would not be just.
I could see a sadness in Our Lady's eyes, while she was holding the baby Jesus, as if she knew what was to happen with the crucifixion. I believe Our Lady knows what hell is like and feels a continual sorrow and sympathy for us, so we won't go there.
There is a lot of controversy between Christians and Catholics about praying to Mary. While praying to Mary seems useless to many bible believers who say to go straight to God thru Jesus, and that we shouldn't pray to Mary because she is not God, Catholics will say that they are only asking for her prayers, not worshipping her; I believe in a healthy balance, that is I believe it's okay think it's okay to pray the Hail Mary but I don't do it often or pray the rosary often, unless I'm really distressed, then it's comforting.
Catholics or whomever prays to Mary are not worshipping her. There is a difference between asking for a favor and worshipping.
A protestant friend of mine once told me that in their Church many people ask the church or members of it to pray for their sick family member or whatever.
So if we can ask people on earth to pray for us, how much more should we ask people in heaven to pray for us as well, as Mary has a very closeness to Jesus because she was his human Mother, and he made her the mother of His Church. In the Bible where Jesus is on the cross Jesus says to Mary and Apostle John the one whom he loved, "Woman behold thy son" and "Son behold thy Mother" --therby giving His Mother to the church and the church to his mother. (John represented the church as he was one of the apostles to begin the carrying on of what Jesus started.)
We can ask anyone in heaven to pray for us, besides Mary, we often ask favors from Holy Saints who are given the freedom to help us by God for their honor for their holy lives and in honor of God as well; we can even ask our dead relatives in heaven to pray for us, just as we did when they were alive.
But we never should neglect to pray to God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
How many of us, men and women, get mad when people insult our own Mother?
It's the same way with Jesus. He chooses to elevate His Mother like we do when we celebrate Mother's Day and we get angry when someone insults our mothers-usually- because our Mothers took care of us, perhaps, loved us, and did alot for us, not to mention gave birth to us.
Mothers are very special and have the strongest bond- between them and their child. Often times there is NOTHING a mother won't do for her child, even in the animal world with animals, the mothers fiercly protects her children, and so did Mary. She loved Jesus with all her heart whilst being the best mother to him and staying with him at his death when only one of His apostles John did as well.
So, in my opinion, Mary deserves alot of credit. We wouldn't be saved if she hadn't stepped in to help. She of course is very lucky to be so blessed with an Immaculte Conception and everything else, but she suffered the most of anyone next to Jesus. So we call her heart "sorrowful" and Jesus was the "Man of Sorrows".
God bless. I hope this helped you understand my view and the Church's view of why we ask Mary for help, by praying and WHY IT IS WISE TO PRAY TO HER AND HOW SHE CAN HELP US!!
Learn about Fatima--important now more than ever
- FATIMA NETWORK: Our Lady of Fatima Online
One of Mary's Most famous apparitions to 3 small humble childen in poor Fatima, Portugal. The messages of what we need for world peace.
There is much to read and learn about Mary. In fact, not much is said of her in the Bible, she was "hidden" and wanted to be, to be as humble as possible. This has been revealed in some of her apparitions. But other than God, Mary has been given much priveledges for her humility and for accepting Angel Gabriel's offer to mother Christ knowing well it would be very difficult to see him crucified.
People with a saintly attitude like Mary and St.Joseph and others are given the ability to suffer more than most.....For instance, when Mary was witnessing Jesus on the cross it is said she would have "died a thousand deaths" if that were physically possible. Her heart is united to Christs as the Immaculte --pieced by a sword (of emotional pain) and his Sacred Heart- pierced for love of us by the crown of thorns and His sufferind.
Mary is the mother of Christ (humanly) and is our mother too. Just as God the Father is our Father, and Jesus is our friend and spouse, and the Holy Spirit is our inspiration, Mary is our Mother,--given to us by Jesus. He wishes us to honor her (not worship) for what good Son would not want their Mother honored-especially such a beloved one as she, who was the best woman ever born since creation and handpicked by God to be Jesus's mother.
There are many mysteries. But this one I know for sure, that Mary is a "masterpiece" of God (replacing the human EVE--correcting what eve did.)
Do you feel comfortable praying to Mary for help?
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Thanks, Dave
I did read Matt 12: 46-50 and it does not state what you said. (KJV) It says 12:50 whosover shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
It also states that his mother and some others were waiting to talk w/ him. That sounds normal to me for all are subject to God.
So basically, we DONT worship statues or pictures. They are there only to help us imagine what they look like, and help us to concentrate and being inspired. Never in my life has anyone told me to worship them.
Our Lord can give anyone one, be it on earth or in heaven special graces to help others, as you Brother Dave, you call yourself a Brother, must feel you have a "calling" to help others and even abilities. That's all.
thank you for your comment.
And let us go on worshipping God ~ the minor details are not what's altogether important. but this hub is just stating that I feel, as many others do, it IS ok to ask others for help just like I could ask YOU to pray for me. :O)
Oh, one other thing that I find misleading is that when everyone reads their bible, each can get different interpetations of it....and you'll have 1,000 different thoughts/interpetations on one verse or paragraph. So the Catholic Church does give the authority to the priest etc to correctly interpret it.....so that there is but one.
anyways, peace to you. It is not wrong or sin to pray/ask Mary or saints or anyone for help be it You or me or whomever. It's normal for me to ask you or a friend to pray for me and that is what we do with Mary.
ttys
Hi Dave, and everyone,
Another thought I had just now, Dave is you have posted pictures of Jesus on your hubs. Now you don't worhip them, right? Just as I don't nor do others.
Also, In this hub, I use the word "Stoop" alot as in Jesus or Mary stooping to us . I really don't like to describe it that way using "stoop", but this is a hard topic to describe.
Basically, we are like all different flowers to God--just as St.Therese called herself the Little Flower.
We are all different, yet precious to God, and therfore are like diffent kinds of flowers.
The roses may be really nice, but the lilac may smell just as sweet, or the Lily, and even the violets are pretty and precious.
It takes an open mind to see this comparison I think.
But when I say God, or Jesus stoops....what I mean is :
He is in Heaven and we are on earth so he BENDS to smell the flowers. Know what I mean?
I cannot convince a Baptist to believe in praying to mary but writing about it, in my mind, it makes a lot of sense. I felt inpired to write of it---FOR MARY DOESN'T GET MUCH RECOGNITION, AND AGAIN JESUS , I believe had said in His apparitions to different saints.....He does Not want His Mother MOCKED, OR MISTREATED. That is the main point of this hub.
It's YOUR choice whether you pray to mary or whomever. You don't have to but you may.
Sweet hub SG. It has always stumped me that Catholics worship statues and images as i was under the impression that to worship 'golden idols' was a really signifigant sin. But, over the years i have come to the realiztion that how ever someone brings God's love to their soul has to be the right way. He has made each of a wonderful creation and has offered us openly his love and forgiveness regardless of our sins. All we need to do is ask for it.
Your hub is a wonderful bit of inspiration and information and I am honored to read it. Thank you for a moment to worship our Lord here on hubpages!
~Always choose love~
I found this to be a very interesting hub. I never gave what you said any thought. A statue is a replica, just as a picture of Jesus is. If it boosts your and my faith, then I dont see any wrong in it. I have pictures of what I believe Jesus looks like. I dont worship the pictures, but I worship Him. Thanks for the info. God bless you
K9keystrokes,
As usual you move me with your comment.
Thank you for appreciating what I try to do here on hubpages! I love writing hubs for people and especially people like yourself ;0) God bless you!!
texas hubber and K9,
(ps) sorry I haven't had time to read much of your work lately. Been thru some 'trying' times with family/stuff lately but I feel good!
texashubber-
You hit it right on the head! Glad to see you enjoyed this. I want to say...that I felt Mary was due a bit of honor "just because" and so I had to write this as well as the inspiration I got while in prayer.
nice to see you, I will try and read your hubs soon!!
Nicely written hub. I attended a catholic school and it was an quite an experience. I still consider myself catholic to a good extent. There are a lot of mysteries in the scriptures and no matter how we try, we might not be able to fully understand the deep spiritual meanings contained therein. I don't also believe we owe anyone an explanation for 'why we believe what we believe'. We just have to pray that the Holy Spirit Himseltf do the job. But I must ask, 'Why pray to Mary when the Scriptures expressly state that there is only one mediator between God and man- Jesus Christ?'
MeGunner,
hey! thankyou for stopping by! my fellow Catholic lol. Well simple answer: because there is a mediatrix between Jesus and us and that is Mary. !! .....thoughts? Be well! and God Bless you always SG
Great hub. Prayer is different than worship.
Daniel,
Thank you for your comment! God bless.SG
Great hub! I love praying to Mary for help! And great point made by Daniel just above me here, prayer is different than worship. God Bless!
thecatholicexpert,
thanks! Yes he did make a great point! SG
This is why Jesus went to the cross so we don't have to pray to no one else..he was the bridge
2 Chronicles 7:14
if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
jesusmyjoy,
thankyou for visiting, nice to see you.
I've noticed over time that one passage of the bible isn't the end all or be all and that if you put them together you'll see different comments in different passages.
But this is not about who's right for me right now anyways.
I want to say to everyone that I just started praying more recently, and it is the only thing that helps me when I'm upset. The rosary is a weapon against the devil and praying the rosary always results in me feeling good.
Thanks everyone for their comments! I appreciate it! :) I know this is a difficult subject for many , so I appreciate the time and 'listening' you gave. I think we can all learn something new everyday.
I wish you The best and God's blessings.
Thank you for sharing your hub about Mary. I am glad you did, it helps me to understand something I did not know.
@Ictodd
Thanks for reading!
Mary’s Role in God’s Purpose
DURING Jesus’ ministry, a woman raised her voice above the din of the crowd and called out: “Happy is the womb that carried you and the breasts that you sucked!” If Jesus wanted his mother to be revered, he had here a golden opportunity to recommend that form of devotion. Instead, he replied: “No, rather, Happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!”—Luke 11:27, 28.
Jesus did not single out his mother for any special honors; nor did he ever tell his followers to do so. How does this fit in with the adoration that many sincere believers bestow on Mary? Let us consider some of the widespread teachings about Jesus’ mother in the light of the Holy Scriptures.
“Full of Grace,” “Blessed . . . Among Women”
The angel Gabriel announced to Mary what her role in God’s purpose would be. On that occasion, he greeted her, saying: “Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you.” (Luke 1:28) An alternative translation of that same greeting is: “Hail, full of grace, the Lord is with you.” Soon thereafter, Elizabeth greeted Mary with the words: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!” (Luke 1:42) Do these phrases not indicate that particular reverence is due Mary?
In reality, no. Although these words are incorporated in a prayer that Catholics direct to Mary, the Bible itself gives no justification for praying to her. Gabriel and Elizabeth acknowledged Mary’s outstanding privilege as the one who was to bear the Messiah, but the thought of praying to her is alien to the Scriptures. On the contrary, when Jesus’ disciples asked him to teach them how to pray, he indicated that prayers were to be directed to his Father. In fact, Jesus’ famous model prayer begins with the words: “Our Father in the heavens.”—Matthew 6:9.
Among the Rulers
Another common teaching about Mary is that she is now “the Queen of heaven.” The Bible never accords her such a title. It does show, however, that she occupies a special place in God’s heavenly arrangement. What place is that?
Jesus indicated that some of his faithful disciples would rule with him in his Kingdom. (Luke 22:28-30) Jesus will empower those chosen ones to serve as “priests to our God, and they are to rule as kings over the earth.” (Revelation 5:10) The Bible clearly leads us to the conclusion that Mary is among those who have been granted this exalted privilege. How can we say this?
You will recall that after Jesus’ death, Mary was “persisting in prayer” with Jesus’ disciples and his brothers. Some 120 met for this purpose, including “some women.” (Acts 1:12-15) While “the festival of Pentecost was in progress,” says the Bible, “they were all together at the same place” when God’s holy spirit was poured out upon them, granting them the ability to speak in foreign languages.—Acts 2:1-4.
That Mary was among those blessed in this way shows that she and the other women who received the holy spirit were chosen to be a part of Jesus’ heavenly Kingdom. So we have every reason to believe that Mary now sits with Jesus in heavenly glory. (Romans 8:14-17) Consider some of the privileges that she and Jesus’ other corulers will have in the outworking of God’s purposes.
Dispensing Marvelous Blessings
The Bible book of Revelation says that 144,000 individuals would be resurrected to heavenly glory to serve alongside Jesus as priests, judges, and kings. (Revelation 14:1, 4; 20:4, 6) As priests, they will share in applying the merits of Jesus’ sacrifice to all obedient mankind, raising them to spiritual, moral, and physical perfection. (Revelation 21:1-4) What a privilege it will be for all loyal worshippers of Jehovah to see that wonderful time!
Mary played, and still plays, a part in the outworking of Jehovah’s purposes. For her humility, faith, obedience, and devotion as a mother, not to mention her endurance under trial, she is worthy of imitation. For her role in giving birth to the Messiah and in dispensing everlasting blessings to mankind, she is to be highly respected.
However, the most important lesson we learn from Mary is that she, along with all other faithful servants of God, worships Jehovah and no other god. Mary, along with Christ’s other corulers in heaven, raises her voice to proclaim: “To the One sitting on the throne [Jehovah God] and to the Lamb [Jesus Christ] be the blessing and the honor and the glory and the might forever and ever.”—Revelation 5:13; 19:10.
Thank you for that comment, it was interesting and well written, I enjoy a friendly debate...
I hope in my hub you did not get the impression we worship Mary, no. Praying to her yes, but as a FRIEND... When God died on the cross and said to St.John and Mary "Woman behold thy son, and Son behold thy mother, that represents God giving Mary to be the mother of his disciples, his church, and to the church his mother.
If I only followed the bible i wouldn't be catholic, there are traditions "Keep fast to the traditions which ye have learned" the bible was not available to eveyone till around the 15 century when the printing press was invented.
The only thing I can say to you, is we do not worship Mary. But we ask for her help. You said ""For her humility, faith, obedience, and devotion as a mother, not to mention her endurance under trial, she is worthy of imitation. For her role in giving birth to the Messiah and in dispensing everlasting blessings to mankind, she is to be highly respected."
She is WORTHY OF IMITATION and IS TO BE HIGHLY RESPECTED. Thank you that pretty much says it all. We are in agreement.
Peace and Jesus Bless you
I can't wait to meet Mary when I get to heaven. I believe she is a blessed woman. But that is all she is, a woman. She is not a supernatural being who can hear our prayers or answer them. Praying to anyone or anything other than Jesus is indeed Idol worship. I disagree with saying that Prayer and worship are different. Prayer is a part of worship. By seeking God, you are acknowledging he is the Almighty, the one and only. Mary is the precious mother of Jesus, but as I said, she possesses no supernatural powers to answer prayers. We don't need her to take our needs to Jesus because He can hear us and knows our needs before we even ask. He asks us to seek and knock Him. I do not believe Jesus cannot "stoop" down to us. He is all powerful and our sins are what he died for. For we who call Christ God, He sees us without spot or wrinkle. Therefore, He is everpresent with us. He stooped very low when he came as a baby and grew to be a man and walk among us sinful human beings. If that is not stooping low I don't know what is. I agree that Mary is to be respected and even revered, but not as supernatural. She should be respected and a human woman who was highly favored by God. I love Mary but only Jesus is my help. Thank you though for this hub and I have always wanted to hear from a Catholic about this issue. God bless Schoolgirl. See you in the hubs.
lambservant,
You are entitled to your belief. I don't dispute your attempt to say what you believe. Thanks for the visit and yes I will see you in the hubs :)
I will say that many people ask friends to pray for their needs, and this I believe is how we ask dead people to, including mary and the saints as well as our dead relatives who we feel were good Christians.
With respect, we are not in agreement, because to pray, is to worship. Who did Jesus (Leader of the christian congregation) said to pray to and taught his true followers how to pray, he said, Matthew 6: 6 - 10, You, however, when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you. 7 But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words. 8 So, do not make yourselves like them, for God YOUR Father knows what things YOU are needing before ever YOU ask him.
9 “YOU must pray, then, this way:
“‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.
When you ask your friend, please pray for my family....that's the same as asking "Holy Mary pray for us" same thing really.
we know and profess God is God.
I guess it's a mystery you don't yet understand.
Thankyou thou for your respect and taking the time to read and commment.
God bless you abundantly. In Jesus,
Rose
With due respect, what I do understand is that the Bible isn't a mystery and clear in it's teaching as Jesus was clear in his teaching. So, the quetion is, do you (generalzing) believe that the Bible is God's word? Jesus said about his Father's word (Bible), at John 17:17 'Your word is truth' So, if we need to verify whether something is true or not, we refer to the scriptures. Do you think this is reasonable? Please be advised that I am not arguing with you, for I would never do that. I am only asking questions of you. Thank you.
@Errol Kane,
Hi !
Yes, I believe the Bible is God's word. The unclear part is what people say and how they interpret the Bible as it seems many interpret it differently or only focus on one part? where in other parts in says different. Please clarify. For it does say to pray "Our father, who art in Heaven" and then Catholics say when Jesus at the cross spoke to St. John the Apostle and Mary Mother of Jesus "Woman behold thy son and son behold thy mother" which the Church says is Christ giving his mother to the church (represented by St. John the Apostle) and the church to his mother.
This is one of the primary reasons /proofs in which I have heard priests and bishops say that Mary is indeed a part of the Church.
@Errol Kane,
I was thinking this over again, and yes I must admit that the Bible does not speak alot about Mary, nor I suppose do the Gospels that include Jesus and Mary and the disciples, etc, really speak of anyone but mostly of Jesus, God as far as worship goes I think.
But my guess is that Mary must be the 2nd most talked about, that's a guess, as she was mentioned to accept Angel Gabriel's offer, to follow him at the crucifixion with very few others, (the disiples fled) and being given as St. John the Apostle's mohter and vice versa...and being the only other person besides the apostles to receive the Holy Spirit, is that not a fact?, well like I say before, the early church had traditions, which are not included in the bible which are still practced today "hold fast to the traditions which you have learned..." and the Bible was not available to all until the 15th century when the printing press was invented, not to say this makes the bible any thus important, but these traditions and legends passed on down from time, (I've heard that Mary lived a long life and helped many people especially a possessed person from going to hell by her prayers and intercession...) These are not in the bible but doesn't the Bible say Mary was assumed into heaven? She the only person to do so- not even the apostles were? This clearly signifies how Mary is an intercessor by her prayers for people while she was alive, by her desicion to be God's mother though she knew what horrible suffering it would entail- she did this to help mankind and she is said to be the new Eve, how she crused the head of the serpent -the devil.
Know I think at this point, it's a matter of Belief
whether you want Mary to help or not.
I never said or believe that Mary is God or that she is near to God in power or holiness
It is God's choice to exalt her "For whoever humbles himself shall be exalted" Apparently Mary is not mentioned very much in the bible and so it was so because Jesus is more important, but it must also be a thing of humility also which Mary has. All I can say is if I ask my friends to pray for me, what better help would I not get from Mary who was given to me "as my mother---"son behold thy Mohter" that I recognize she is 2nd to God in heaven though in comparison nothing. [NOTHING].
I know this is a mystery, but God is full of mysteries and this is a tradition, a belief of Catholics, to ASK for help.
My belief is that prayer is for two things:
worship
and asking for help
When I pray to God I do both.
When I pray to mary I only Ask.......
This is the best I can explain.
I don't expect you to agree or even understand perhaps but I don't see in the Bible where we cannot ask people to help us. And it is (believed) that because God exalted Mary...she has gifts, and further by Appartions -such as fatima Lourdes, etc that she has appeared to children asking them to pray, fast, and do pennance for sinners.
the rosary was given to some saint centuries ago, like the 3 Haily Mary promise which is that if you pray 3 Hail marys a day you will get to heaven. Perhaps like I said before Jesus (Allows) his mother to help us.........after all she was/is human and totally knows how we feel. He --allows her to help us-----she helps us by Begging Jesus to have more mercy and of course he loves and listens --to some degree to his mother.
In Conclusion--Mary is a part of the Church
so indeed the Church is a part of Mary. and we also ask the saints for intercession- we believe that saints are blessed (great saints) beyond others like one of the things to be a saint to be cannonized by the Holy Church is there have to be miracles through your intercession.
The history of the Catholic Church is a whole other subject.
Well maam, as you said, people interpret the bible how they want either to support their claims or whatever the case may be. But isn't it more reasonable to let scripture interpret scripture. That's why the Bible says at 1 John 4: 1 Beloved ones, do not believe every inspired expression, but test the inspired expressions to see whether they originate with God, because many false prophets have gone forth into the world.
Yes, clearly the Bible is a book to be used as a road map. Like a road map, we use it to help it guide us in this world. But first we have to open it and read it every day Psalms 1: 2 But his delight is in the law of Jehovah,
And in his law he reads in an undertone day and night. The book of the law is (the Bible). When studying the Bible, it will help us to prepare for what is coming because this life that humans are living on this earth was not meant to be as we know it, disease, war, crime, hatred, poverty, hunger, death. No, When we study the Bible, we are in fact preparing. As 1 Tim 6: 19 says,
safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, in order that they may get a firm hold on the real life.
A life meant to live on this Paradise Earth as perfect humans forever.
Psalms 37: 9, 10, 11, 29;
For evildoers themselves will be cut off,
But those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth.
10 And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more;
And you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be.
11 But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth,
And they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace. 29 The righteous themselves will possess the earth,
And they will reside forever upon it.
Now I was just wondering, have yo actually open your bible and read for yourself, all the scripture I have given? if not, I invite you to do so and keep in mind, if you believe that the Bible is God's word, then you will believe what's in it and, that there can only be one Truth, regardless, what that perosn thinks or this person think. I suspect, you are a reasonable person with thinking abilities, then that should be your reaosn to check in the bible to see whether something is true or not. There is a way of doing that. So, have you read all the scriptures also, the scriptures that I sent when I first post to your Hub? Mary was well explained from the Bible's point of view. Why don't you look those scriptures up and take your time. Hope to talk to you soon. Nice talking to you and will be back in a few days.
Errol Kane,
thankyou
but I'm so busy/tired at the moment. Though I will look it up in the future. (I had to accept the comment thou and "clean up" my comments --I have the need to be organized. I will try and get back to you.
Hi, I love your post. Mama Mary deserves a respect because through her, Jesus Christ was born.
minutecreature,
Thankyou ;) I appreciate that and so does Mama Mary! ;)
I wanted to give her some credit which is due....she is our special Mother keeping us safe "under her blue mantle" she is our Protectoress in this valley of tears...a caring mother of us all who loves us and wishes to help guide us to heaven as best she can.
We don't worhip her, she is our (step-mother as Jesus is our brohter..) She is beautiful
As bible believer like Dave Mathews is, I want to udate this and say I don't advise people to spend all their time praying to Mary...as Christians we pray to Jesus to get to God the father, we don't need 2 mediators
Also, if we are going to spend eternity in heaven adoring God, we should spend time doing it NOW.
:) But listening to Ave Maria, the song above is fine. Having a real work of art of Mary or of the Holy Family is just a nice /pleasant reminder.
Amen ! God bless you all.
Hello Schoolgirl
In your own words you said maam ' we don't need 2 mediators'.
You use the word mediator and as we all know, that word denotes a 'go between'
In order to get to God Almighty, we need Jesus to act in our behalf. Jesus petitions for us and he is that go between. As Jesus said in John 14: 13, 14,
Also, whatever it is that YOU ask in my name, I will do this, in order that the Father may be glorified in connection with the Son. 14 If YOU ask anything in my name, I will do it.
Cleary, Jesus acts as a go between in our behalf, petitions his Father in our behalf. And Jesus explained how we could do this when he was on the earth.
It's found at Matthew 6: 7, But when praying, do not say the same things over and over again, just as the people of the nations do, for they imagine they will get a hearing for their use of many words.
Now pay close attention to verses 9 and 10, the first three petitions;
9 “YOU must pray, then, this way:
“‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. 10 Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.
At the beginning of this model prayer, Jesus instructed his hearers: “You must pray, then, this way: ‘Our Father in the heavens, let your name be sanctified. Let your kingdom come. Let your will take place, as in heaven, also upon earth.’”
We must pray to Jehovah God himself and as Jesus said in the book of John, through him [Jesus].
After all, it is Jehovah who hears prayers and he has assigned no one to that task, not even Jesus, only himself. As Psalms 65: 2 brings out,
O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come.
About going to heaven, that too the bible says differently. Yes, some are going to heaven but, the majority of people will live right here on the earth as God intended from when he first told Adam and Eve at Genesis 1:28,
“Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth"
Jehovah's original purpose for the earth and mankind, to live on the earth as a paradise as perfect human beings, has not been abandon. His purpose is still the same, his laws that he has set out in the Bible in which man has abandon are still the same after 6000 years, and his purpose will come true for the earth and man. Why?
Well, as Malachi 3: 6 states,
“For I am Jehovah; I have not changed.
I hope you make careful study of the scriptures.
Yes, I realize now we should go straight to God thru Jesus our one mediator, not 2.
But I also won't tell people not to ask for Mary's prayers. As I ask for everyone's prayers and Mary is very special to me as the Mother of Jesus and so I don't prohibit praying or asking favors of her.
Though I agree focusing on God is very key.
Merry Christmas
This is a very straight-to-the-point article. I love the analogy of how we feel when someone insults our beloved mothers. Very true indeed.
Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin Mary too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did and If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his mother, he will not have Christ for his brother. ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe
cceerp
That is beautiful. Thankyou very much. I appreciate your comment and your visit. I'm sure you have much to talk about yourself on your hubs which I must visit now.
I don't agree with you on this one, nor will I argue about it.
But I want you to pray to God in Jesus name and ask God to show you the difference in praying to mary and in Jesus name. There's a reason I pray in Jesus name, I pray to God in JESUS name. The Holy Spirit isn't here for us to pray to, but to help us pray to God in faith.
Anyway,
When I grew up I had to pray and ask God to lead me to where He wanted me to go. I was raised in a dead church, all they did was teach me to believe in God. They didn't teach me my rights through accepting Jesus, and a ton of others things. I never had one memorable experience or anything of the power of God. God didn't seem real because they put Him in a box and didn't believe the whole Bible. Didn't tell me how to be strong in the Lord.
I went to a spirit filled church 1year and learned more than I did my whole life. And yes then without a doubt I knew and experienced the power of God, His Holy Spirit. I was healed and the Holy Spirit is like heat surges is the only way to describe it. Anyway I thank God that I didn't follow tradition and I followed Him.
God bless you!
heavenbound,
I agree w/ you and Thankyou
I just haven't changed the hub nor deleted it altoghether
@heavenbound,
then again, I change my mind alot, I'm bipolar...
But I go by both catholic and baptist today: I find reading the bible very helpful and yet I also find the rosary and catholic religion too, both.
@schoolgirlforreal
hi there, I admire you for your faith as a christian..i was also from catholic church in fact i was a choir member...but when i started to read the bible...I was confused about what ive read and the things what we (as catholics before were doing) For example..the wiping of handkerchief to the statue of Mother mary or statue of jesus christ (both baby and old) I think it is wrong...It is said also in the bible that we should not do repitition prayers..in the church sometimes people are making gossips cause i think because the sequence of the mass is the same( only the gospel reading is changing) I still believe the Christianity is not about religion but its by faith..But what is written in the bible we should not alter it..Im sorry bout that but im just confused..God bless you sister
Hi Beatlemania,
Nice to see you, thankyou for commenting and coming to my page!
I agree with you. Now that I'm a saved person for over a year (Bible beliver in Christ), I see more clearly how repetitive prayer isn't always helpful, [unless perhaps you are having a panic attack-it may calm you actually] but I see as you pointed out, touching a handkerchief to a statue, well it "clouds" things up a bit, doesn't it? I've come to see that the bible is very CLEAR as you say with no mistakes or errors. When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior without giving anything in return -that's the tough part for many Catholics, to not have to give back as they've been instilled for years etc- it's acually humbling, to know and belive there is a GOD who LOVES us unconditionally, and who DESIRES us to be with Him. That he gives us FREE SALVATION (if only we are willing to Accept it... it's more than just something simple isn't it? to accept Christ is to say"God I love you, I WANT to SERVE YOU.")
God bless you as well. Thankyou so much!
@schoolgirlforreal
Thank you so much sister...I love the way you interact with believers and non believers..You know, its so nice to see someone like you who is patient enough (very nice and humble) in dealing with different beliefs..This is the way it should be...I have so many catholic friends that they easily got irritated when we talk about our faith and i must admit that i easily got irritated too speacially if i couldnt explain my beliefs with them...I pray God that He will always guide you and use you to be a model for others, I thank God that i found a lot of people commenting in your page and may our good Lord continue to be with them and bless them as well...God is good all the time..God bless u and your family always...
Beatlemania,
Thankyou so much, that is quite a compliment. I try to be agreeable and approach things with a bit of psychology. I know people don't like being forced, or pushed and I don't like that myself either. God bless you too. I'm so glad we see eye to eye. :) :)
Going over this again and re reading beatlemania's comment, I must say my views have changed over the year. I am a bible believer if you want to call it that, a Christian, anyways, I still love the Catholic faith I was brought up in, I don't reject either for I am edified by looking at spiritual picutures and also edified by reading the bible. I see the good in both.
Hi, schoogirlforreal,
Your hub is so beautiful—your answers so loving; God has given you much grace.
As often as we see it, the comments by our followers still amaze me. I must ask them:
Do you worship the cross as an idol or talisman—or do u worship Who it represents?! What about the paintings of the Last Supper? As schoolgirlforreal said, the photo, the statue, the charm, the Rosary, gives us something to remind us of Him. A blind, deaf man does not see, but he can feel with his hands and hears with his heart; with his hands he is reminded—with his heart he honors Mary, the mother who bore His son, Jesus and believes in God Our Father. Because we do not see a statue or a painting or a charm, does not mean that we do not believe—those things simply serve as a reminder—because, as humans, sometimes we forget to think/do the right things, just as seeing a policeman reminds you that you should drive the speed limit. When u pass a church—does it remind u of God—or are u worshipping the building? Does it remind you to pray? Or do you bow to the bldg? Does that cross around your neck serve to remind you that God is always with you or is it an idol of evil? Doesn’t it serve as a reminder to those around you that you love God; that you are here for them in God’s name and in His love, to teach and to forgive? Many do not understand that the Rosary is a story, if u will, a reminder that through those images of Christ and his works, joys and sufferings, we are greatful for His sacrifices and worship only God! And serve only to honor Jesus’ mother—people fail to remember and to keep in mind that God chose Mary as his bride and mother of His child because she was the purest above all women. So, you should willfully dishonor God by dishonoring his wife and the mother of His child? Honoring and worshipping are two, very separate, things. Be as the blind man—see through your heart, from the loving gift of God, by honoring the Mother Mary, God’s Chosen.
TO:
Jesusmyjoy—God does hear all of us! Jesus did go to the cross so that we would pray. Do you not think that Mary, Jesus’ mother, God’s spouse, ALSO serves as a reminder to pray to Him?! Worship the cross, worship Mary? Or is it pray to the cross, honor our Mother Mary by praying in order to worship and love God with all your heart? Isn’t the 4th commandment, “Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother”? Are we not honoring both our mortal father and God Our Father and our mortal mother and Mary Our Mother, all while following the 1st Commandment, “I am the Lord thy God, thou shalt not have strange gods before me”—as we worship only God? Honor Mary—worship only God!! At mealtime, we seat our father and mother at the head of the table to honor them—we don’t worship them. At weddings, we seat our mother and our father in the first pew and at the head table to honor them—we don’t worship them. We worship only God!
When I go to another church as a visitor for a wedding, funeral or social event—I do not worship any other God but the One and only God. You quoted,
2 Chronicles 7:14
If my people who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from Heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Do you believe that Jesus Christ is your Lord and Saviour who died for our sins?
Then, it doesn’t matter where you pray, as long as you pray! Do you pray to God in your mother’s arms? “Please help me to have better understanding, please pray that the Lord gives me strength, please pray that things will be ok.” This is not worshipping her, this is honoring that she will pray with you, all in the glory of God our Father, who gives us all things through his will. You do not worship those that help you—you honor their courage in their perseverance to lead you on the right track in seeking God’s endless mercy. Honor the Mother for her selfless devotion and worship thy Father for His great gifts.
God bless you all, Pamela
Thankyou, Pamela, your reply and answers make so much sense. Sometimes I think I, or anyone, can get confused as to what we are doing.
I've gone to a bible believing church for awhile now, and was discouraged to pray to Mary, but I find in times of sorrow, it helps me. When I watched "The Case for faith" by Lee Strobel, a bible believer, I saw so many pictures of Jesus, and I thought: If the baptists or bible believers don't believe in having pictures or statues to remind them, well they certainly used and took advantage of all the Catholic ones in that video. And Mel Gibson, a Catholic made the Passion of the Christ...Yes, Pamela, we DO USE statues, pictures, crosses, and churches to remind us of God. And the beautiful cathedrals as well, to draw our hearts and minds to God. That is the purpose of these things.
I find the bible believing church helpful in many ways to encourage me to read the bible but it also lacks things. As for the Catholic Church, I follow the Traditonal Latin Mass for that's where I've always felt God's presence.
The Catholic Church has been under attack by satan for centuries, since the beginning because it's the true church, thanks for the reminder, but because of the attacks, things have gone astray as you wound expect!
So, In my own opinion I seek both churches for one and the other, I believe now the Catholic Church IS the true church but for the one defect- that it doesn't emphasize the importance that we CANNOT earn our way to heaven.....Jesus's apostles were priests and there we get the priest hoood.
I believe many baptists or bible believers went to the Novus Ordo..the new Mass which is watered down and less personal. That is why I think many left the Catholic Church.
But your post is a reminder and good point that we DO NOT! worship churches, crosses, statues or holy pics and I've noticed lately that my life feels empty without these reminders.
Thankyou Pamela! We all have different feelings or opinions that may even change from time to time but beliveing Christ is our Saviour is the foremost important and then realizing that these "things" can actually be very helpful to our growth.
I don't think praying to Mary is a sin and St. Therese of the Child Jesus is honored by many for her simple way - a doctor of the church. So even if my bible friends say ít's harder to get to heaven by the catholic church, I say, do what makes you the most comfortable: serve God and be kind to each other :)
You wrote this article so beautifully and so lovingly, and it gives me new insight and new ways of expressing this truth to others. You also handled the comments and critics very well. Great Job and let us keep praying to Mary our Mother, that many more may come to understand.
For those wishing to pray the rosary and renew their catholic faith, there is a fabulous website where they pray the perpetual rosary.....available any time day or night, when you are burdened. It is http://www.comepraytherosary.org.
All are welcome.
Hi Cathy I,
It's nice to be reminded of this article, which I enjoyed rereading..and the comments too...I feel like I am so imperfect as I stray like all of us do and we are all imperfect, and sometimes I wish I could feel everyday like I felt when writing this. But being human, life continues as it does!
Thankyou, I do still like to pray 3 Hail Mary's, a practice my mom and I do regularly or somewhat regularly, it's a nice practice and the "minimum"...and like I mentioned above, I do pray the entire rosary when I am in desperate need (w/ my bipolar illness) and it is The ONLY THING that helps me,
God bless! And keep me in your prayers!!
Wow quite a lot to be said here. The only thing that I know of in the bible about Mary is that she would be blessed among women. The catholic religion only began in the 1800s sort of like one person got the idea to worship Mary and now there is a whole religion on it. I think it is a danger and I hate it for Mary truthfully and we have no right to make people saints and I find it upsetting that many catholic priests have raped and molested and they don't get sent to jail but to another place with recommendations and we all know that is so wrong, but I won't let Protestants off the hook either, making Gay OK and more into profit it seems than saving souls. We should pray to God in His son's name Who is our salvation, not Mary. We all have our faults and we can argue all we want but I hope the day never comes in America that Catholics and Christians actually fight. I think none are doing as they should and when God speaks of the church he will spew out because they are neither hot nor cold will be in our time now as our churches are. We should be fellow shipping and preparing for the terror that will soon be upon this earth which too I think has started but be much much worse very soon and because we have let our governments and churches take the true God and His true meaning we are very responsible ourselves.
I like a hub like this, people need to be talking about these things. Thank you.
@Jackie
Hi Jackie, thanks for commenting and reading/visiting. From my understanding, the Catholic faith has been around since Jesus, about 33 AD. Now about the worship Mary part, no we don't worship her, you must not have read the article!! I think we should all take heed from the bible which says, Judge not lest ye be judged. I believe the Church has been attacked by satan since the beginning, as he would want to attack anything good and holy.
Yes I think the end times are near if that's what you mean. I like reading the book of revelation. It's fascinating and I look forward to the judgement.
God bless!
Yes, prayer is different than worship but Mary.
Jesus is there READY to here your prayers, no one (even Mary) can make any more difference than Jesus. That is who we are to pray to.
I truly believe the Catholic church is wicked and turns people away from God and they don't even know it. They don't rest there beliefs on the Bible and they pray to other 'idols' including the rosary. Yes, status of Mary, the rosary, all idols.
The ONLY middle man between us and God is Jesus Christ himself. Mary was nothing but a wicked sinner just like you and I she was just used of God. Used of GOD....
Hi Anonymous!
You're right, Jesus IS ready to hear our prayers and I rarely pray to Mary anymore, unless my Mom asks me to. I don't feel evil doing it, but it does at this point feel kinda strange, but then sometimes things we've done for 33 yrs can stick a little. If you know what I mean :)
As for the Catholic Church being wicked, my babtist or bible believing pastor says you can be a "born again Catholic" which mean accept Christ but go to the Catholic Church. I haven't chosen to do that, and my pastor and I agree it doesn't really help spiritual growth! But the Catholic Church I"ve been told was around before the baptists...i'm not sure. I don't think they turn people away from God though as I was one for 33 years and my faith then was very very strong and helpful for which I am grateful. The Catholics don't ignore the bible but anyways, I've said Catholics don't worship statues just as we feel nice to look at a picture of Jesus or a nice painting.
As for Mary being a wicked sinner, the bible says she was born without original sin and was pure and chosen. No, that does not make her God or anything close to Him. And yes God used her as a vessel as He uses all of us to be vessels.
God bless you, and hopefully your anger towards the Catholic Church...and Mary...will disapate.
I read the article and I have known Catholics and any of their homes I have been in look like a shrine to Mary. The bible said she would be honored among women. The bible teaches us better than to go through Mary or the thousands of saints that God certainly did not name as so. We have the trinity, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. That is all. It is not too late to find your comfort in Christ Jesus the one Who shed His blood for us. If you love Mary, mother of Jesus you will do this for her, but surely God would not blame her since there is no writings left by the Apostles or Jesus telling us to put her on a pedestal, and in fact the only time I recall her and Jesus being mention together He was telling her more or less to leave Him alone because He was about His Father's business.
Hi Pollyannalana,
Thanks. I am comfortable with your analysis and I agree now. I've changed and I'm a (born again) Christian. I won't condemn people if they're stuck in saying Hail mary's but you are right and I feel much better spiritually focusing on God and Jesus and the 'direct' route. thx
Well you know my mom brought me up pretty strict and I think I thought I was better than most people until one day God put the question in my heart of what I had to be thankful for if I was so perfect, I sure didn't need a Savior, so we just keep growing as we listen to the word and admit when we are wrong. I have loved a lot of Catholics whether I believed how they worshiped or not and truthfully we need to start watching all of our Christian Churches who are trying to push Jesus out and of course that is satan. And ones letting gays be Pastors and telling them it is not wrong. We are running out of time to be serious and know the truth and not be a coward to say it. I am very pleased you are on the right path. We are none worthy but if we love Jesus He will see us through. Voted you up for a great hub...there should be more like it. Oh and I would never call Mary a wicked woman, some people go too far in each direction I guess.
Thankyou Jackie,
I've gotten tremendous, interesting, and nice responses from this hub, it may be my most commented hub and I'm glad like you that I wrote about it :)
One thing I'll say, is that in the Catholic Church (not long ago but after Vatican II) priests do not mention hell much or advise the congregation to dress better...I don't think it's a good idea all the time but I think the honest truth can be helpful!!! St. John Vianni the Cure of Ars (France) is one I've read about, well he really told the truth in his sermons and they say he helped convert many- thousands or more.
One I DON"T like are holy rollers and baptist preachers who pound the pulpit and say 95% of saved people are not saved and going to hell. That made me so angry, I actually (this is just me) said to that preacher (I was visiting) "What makes you think YOU"RE saved?!!! ---during his speech!!!!!"
Thankyou again.
Joh 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
Loved your hub. I too am a born again catholic. Sometimes I struggle with the praying to Mary. But remember Jesus honored her request at the wedding in Cana to turn the water into wine. When anyone says such and such wasn't written in the bible...remember the bible wasn't in publication until the middle ages so the church had word of mouth (the church calls tradition) to go by. Besides it says in the bible that if everything, miricacls that Jesus did, there wouldn't be enough space. The best book to read about what the catholic church believes is the Cathecism of the Catholic Church and you will see how the church is in sync with scripture. There have been so many anti-catholic pastors who later became catholic because they studied the teachings of the church to prove it wrong...but couldn't and have converted to catholism. One such preacher is Scott Hahn. He has written many books on his conversion and is an excellent teacher of the holy scriptures. These two books have helped me with my concerns about some of the teachings of the church. The Catholic Church never asks us to Worship Mary or the Saints...just to ask for their intercession for us. The communion of saints is all belivers in Heaven and earch who pray for us when we ask. I believe that our loved ones in Heaven who are with Jesus, ask him to watch over us. Hope this helps?
Charity Squid,
God bless you; you did me a huge favor!
Ironically, I just ordered several books on The Inquisition, The Dark Middle Ages, and so on from Amazon.com for reasonable prices. I need to educate (for my own good)myself. yes ....your points are very valid. I will make a note to read the cathecism (again).
I believe this hub is so popular because of Mary.....
I believe that the things I've gone thru have just made me stronger and a better person spiritually.
Having the experiences at a bible church and around atheist friends have impressed upon me new view like: read the bible yourself at home, pray to God in your own words- the saints did this; don't think you're holy or better if you pray more or think you pray more.
Last thought:
"By grace are ye saved, lest any man should boast"
Thankyou
Thanks for this informative hub! As a non-catholic, I've
often wondered about this. Thanks for shedding more light on this!
Marcia Ours
Thankyou! The saints said the Rosary is a powerful weapon and St.John vianney was never without one. this prayer, the rosary is the only thing that brings me out of deep depression
godbless
A lively discussion! I would just like to add that there ARE scriptural instances of Christ Himself bestowing special honor upon His mother; John 19:26-27 being the most well known.
In it's historically cultural context this transfer of familial relationship is much more than a temporal necessity--it is a covenant of love for each other rooted in love for the Son. In other words, "just as I have loved you, so you must love one another."
If it was appropriate for St.John to "take her into his own household from that day forward", (again, a familial relationship) and we are to emulate Christ, should we not then bestow the same importance to Mary as Christ Himself did?
Yes, thank you JosephumCarissimi,
and a blessed Easter to you today, my friend.
It is a mystery of how God elevated his mother a mere human, but how he also elevates all of us who choose to follow him. Hell is a wide road paved with people full of pride who would rather choose hell and it's sufferings than to be humble and serve.
So, for whatever reason God chose Mary, he chose her to be the Mother of Mankind, the Mother of jesus, and he did elevate her, and she suffered perhaps the most besides Jesus, it is said her sorrowful heart, that of a mother watching her beloved son be tortured for us, agreeing to it from the beginning "Be it done unto me according to Your word".
God loves the person who wants to do his will, not theirs. it's a beautiful thing to do what is right not what we want to do, thereby we find the real truth and the joy in humility.
Thankyou for the reference of John 19:26-27:
"When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standding by, whom he loved, he saith, unto his mother, 'Woman behold thy son! Then he saith to the disciple "behold thy mother!" and from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."
This means apparently that he gave his mother to the new church and the church to his mother. We may not know or understand all of it, but Mary HAS BEEn elevated and is used to bring souls to God.
THE MAIN WAY MARY IS USED TO BRING SOULS TO GOD IS THE ROSARY. Even though I'm a bible believer, former Catholic or somewhere both, I find the rosary a means to cope with suffering. When all else fails, the rosary relaxes me, comforts me, and helps me meditate all in one. It was said by many saints, and people, to be a weapon, against the devil, a weapon, and St. John Viannni one of the greatest priests was never once seen without one in his hand.
The only mediator we have is Jesus Christ.Jesus is the one who died & rose so we can receive the Holy Spirit- our comforter. Jesus is the one who died to bring souls to God, Jesus is the one we are to draw strength from,Jesus and the word of God is what we are to meditate on, the word of God and the name of Jesus is the only weapon and power we have available to us, Praying to Father God in the name of Jesus is how we get our petitions to God. Mary yes obeyed God but God has not elevated her but he elevated Jesus, the only name with power, the name above all names, the one we call on with the promise from God to be delivered. Jesus called and commissioned us to follow him and do the works he did in his name, power.
Demons and satan bows to the name of Jesus and are completely powerless. No one in the bible ever used Mary's name to have power over satan, no demon will ever run if I say In the name of "Mary the mother of Jesus" get out of here- it just doesn't work because this isn't what God told us and he did not give Mary the gift of answering people's prayers- In Jesus name.
You know I care about you but you confused me with what you said in your last comment. This can also confuse some that are looking for real freedom- and it is in Christ and the revelation of him, and what we have already because of Jesus. Matt,Mark,Luke,John-who Jesus is and what he came to do.I find that many haven't received the baptism of the Holy Spirit the very thing they need to ask God for in Jesus name- and than they would truly experience and know the power of God.
WHY Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
Keep in touch I have been thinking about you & that's how I ended up back here on the same page. I don't know how I was not following you, I thought I was?-Well I am Now!:)
One more thing I forgot.
Here's a real good link on how to pray like Mary did!:)
I won't quote you scripture or argue and the Holy bible does say Mary would be honored among women, but our only link to God is our Savior Jesus Christ. His blood and stripes were for us and we must live by that. He is our only path to Heaven and everlasting life.
@heavenbound and Pollyannalana,
I am not sure at all times.
I'm sort of against praying to Mary as it is clear in my mind that we should be praying to God.
What I LIKE about the rosary is meditation, which I'm not good at. I like meditating on the mysteries of the rosary, it takes my mind off things and is comforting.
This will help you with your meditation on the mysteries of God.
And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: Mark 4:11
He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.Matthew 13:11
Romans 16:25 Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past,
1 Corinthians 2:7 No, we speak of God's secret wisdom, a wisdom that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began.
1 Corinthians 4:1 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God.
Ephesians 1:9 And he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ,
Ephesians 3:4 In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ,
Ephesians 3:9 and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things.
2 Corinthians 11:6 I may not be a trained speaker, but I do have knowledge. We have made this perfectly clear to you in every way.
Ephesians 6:19 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel,
Colossians 1:26 the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints.
Colossians 4:3 And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains.
Thank you :)
Dave Mathews Level 7 Commenter 23 months ago
schoolgirlforreal, this is a thoughtful and well written Hub showing a love for Mary. Thank you.
As you know, I attend Catholic Church, I have chosen to consider myself a Christian first and foremost though, which means that I sometimes disagree with Catholic Doctorine or Policies, if I cannot prove through the Holy Bible that they are scripturally correct.
I do not use a Catholic Bible to do the research either, as I have seen that the Catholic Bible has scripture added over and above the originally translated 66 books of the Holy Bible.
I stopped and asked myself this same question over and over again just as you are asking now. I even wrote a Hub on Intercessory Prayer to discuss this with other Hubbers.
I see nothing wrong with praying a"Hail Mary" as a prayer acknowledging Mary as the earthly mother of Jesus, but I draw the line when it means praying to some picture or statue of her and believing that she holds any special intercessory powers from her to Jesus,and Jesus to Almighty God.
I see the pictures, or statues, as a form of idol worshipping, which is forbidden by God. Jesus tells us straight. "I am the way,the truth and the life.'Nobody' comes to The Father but thru me."
In other words praying to Mary to intercede with Our Father God through Jesus,carries no weight. It is only through Jesus Himself that our prayer reaches the ears of the Father to be answered.
Take a look please at MATTHEW: 12: 46-50 where Jesus points out that neither His mother nor His brother James, hold any special favour with him.
Brother Dave.