saints

The word “saint” is used in the New Testament 62 times. A saint is one who trusts in Jesus. One who is set apart by virtue of connecting to Jesus as Lord. In the Roman Catholic Church, the word “saint” takes on more specific meaning. Special saints are chosen by the Church as those who are lifted up as models of faith and are “routers” for prayer. Specific saints may be prayed to in order to get a more focused word to God the Father. Mary, the mother of Jesus, is considered the supreme example of a saint. More on Mary tomorrow.

Protestants emphasize the biblical aspect of a saint being one who follows Jesus. A Protestant would not prayer through a saint, but rather prays to God directly. Protestants route their prayers to one of the persons of the Godhead: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Depending on the Protestant Church, a specific person of the Trinity may get more focus in prayer, though Jesus is probably most frequently the one addressed. Protestants place a strong emphasis on the biblical model of prayer offered by Jesus to pray directly to God. “Take it to the Lord in prayer,” as the beloved hymn proclaims.

For many Protestants, the Roman Catholic practice of lifting up saints as models of faith is also shared. You will find Protestants who share a special place in their hearts for certain saints. Many Protestants also commemorate saint’s days. Many Protestant congregations also share the Catholic practice of naming their congregations after saints.

Another practice of some Protestants that is not official but is similar to the practice of praying through saints is addressing loved ones who have died and gone to be with the Lord. They may not admit to it, but the practice of asking mom or grandma or some other close loved one to put in a good word for them is not unheard of.