Saints

Discussion in 'Theology and Doctrine' started by Weston Letson, Apr 10, 2013.

  1. Weston Letson

    Weston Letson New Member

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    Are the Saints prayed to in the church? Are icons and statues prayed in front of?
     
  2. Gordon

    Gordon Well-Known Member

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    Not that I aware of they are simply asked to pray for us, if you feel you need to ask them to.
     
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  3. Weston Letson

    Weston Letson New Member

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    Okay, so they are asked to make intercession for us. Are statues used?
     
  4. The Dark Knight

    The Dark Knight Active Member

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    Statues are not usually used, though there's no prohibition against it. But yes, we do want the saints to pray for us. Some of us are more vocal about it than others haha.
     
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  5. Symphorian

    Symphorian Well-Known Member

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    The official formularies of the of the Church of England (and the Anglican Communion in general) do not contain any direct petitions to the Saints. We cannot be certain that the departed Saints hear our prayers – equally we cannot be certain that they do not hear our prayers either. In the Church of England today, we do not condemn direct prayer to the Saints as a private devotion provided it is to ask for their prayers for ourselves or others. However, in our official formularies for public worship we err on the side of caution and do not make make direct petitions. Having said that, you may find some churches within the Anglican Communion where 'Saint N, pray for us' type prayers are used.

    The following prayer would be deemed appropriate for use in public worship - whilst recognizing the Communion of Saints it does not contain direct petitions. The prayer is addressed to God the Father:

    O God, the King of Saints,
    we praise and magnify thy holy Name
    for all thy servants who have finished their course
    in thy faith and fear:
    for the Blessed Virgin Mary;
    for the holy Patriarchs, Prophets, Apostles, and Martyrs;
    and for all other thy righteous servants;
    and we beseech thee that, encouraged by their example,
    strengthened by their fellowship,
    and aided by their prayers,
    we may attain unto everlasting life;
    through the merits of thy Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

    Statues and icons are found in many churches within the Anglican Communion but their use is by no means universal. My Cathedral Church has two statues of the Blessed Virgin Mary and an Icon of the Theotokos, Statues are generally not venerated as part of public worship but once again, you may find some churches where they are.
     
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  6. Lowly Layman

    Lowly Layman Well-Known Member

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    I don't pray to saints. But I occasionally pray to God with the intercession of the saints.
     
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  7. Gordon

    Gordon Well-Known Member

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    Not in any of the Churches that I attend, although sometimes I sit next to a statue of St. Francis and reflect on what is currently on my mind, but that is out in the garden.
     
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  8. Gordon

    Gordon Well-Known Member

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    When our Franciscan Community meet for prayer and in our daily Community Obedience prayer we ask the Saints for their prayers specifically in this way as a final blessing.

     
  9. Symphorian

    Symphorian Well-Known Member

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    One of our Associate Priests is a member of the Third Order and sometimes uses this (with altered pronouns) in services.
     
  10. Gordon

    Gordon Well-Known Member

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    That is good to hear... thanks for letting me know.
     
  11. The Dark Knight

    The Dark Knight Active Member

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    Oh wow. That is really cool.
     
  12. historyb

    historyb Active Member

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    In my parish we ask (pray) Saints for intercession and at the end of Mass we say the St. Micheal prayer. We have icons and statues but I not seen anyone pray in front of them
     
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