When you’re going through something hard, it’s natural to reach out for help—even in prayer. But many people wonder: What does the Bible say about praying to saints? This question has been asked for centuries by Christians all over the world. Some churches encourage it, while others believe it goes against Scripture.
Whether you’ve grown up praying to saints or just heard about it recently, it’s important to understand what the Bible actually says.
Let’s take a look at what Scripture teaches, what different traditions believe, and how to approach this topic with both truth and grace.
Sorry Generator
What Is a Saint According to the Bible?
In the Bible, a saint is anyone who follows Jesus. The word “saint” simply means “holy one.” It doesn’t refer only to someone famous or officially recognized by a church.
In the New Testament, Paul often writes letters “to the saints” in different cities. These were everyday Christians, not just special people.
Real-Life Example
Imagine a woman named Sarah who loves Jesus and prays daily. According to the Bible, she is a saint—even if no one gives her a title.
What to Say:
- “Saints in the Bible are followers of Jesus.”
- “All believers are called holy and set apart.”
- “You don’t have to be famous to be a saint.”
- “God calls all Christians His holy people.”
What Not to Say:
- “Only perfect people are saints.”
- “You must do miracles to be one.”
- “Saints are better than regular believers.
- “The Bible only talks about old saints.”
Does the Bible Tell Us to Pray to Saints?
The Bible does not specifically tell us to pray to saints. It always teaches us to pray directly to God through Jesus. Verses like 1 Timothy 2:5 say and there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
While the Bible shows that saints are honored, it never shows anyone praying to them.
Real-Life Example
Tom feels scared about his health. Instead of praying to Saint Jude, he chooses to talk directly to God, trusting Jesus to hear him.
What to Say:
- “Jesus is our connection to God.”
- “The Bible encourages us to pray to God alone.”
- “God listens when we speak to Him.”
- “We can be confident praying through Jesus.
What Not to Say:
- “You have to pray through saints for it to work.”
- “God is too busy, so ask a saint instead.”
- “Jesus needs help hearing prayers.”
- “The Bible tells us to ask saints for help.”
Why Do Some Christians Pray to Saints?
Some Christian traditions, like the Catholic and Orthodox churches, believe saints can intercede—or pray—for us. They see it as asking a holy person to pray with them, not instead of God.
This practice is based more on tradition than direct Bible teaching. These churches still teach that God is the one who answers prayer.
Real-Life Example
Maria lights a candle and asks Saint Anthony to help her find something she lost. She sees it as asking for backup, not replacing God.
What to Say:
- “Some traditions see it as asking a friend to pray with you.”
- “It’s part of their way of honoring faithful believers.”
- “They still believe God is the one who helps.”
- “It’s about connection, not worship.”
What Not to Say:
- “They worship saints like gods.”
- “They don’t believe in Jesus.”
- “They’ve replaced God.”
- “They’re not real Christians.”
What Does the Bible Say About Talking to the Dead?
The Bible clearly warns not to try to speak to the dead. Verses like Deuteronomy 18:10 12 call it a forbidden practice. That’s because it can lead people away from trusting God.
The Bible doesn’t say saints are “dead” in spirit—they’re alive with God—but it still never encourages praying to them.
Real-Life Example
Jake wants to pray to his grandmother, who passed away. Instead, he decides to thank God for her life and ask God to help him with what she used to guide him through.
What to Say:
- “The Bible warns against speaking to the dead.”
- “We can remember our loved ones with gratitude.”
- “Our prayers should go to God.”
- “Jesus is alive and hears us.”
What Not to Say:
- “You can just talk to anyone who’s died.”
- “The Bible says it’s okay if they were good.”
- “It’s safer to talk to saints than to God.
- “God doesn’t mind who you pray to.”
How Should We Pray According to the Bible?
The Bible teaches us to pray to God the Father, in the name of Jesus, with the help of the Holy Spirit. We are invited to come boldly (Hebrews 4:16) and share our hearts with God.
Prayer is personal. You don’t need fancy words or special people. You just need a willing heart.
Real-Life Example
Emily is nervous about a big decision. She simply prays, “God, I need your help. Show me the right way.” That’s enough.
What to Say:
- “God wants to hear from you.”
- “Jesus made a way for us to talk to God.”
- “Prayer is about relationship, not rules.”
- “There’s no wrong time to pray.”
What Not to Say:
- “Only pastors can pray right.”
- “You need someone else to pray for you first.”
- “You can’t pray unless it’s perfect.”
- “God won’t hear you unless you’re super holy.”
Final Thoughts
So, what does the Bible say about praying to saints? It teaches us to pray directly to God through Jesus, not to saints. While some church traditions honor saints and ask for their intercession, the Bible always points to Jesus as our one true mediator.
No matter what your background is, God welcomes you to talk to Him. He’s ready to listen—anytime, anywhere.
