Should we pray to Mary?

This question has been one of the most debated topics in Christianity.The official teaching of the Catholic Church is for Catholics to ask departed saints to intercede for them. Even though this is the official teaching of the Catholic Church, many Catholics are not aware of this. Let us examine the scriptures and get our answers. Mary was a devout virgin living in a city of Galilee, named Nazareth. The angel Gabriel came to her with some news in . She was told that she would be a mother. But, this must have come as a shocking news to her since she was espoused to Joseph and not yet married to him. Mary knew her life was in danger. She could be accused of adultery and could be stoned to death according to the Jewish laws. Mary answered the angel saying she was ready for it (Luke 1:38).

The Bible says that we have only one mediator between God and men - Jesus Christ (1Tim 2:5).Besides, Jesus told us clearly who can pray with us. He said in Matthew 18:19, Notice the important clause "on earth." The people who pray together must be "on earth." This definitely rules out those who have left this earth.

So, we need to pray for and with people who are on earth. The Bible also says in (Eph 2:18). He alone is our High Priest (Heb 8:1-2).  He alone intercedes for us. And Mary tells them in (John 2:1-5). She was not the solution. She knew Jesus was the solution to the problem. Jesus and His disciples were also invited to the wedding. After (Acts 1:14), there is complete silence on the mother of Jesus. Nothing is mentioned about her, not even her death or assumption into heaven.

We are encouraged to draw near to God through our High Priest - Jesus, and not through Mary (Heb 10:19-23). We should not pray to the deceased which include saints. This is unheard of in the Bible. Jesus did not teach his disciples to pray to old covenant Patriarchs or Prophets like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Noah and the others.

Why should we pray to anyone else other than Jesus. He alone is the answer to all our problems. He alone died on the cross, shed his precious blood and forgave us. He gave us access to the Father (Eph 2:18). We are not supposed to pray to any created being, but God Almighty and not to angels, saints, prophets, patriarchs or Mary.

These traditions have originated from the mind of men (Roman Catholic leaders). We should give her respect and importance as she was the mother of Jesus. However, we should not worship her or bow down to her statues. These traditions are unheard of in the Bible. We would meet her someday in heaven. It would be a beautiful experience, am sure. Let us not follow the traditions of men, rather follow the Holy Word of God.

Some scripture references that God alone hears our prayers, requests and supplications - (Jer 33:3), (Psalm 86:6), (Psalm 55:17).

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