When did God tell anyone to pray to human beings?

When the Catholic Church teaches us that prayer to the Saints is right and useful, it is God teaching us that truth through His Church. But the doctrine is clearly enough indicated in Scripture also. I have mentioned Abraham’s prayer for Sodom. The Jews asked Moses to go to speak to God on their behalf. God Himself said to Eliphaz, the Themanite, “My wrath is kindled against thee . . . but my servant Job shall pray for you. His face I will accept, that folly be not imputed to you.” Job XLII., 8. Earlier in that same book we read, “Call now if there will be any that will answer thee, and turn to some of the Saints.” V., 1. His enemies meant that Job was too wicked to be heard, but they knew that it was lawful to invoke the Saints. Long after the death of Jeremiah, Onias said of that prophet, “This is the lover of his brethren and of the people of Israel. This is he that prayeth much for the people and for all the holy city; Jeremiah, the prophet of God.” 2 Mach. XV., 14. St. James says that “the prayer of a just man availeth much.” If his prayer is valuable, it is worth while to ask his prayers. If you say, “Yes. That is all right whilst a man is still in this life and on earth,” I ask whether you think he has less power when in heaven with God? In Rev. VIII., 4, St. John says that he saw “the prayers of the Saints ascending up before God from the hand of an angel.” If I can ask my own mother to pray for me whilst she is still in this life, surely I can do so when she is with God! She does not know less when she rejoices in the Vision of God; she has not less interest in me; and she is not less charitably disposed towards me then. We Catholics believe in the Communion of Saints, and are in communion with them. But for you the doctrine of the Apostles Creed, “I believe in the Communion of Saints,” must be a meaningless formula. Christ is not particularly honored by our ignoring those who loved and served Him best, and whom He loves so much.

Radio Replies Volume 1 by Rev. Dr. Leslie Rumble MSC and Rev. Charles Mortimer Carty

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