There is a prayer in the Orthodox
Church that goes, "most holy
Theotokos, save us!" Many people misunderstand this and really don't like
this prayer. This prayer goes all the way back to the 9th century and has always
been an appeal to someone very, very godly to pray for us.
I approach this in two ways. First,
simply because this is a foundational and long standing prayer in the historic
church makes it sound. The belief that the Holy Spirit is leading the Church
and that the Church is the pillar and foundation of the truth assures me that
prayers such as this are truth. And even in general, that our prayers to
reposed saints are truth as well.
Second, the book of James (5:16)
speaks of "the prayers of a righteous man avail much." This means
that when godly people pray, their prayers are effective. Nothing is said here about people ceasing to
pray after they die. In fact, upon death, the righteous are then in the immediate
presence of God. I can think of no better place to be in order for ones prayers
to be heard, received and answered.
As we go through our days and
nights during this life, we don't (or at least shouldn't) fail to ask our
family and friends to pray for us. Why then wouldn't we ask the saints to pray
for us?
No comments:
Post a Comment