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What Does the Bible Say About … PRAYING TO MARY?

Should we give importance to Mother Mary since she was the Mother of Jesus? Is it right if we pray to her?

This is a good question, as Mary was Jesus’ mother on earth, does she have any special place in God’s plan besides raising Jesus?  The answer naturally can only be found in God’s Word, the Bible.  Anything else would be speculation.

Let us look at the evidence and what God’s Word has to say about Mary.

The first time she is mentioned is when an angel of the Lord appeared to her to announce the miraculous birth of Jesus: Matt 1:18 “His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit.” NIV

Both chapter 1 and 2 of Matthew (and corresponding passages in the other gospels) deal with the birth announcement of Jesus, His birth, the visit of the shepherds and the wise men and the flight to Egypt.  No texts however tries to put Mary above Jesus.  He determination to do God’s will is exemplary, but her only and important role mentioned in these passages is to give birth and raise Jesus.  What an honour!

The next time she is mentioned is at a wedding: John 2:1-5 “On the third day a wedding took place at Cana in Galilee. Jesus’ mother was there, and Jesus and his disciples had also been invited to the wedding. When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, “They have no more wine.” “Dear woman, why do you involve me?” Jesus replied. “My time has not yet come.”  His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.” NIV

Here we see a loving conversational exchange between Mary, who was concerned that the wine had ran out and her son. She was convinced that Jesus could take care of the problem, and He sure did! 

Notice that it wasn’t Mary who took care of the problem.  It was Jesus!  He is the only One who can take of our problems as well.  Didn’t He say: Matt 11:28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” NIV Nowhere in the Bible does Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus say anything like that, as there is only One who can give us rest, Jesus Christ!

The third  mention of Mary is when Matt 12:47-50 “Someone told him, “Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to speak to you.”  He replied to him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” Pointing to his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers. For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” NIV We as believers are put at the same level as Mary!

The fourth mention of Mary is when Jesus was visiting his hometown. Hardly anyone wanted to believe in Him, as they saw Him as only being a carpenter’s son and His mother only being Mary.  Again, Mary is not given any special position here. Matt 13:55-57 “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” And they took offense at him.” NIV

The fifth mention was at Jesus’ crucifixion. Although in agony, He cared for His mother and He asked His apostle John to take care of her:  John 19:26-27 “When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to his mother, “Dear woman, here is your son,”  and to the disciple, “Here is your mother.” From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.” NIV 

The last time she is mentioned in the Bible is after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. She is mentioned to be part of those who joined constantly in prayer.  However, she was no leader in that prayer group. Acts 1:14 “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” NIV

After this, there is complete silence on the mother of Jesus.  No mention is given of her death.  No mention is given that she has an important place in heaven and that we should pray in her name. 

However the Bible is clear that through Jesus we have access to God.  He is our mediator!  He is the one who intercedes for us!

Eph 2:18 “For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit.” NIV

Heb 7:25 “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” NIV

He is our only high priest!

Heb 8:1-2 “The point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, 2and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.” NIV

We are encouraged to draw near to God (not Mary!) through Jesus (again not Mary), with full confidence that our prayers are heard and we are assured that we are forgiven through the blood of the Lamb.  Hallelujah!

Heb 10:19-23 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful.” NIV

Why pray to anyone else with such promises!  Jesus is the answer to all of our problems.  Not angels (see  http://dev.answers2prayer.org/2020/11/16/what-does-the-bible-say-about-asking-angels-for-help/ ) nor Mary.  He is the One who died on the cross for us, who paid our penalty, so that we could be forgiven and be saved for eternity.  Why don’t you draw closer to Him and invite him into your heart.  Why don’t you hand over your burdens to Him and enjoy His promised “rest”.  Please do so by answering the Saviour’s Call.

Rob Chaffart

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Well, simply yes we should give “a type” of importance to her. I mean she was the virgin mother of Jesus Christ our Savior. How awesome! One day when we meet her I’m sure it will be a beautiful experience. BUT, we are NOT to pray or worship her or anyone else but God. That is the bottom line. No if’s ands or buts about it. Many Catholics will choose to argue this fact, but it is directly in the Bible. Then again, Catholics also have many extra books of the Bible that are NOT in our traditional Bible. So, I’m sure they would choose to argue the fact. But I must protest. It is stated right in our KJV of the Bible.

Asking Mary to pray for us is simply tradition of men, not found in the Bible. Being called the Mother of Mercy is another tradition of men. Mary being called the All Holy One is yet another tradition of men. We’ve already shown that God is the only “All Holy One.” Mary supposedly welcoming us at death is also a tradition of men, not taught in the Bible. Mary leading us to Jesus is another tradition of men, not found in God’s Word. Please understand, Catholic friend, God never said any of these things. They are all traditions that came from the minds of early Catholic leaders.

“Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jeremiah 33:3 Notice he says call unto ME! Nobody else! Just Him.

And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Psalm 50:15

“Give ear, O Lord, unto my prayer. In the day of my trouble I will call upon thee: for thou wilt answer me.” Psalm 86:6, 7

He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.” Psalm 91:15

O LORD, be gracious unto us; we have waited for thee: be thou their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble.” Isaiah 33:2

Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” Psalm 55:22

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray, and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.” Psalm 55:17 It says HE, not HER!

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” Philippians 4:6

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

As for me, I will call upon God; and the LORD shall save me.” Psalm 55:16

All scripture points to praying to God and NOBODY else. So why do it. The Bible isn’t wrong. People are!

DeeDee

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This is often a very divisive issue, so I’m including as much Scripture as possible in my answer. Should we give importance to Mother Mary since she was the Mother of Jesus? Being the Mother of Jesus is a very high honor, and I think it’s very fitting that God choose a young girl who probably lead an otherwise ordinary life.

Luke 1:28: “And the angel came in unto her, and said, Hail, thou that art highly favoured, the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women. 29: And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and cast in her mind what manner of salutation this should be. 30: And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. 31: And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name JESUS. 32: He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: 33: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end. 34: Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35: And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 36: And, behold, thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is the sixth month with her, who was called barren. 37: For with God nothing shall be impossible. 38: And Mary said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me according to thy word. And the angel departed from her.” (KJV) Mary is important because of God’s choosing of her to bear His Son, and her obedience to His call. Her example of submission to God’s will is one we should try to follow.

Is it right if we pray to her? There are some passages of Scripture that are interpreted by Catholic Christians to mean that those who are in heaven can pray for those on earth. One is the following: Revelation 5: 8: “And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.” (KJV) 2 Maccabees, a deauterocanonical book, suggests that the dead can pray for those on earth. However, many Christians feel that this is the same as necromancy and don’t ask for the prayers of the saints. I don’t think that any Christian should follow practices that may cause them stumble.

Through Jesus, all of us can receive the gift of eternal life promised to all the saints, living and dead.

Amanda (AJ) Demers

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The Bible says there is only one mediator between God and man and it is the Lord Jesus. Mary can only be in one place at a time, so how can she possibly do as good of a job at hearing prayers as the Holy Spirit? Jesus has spoken to me; Mary has not. In fact, I have no interest in seeking out Mary, as she did not die for my sins.

Todd Shilt

PS I have the book “Mary’s message to the world.” Most of the predictions have been since proven false thru time, so be careful, false angels are masquerading as Mary!