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ON THIS PAGE
Emphasis Mine in All Bible Verses
Why Catholics Pray To Dead Saints
What The Father Forbids
Saul
The Transfiguration
Did Paul Pray for the Dead?
Praying to Mary And The Saints
Saints in Catholicism Vs.
Saints in The Bible
Approaching God Directly
Jesus Christ - Our Only Mediator
Why Praying For Others Is So Important
Prayers For Spiritual Blessings
Praying To "Saints"
In answer to the question of why Catholics pray to dead saints for intercession Catholic Answers writes
No one prays to dead saints, because those in heaven are more alive than we are. The Lord is God of the living, not of the dead. The fervent prayer of a righteous man is very powerful (Jas 5:16). Those in heaven are surely righteous, since nothing unclean can enter heaven (Rv 21:27).
Those in heaven are part of the Mystical Body of Christ and have not been separated from us by death, but surround us as a great cloud of witnesses (Heb 12:1). They stand before the throne of God and offer our prayers to him (Rv 5:8) and cheer us on as we run the good race. Intercession among members of the body of Christ is pleasing to God (1 Tm 2:1-4) and even commanded by him (Jn 15:17).
Those in heaven have a perfected love, so how could they not intercede for us? Christ is the vine, and we are the branches; if we are connected to him, we are inseparably bound together as well. Can the eye say to the hand, "I need you not"? Neither are we to say we don't need the prayers of our brothers and sisters (alive here or in heaven), because salvation is a family affair. [01]
Proponents compare praying to Mary and the saints with asking a living friend or relative to pray for you which is encouraged in Scripture. For example,
Paul: asked the Thessalonians to pray for those who worked diligently among them (1 Thessalonians 5:25) and to pray that
"...that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you. (2 Thessalonians 3:1 BSB)
And that they may "be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not everyone holds to the faith). (2 Thessalonians 3:2)
He also requested prayer from several other churches
The Romans: Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation. (10:1)
Now I urge you, brothers, by our Lord Jesus Christ and by the love of the Spirit, to join me in my struggle by praying to God for me. Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints there (15:30-31)
The Colossians: Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, as you pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may declare it clearly, as I should. (4:2-4 )
James 5:16 explicitly commands believers to "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed."
Peter: When Peter was in prison "the church was fervently praying to God for him." (Acts 12:5 BSB)
Hebrews: Pray for us; we are convinced that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. And I especially urge you to pray that I may be restored to you soon. (Hebrews 13:18-19 BSB)
However, in every case of one or more persons praying for someone - both parties were still on this earth. In fact praying for others is important because it fulfills several New Testament commands. See Why Pray for Others Below
What The Father Forbids
Opponents believe Scripture forbids attempting to contact or consult the spirits of the dead to learn hidden truths, gain wisdom, interpret signs and omens, or see into the future, and they who do so are detestable in the eyes of the Lord.
They view praying to the saints as a violation of biblical passages that forbid divination, the practice of magic or sorcery, invoking supernatural powers through spells and incantations etc. For instance...
You must not turn to mediums or spiritists; do not seek them out, or you will be defiled by them. I am the LORD your God. (Leviticus 19:31 BSB)
Let no one be found among you who sacrifices his son or daughter in the fire, practices divination or conjury, interprets omens, practices sorcery, casts spells, consults a medium or spiritist, or inquires of the dead. For whoever does these things is detestable to the LORD. And because of these detestable things, the LORD your God is driving out the nations before you. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12 BSB)
When men tell you to consult the spirits of the dead and the spiritists who whisper and mutter, shouldn't a people consult their God instead? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? (Isaiah 8:19 BSB)
However, prayers directed to saints are not a breach of these commands simply because a person praying to a saint is not attempting to make contact with the dead nor "inquiring" of them.
Which is however exactly what God allowed king Saul to do on one occasion.
Saul
Although mediums existed in Israel the Lord severely warned against consulting them.
When he was king, Saul (not exactly known for obeying the Lord) had repeatedly refused to heed Samuel when he was alive, but now He was so afraid of the Philistine army that he disguised himself and went to meet a medium and asked her to "bring up" Samuel who actually appeared.
At the end of his tether, he disobeyed God by seeking advice from Samuel after he was dead.
Although we have not been told how the medium knew it was Samuel when he came up from the ground, the account certainly indicated that the woman did not cause Samuel to appear. Because when he did she was apparently startled enough to cried out loudly (which sounds like she screamed). (1 Samuel 28:12)
Note: 1 Sam 28:11, 15 says Samuel was 'brought up' which simply means he came up from Sheol. See more about Sheol and Hades which are the Hebrew and Greek names for exactly the same place. See What and Where is Hell? Part I... Sheol And Hades.
We are not told thus don't know why God allowed a human to speak with the dead in this one instance. One possible reason is that as Saul had, time after time refused to heed Samuel when he was alive, God used the now deceased prophet to pronounce a final judgment on the disobedient king.
Why do you consult me," asked Samuel, "since the LORD has turned away from you and become your enemy? He has done exactly what He spoke through me: The LORD has torn the kingship out of your hand and given it to your neighbor David. Because you did not obey the LORD or carry out His burning anger against Amalek, the LORD has done this to you today. Moreover, the LORD will deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines, and tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. And the LORD will deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines." (1 Samuel 28:16-19 BSB)
Saul paid dearly for all his transgressions.
So Saul died for his unfaithfulness to the LORD, because he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance, and he failed to inquire of the LORD. So the LORD put him to death and turned the kingdom over to David son of Jesse. (1 Chronicles 10:13-14 BSB)
The Transfiguration
Similarly, the Father allowed Moses and Elijah to appear to Jesus and three of His disciples during the Transfiguration - mentioned in all but one of the Gospels. Undoubtedly, Moses and Elijah symbolized the Old Testament law and prophets - the Messiah being the culmination of both categories. All three accounts specifically say Jesus was the only one who spoke with the ancients. Luke also recorded the fact that the topic of conversation was what Jesus was about to accomplish at Jerusalem.
After six days Jesus took with Him Peter, James, and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There He was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and His clothes became as white as the light. Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus. (Matthew 17:1-3 BSB)
The Transfiguration did not violate biblical prohibitions against communicating with the dead. Although Jesus conversed with figures from the past it was initiated by God/Jesus and not a human attempt to conjure up spirits.
Catholic author Tim Staples writes
Some may say, "Well, he's God, so he can do that." Yes, he is. But he is also fully man and we are called to imitate him. If Jesus initiated communication with the dead, there is no reason to believe followers of Jesus cannot do the same. This is precisely what we mean as Catholics when we say we "pray to the saints." [02]
There are two problems with the above statement.
1.) Jesus initiating conversation with people no longer alive does not mean we are permitted to do the same. He is after all God and has certain privileges that we do not have.
2.) Besides which, Jesus initiating conversation with Moses and Elijah cannot in any shape, form, or fashion be interpreted to mean Jesus prayed to them.
On the other hand neither of these events can be used as 'evidence' that we can speak or pray to the dead. Both were one-time miracles initiated by God for specific purposes and only for specific people. In Saul's case God allowed Samuel to return to pronounce a final judgment on the disobedient king.
Regarding the transfiguration Bob Deffinbaugh comments, (All Emphasis Added)
"The transfiguration was primarily for the benefit of the three disciples. For them, it was a divine confirmation of Peter's great confession. God attested what Peter affirmed. In addition, it was a confirmation of our Lord's conception of His mission as Messiah...the revelation of the majesty of our Lord humbled these men, instructing them to keep quiet and listen to the Master. [03]
It almost seems that until the Father spoke from the cloud, Peter may have viewed Jesus, Moses, and Elijah as peers, as equals. If this was so, the statement by the Father made known the vast superiority of Jesus over all others, including Moses and Elijah, raised from the dead or not. [04]
Pastor Deffinbaugh also writes,
The impact of the transfiguration on the apostle Peter is summarized by his inspired interpretation in his second epistle:
"... For we did not follow cleverly devised tales when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, such an utterance as this was made to Him by the Majestic Glory, 'This is my beloved Son with whom I am well-pleased' - and we ourselves heard this utterance made from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mountain.
And so we have the prophetic word made more sure, to which you do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts" (2 Peter 1:13-19). [05]
Did Paul Pray for the Dead?
May the Lord grant mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he has often refreshed me and was unashamed of my chains. Indeed, when he arrived in Rome, he searched diligently until he found me. May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day. You know very well how much he ministered to me in Ephesus. (2 Timothy 1:16-18 BSB)
Based on these two verses catholicconvert.com states that Onesiphorus "cared for St. Paul while he was in prison and who took great personal risk to serve the apostle", then goes on to say,
... from all indications - certainly from the words Paul uses - Onesiphorus has died or been killed before Paul wrote Second Timothy. Almost all commentators concede that Onesiphorus had probably died - maybe even martyred during Nero’s persecution.
Paul speaks of him in the past tense and strangely asks for God's mercy on his "household" without mentioning him, as though he was no longer here. Because Onesiphorus had served so well and was no longer alive, Paul prays for God's blessing on his surviving family.
All implications are that Onesiphorus has died. But Paul prays for him! [06]
Not exactly
1.) Was Paul Praying To God?
In the first place Paul's words "May the Lord grant Onesiphorus His mercy on that day" do not constitute a prayer to God. He was simply making a statement about something that he hoped would happen "on that day".
"On that day" can only be referring either to the day of judgment or to the day when Onesiphorus dies.
Similarly, using Paul's words, I could say to someone
Or in referring to someone else I may say
Neither means that I am asking God to grant mercy to the person concerned.
2.) Why Did Paul Use The Past Tense?
The apostle spoke of Onesiphorus in the past tense because he was referring to something that happened in the past not necessarily because he was dead. In fact Paul used the past tense when he spoke of the things Onesiphorus did for him because they were all in the past.
"he has often refreshed me". He was "unashamed of my chains". He searched diligently for me in Rome". He "ministered to me in Ephesus".
On the whole this passage is extremely ambiguous therefore should be interpreted in light of the rest of the New Testament, which has not a single example or even hint of anyone praying for the dead - ever. It is only pre-bias that makes a person quite sure Onesiphorus was already dead.
In any case, praying for others can only be effective if the person is alive. One way or the other the dead have already sealed their fate. All that is left is the judgment and no amount of prayer is going to change the outcome one iota.
See Purgatory And Indulgences
Praying to Mary And The Saints
The Vatican says
Mary is the perfect Orans (prayer), a figure of the Church. When we pray to her, we are adhering with her to the plan of the Father, who sends his Son to save all men. Like the beloved disciple we welcome Jesus' mother into our homes, for she has become the mother of all the living. We can pray with and to her. the prayer of the Church is sustained by the prayer of Mary and united with it in hope. [07]
Note: Orans is a Medieval Latin loan word meaning "one who is praying or pleading". It refers to an ancient bodily posture of prayer where a person stands upright with elbows close to their sides and hands outstretched sideways with the palms facing upward.
The Catholic prayer, Hail, Holy Queen specifically calls Mary a "most gracious advocate" and asks her to
Turn, then, most gracious advocate, your eyes of mercy toward us; lead us home at last"
The "Saints" In Catholicism
We know who Mary is, but who are the 'saints' being prayed to?
If you look up saints on many Catholic websites, you will find often long lists of those they consider saints - ranging from Mary, Peter, and Paul to Augustine, Francis of Assisi, Thomas Aquinas etc. A few popes have also made the list. Here is one example. Copy and Paste into browser if you wish. https://tinyurl.com/ymkrwwkf
See The Sins of Augustine - Part VIII of Calvinism
Canonization: In Roman Catholic theology, a person does not become a saint unless they are "canonized" by the Pope which is a complicated four step process ... (Note: Beatification that precedes formal canonization is one step in the Catholic Church's path to sainthood. It recognizes their capacity to intercede on behalf of individuals who pray in their name).
According to EWTN Global Catholic Network (the world's largest religious media network) The privilege of canonization belongs solely to the Pope who (Emphasis Added)
"handles canonizations closely tied to his teaching infallibility. The formula used shows that he performs this act based on the authority of Saints Peter and Paul, by virtue of apostolic authority." [08]
In Catholicism the doctrine of apostolic succession (or apostolic authority) is founded on the belief that Christ designated Peter to be leader of the church and His representative on earth. However, if it can be shown that Peter was not the first Pope the very foundation of the papacy collapses causing the entire superstructure to crumble.
In the context of this article - no apostolic succession - no saints to pray to
See Apostolic Succession
The "Saints" In The Bible
Scripture defines "saints" very differently. The word is rendered from the Greek hagios which describes things and places that are set apart from normal use and dedicated exclusively to God. For example,
In Acts 6:13 the temple was referred to as "this holy (Gr. hagios) place"
Jerusalem being the city chosen by God was called "the holy (Gr. hagios) city" in Matthew 4:5
Similarly, people are considered holy when they set themselves apart for Him. In other words, all believers who have placed their faith in Christ are called "saints". For example,
But Ananias answered, "Lord, many people have told me about this man and all the harm he has done to Your saints (Gr. hagios) in Jerusalem. (Acts 9:13 BSB)
Pray that I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service in Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints (Gr. hagios) there, (Romans 15:31 BSB)
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints (Gr. hagios) throughout Achaia: (2 Corinthians 1:1 BSB)
To the saints (Gr. hagios) and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1:2 BSB)
No Canonization Necessary
Simon of Cyrene - A Saint?
In answer to the question of why Simon of Cyrene is not a saint, Catholic Answers says
there is no tradition of his being honored as a saint.
Of course, he is known for helping Jesus carry his cross to Calvary and thus has an honored place in salvation history. But just because the Church hasn't formally recognized someone as a saint doesn't mean that person isn't in heaven and thus a saint. [09]
This is a perfect example of embellishing the truth to the nth degree. How in the world can we possibly know that Simon of Cyrene has an "honored place in salvation".
Although it is likely that he was in Jerusalem for the Passover, all three of the synoptic Gospels say he was forced into helping Jesus carry the cross. In fact Luke wrote that they (possibly Roman soldiers) "seized" him"...
As they were coming out, they found a man of Cyrene named Simon, whom they compelled to carry His cross. (Matthew 27:32 NASB)
And they compelled a passer by coming from the country, Simon of Cyrene (the father of Alexander and Rufus), to carry His cross. (Mark 15:21 NASB)
And when they led Him away, they seized a man, Simon of Cyrene, as he was coming in from the country, and placed on him the cross to carry behind Jesus. (Luke 23:26 NASB)
Considering the Bible says nary another word about this man, for all we know he might have been an unwilling participant in carrying Jesus' cross. The all three accounts say he was compelled, not that he out of the goodness of his heart jumped in to help Jesus with His very heavy burden.
Quite simply we do not know but making extravagant and unfounded claims is not exactly a practice that Rome is unfamiliar with.
Are We Just More Comfortable With Mary?
One has to wonder whether the concept of going through an intermediary other than Christ is unconsciously based on the idea that God is so far above us that He is unknowable - beyond the range of human experience or understanding. Or perhaps a wrathful God that one fears to approach.
It is also possible that the following statement causes some to think of the Messiah as Jesus as being unyielding and inflexible.
If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:26-27)
Mary on the other hand is usually seen as 'mother' with all the kind and redeeming qualities of ideal motherhood. So perhaps we are more comfortable with Mary whose every request Catholics largely believe will not be refused by the Savior.
If this is the case not only are we forgetting another of Jesus' statements ...
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matthew 11:28-30)
... but also what the author of Hebrews told us in terms of...
Approaching God Directly
The book of Hebrews very clearly tells us to
"... approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16 BSB)
This is in sharp contrast with God's command at Mt. Sinai when He said,
And you are to set up a boundary for the people around the mountain and tell them, 'Be careful not to go up on the mountain or touch its base. Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. (Exodus 19:12 BSB)
Jesus as our "great High Priest" has torn down the wall of separation making it possible for us to approach God directly. As David Guzik says in his commentary on Hebrews
"When we come, we may obtain mercy (this is not getting what we deserve) and find grace (this is getting what we don't deserve) in our time of need".
Additionally God provides help in our time of need - no request is too small. As Philippians 4:6-7 says
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (BSB)
In summary God is no longer unapproachable, so why in the world would we need or even want to come to God through intermediaries like Mary or the so called "saints".
In any case, since none of them are omnipresent, omniscient, or omnipotent we can only assume they can even hear our prayers and requests - much less respond. It is entirely possible that our prayers to them go no further than the ceiling of the room we are in and bounce right back.
So why not go with a sure thing and pray to the one who the Bible tells us is our only Mediator
Jesus Christ - Our Only Mediator
The apostle Paul told the young pastor Timothy...
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, (1 Timothy 2:5 BSB)
Hebrews 7:25 reminds us that...
But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood. Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. (Hebrews 7:24-25 BSB)
In light of the above very explicit statement we have absolutely no reason to ask the saints or Mary to mediate on our behalf however, asking a fellow living person to pray for you does not replace Christ's role as mediator nor does it make them a divine go-between.
Intercession Vs. Mediation
Although according to several reputable dictionaries, mediate and intercede mean the same thing - in Christianity they do not
Mediate means to resolve or settle (differences) by working with all the conflicting parties - To settle or reconcile differences.
On the other hand
Intercede means to interpose in behalf of someone, as by pleading or petition. To intercede for any living person is simply means to bring their needs before God. It does not replace Christ's role as mediator nor does it make them a divine go-between.
Why Praying For Others Is So Important
Praying For All Men
There are several reasons given for praying for all men
We are to pray for all people as all men need prayer. Everybody that you know, or have ever met, needs some kind of prayer including those who are against us, tose who disagree with us, and those who simply irritate us.
First of all, then, I urge that requests, prayers, intercession, and thanksgiving be made in behalf of all people, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity. This is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Timothy 2:1-4 NASB)
The final goal of prayer for all men is that they would be saved.
Praying For Other Believers
However there is an added element when it comes to praying for other believers
Not only does it get our focus off of ourselves and onto what others around us are in need of
God knows our needs and knows how to provide for them, but nonetheless sometimes the way He provides is through prayer. That yes, God could just do thing on His own, but He likes to do things through us.
To this perspective, prayer is a bit like a parent working on something around the house and saying to their young child "Here, come stir this with me" or "Come help me hold the vacuum." Obviously the parent doesn't need the child there, and the task will get accomplished whether the child helps or not, but the parent loves the child and wants them to be a part of what they're doing.
So too is it with prayer, from this perspective. God works in this world and one of the ways He chooses to do so is through people's prayers. Does He need prayer to work? Of course not. Do the prayers determine the outcome? Not really, no. But they allow people to be a part of what God's doing. [10]
Christianity encompasses the entire community, and praying together is a reminder of that.
Two are better than one because they have a good return for their labor; for if either of them falls, the one will lift up his companion. But woe to the one who falls when there is not another to lift him up! (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NASB)
But above and beyond everything else we have to remember that believers are called the 'body of Christ' - ONE Body.
Just like a physical human body, the church is made up of many different parts (eyes, hands, feet) with distinct functions. No single person or gift can do everything, and no part is dispensable.
For just as the body is one and yet has many parts, and all the parts of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free, and we were all made to drink of one Spirit. For the body is not one part, but many. (1 Corinthians 12:12-14 NASB)
And if one part of the body suffers, all the parts suffer with it; if a part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. Now you are Christ's body, and individually parts of it. (1 Corinthians 12:26-27 NASB)
Praying together is a reminder that we are integrally connected - our spiritual bond as the Body of Christ is far greater than our biological family bond.
 Also See What Happened to Biblical Fellowship?
Passages in the New Testament make it very clear that Biblical "fellowship" was much deeper than a superficial exchange of pleasantries over coffee. In fact, this fellowship was so important to believers in the earliest church that as Luke wrote it was one of the things they were dedicated to, (Acts 2:42)
And there is one more very good reason
Praying For Another Deepens Our Caring For Them
So often, it my love for people deepens by praying for them. See, it is through prayer that the Lord will so often develop a burden and a care for those I am praying for. Who are you burdened for? Who are you praying for? This is one of the many ways the Holy Spirit produces more love in our hearts for one another.
I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. "By this all people will know that you are My disciples: if you have love for one another.”(John 13:34-35 NASB) [11]
Prayers For Spiritual Blessings
For most of us, praying for others tends to run along these lines: Lord, provide my friend with a job, a car that runs, good health, and safety. If we really know someone well, we might pray for his or her marriage or other relationships.
There is nothing wrong with praying for these things; in fact, the Bible encourages us to pray for everything and, doing so, quell our anxieties (Philippians 4:6). It is right to pray for health and for good things to happen (3 John 1:2).
However, most of the prayers recorded in the Bible are of another type.
When Jesus was praying for others, He prayed for their faith (Luke 22:32),
He prayed against temptation in their lives (Luke 22:40),
He prayed for their unity (John 17:11), and He prayed for their sanctification (John 17:17).
Paul prayed for the salvation of the lost (Romans 10:1);
he prayed that the brothers would stay on the right path (2 Corinthians 13:7);
Paul also prayed that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit, rooted and grounded in love, able to comprehend God's love, and filled with the fullness of God (Ephesians 3:14 - 19).
These are all prayers for spiritual blessings; they are all "in Jesus' name" and according to the Father's will - prayers that are guaranteed to find a "yes" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).
End Notes
[01] Jason Evert. Catholic Answers.
https://www.catholic.com/qa/what-is-the-biblical-reason-catholics-pray-to-saints-for-intercession
[02] Tim Staples. Praying to Dead Folks. https://www.catholic.com/magazine/online-edition/praying-to-dead-folks
[03] Bob Deffinbaugh. The Transfiguration (Luke 9:18-36)
https://bible.org/seriespage/transfiguration-luke-918-36
[04] Bob Deffinbaugh. The Transfiguration of Christ (Luke 9:27-36)
https://bible.org/seriespage/transfiguration-christ-luke-927-36
[05] Bob Deffinbaugh. The Transfiguration (Luke 9:18-36) https://bible.org/seriespage/transfiguration-luke-918-36
[06] Steve Ray. Did St. Paul Pray for the Dead? Yes! https://catholicconvert.com/did-st-paul-pray-for-the-dead/
[07] Catechism of the Catholic Church 2679
https://www.vatican.va/content/catechism/en/part_four/section_one/chapter_two/article_2/the_way_of_prayer.html
[08] Seven New Saints Canonized by Pope Leo XIV. The Theology and History Behind Canonization.
https://ewtnvatican.com/articles/seven-new-saints-canonized-by-pope-leo-xiv
[09] Tom Nash The Saintliness of Simon of Cyrene https://www.catholic.com/qa/the-saintliness-of-simon-of-cyrene
[10] MilesBeyond250. Reddit.com. https://tinyurl.com/3mjtb573
[11] Pastor Chad Roberts. Awakened To Grace. Why It Matters When Others Pray For You.
https://awakenedtograce.com/why-it-matters-when-others-pray-for-you/
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