I have heard many stories of people who were healed by a Christian Saint, after praying to that Saint, and asking for his/her help. Some saints, even though deceased many years ago, have healed people. However, there seems to be a problem among Christians regarding whether or not one should pray to them. Some people say you should pray to God directly, and that asking for a Saint’s intercession is wrong because you are asking for their help and elevating them above God. Thoughts? Thank you:)
—Sinai, CA
Dear Sinai,
Thank you for your thoughtful question. The understanding of who the saints are, how they became saints, whether they really know God, should we pray to saints and what helpful purpose do they have for us have always been questions.
Firstly, yes, if you feel a connection with any one of the saints, pray to them. It depends, though, on your own inner intuition, inspiration and experience. Find a saint who resonates with who you are, then pray to them. This practice will give wonderful benefits, as true saints are one with God! They have already merged into God. They are not separate from God. Not above or beneath God.
Saints have based their lives on true spiritual experiences and can help us in accordance with God’s will. They are true custodians of religion and have completed their emergence back in God. Their lives can be described as having achieved cosmic consciousness, or oneness with God. When a soul reaches such a state, their earthly presence being deceased or not is of no importance.
Consider that, just as concentration on a great musician helps us with our own musical attunement, so does concentration on a saint bring us the saint’s qualities. It is an exchange of magnetism. We can utilize those examples of perfection from the saints of all religions!
Many of the Christian saints give us a guidance on how to interpret God or, better yet, how to connect with God! Wonderful examples of lives lived in God:
St. Teresa of Avila said, “The soul is entirely transformed into the likeness of its Creator.”
Another saint, Blessed Henry Suso, described the enlightened soul as a medium of God.
St. Catherine of Genoa wrote, “The soul, when purified, abides entirely in God, it is God.”
St. John of the Cross said, “The soul must lose all human knowledge and feeling to receive the Divine feelings and knowledge and become one with that Divine.”
Christian saints have long corroborated the mystical union with the Infinite, as in samadhi. Often only after their death does the rest of humanity see the transformations. To pray to these saints, concentrate on that holy soul with openness and love, and pray: “Guide me. Help me with my next step in my evolution.” That way you are building an inner connection with God through a soul-manifestation of God.
Saints have shown us what self transformation looks like. Praying and uniting with a saint is an excellent practice on the spiritual search. It has often been said that saints will intercede for us with God.
God is said to manifest eight qualities: joy, love, peace, calmness, light, sound, power and wisdom. Saints can help us see these qualities and contact God through them as they have become these qualities themselves. If you have a belief in a particular saint and feel a connection to that saint, then with openness and love concentrate on that holy soul and any of these qualities they represent for you. It is about trusting your own inner guidance and believing the saints are there for you.
Many blessings on your efforts!
Joy to you,
Nayaswami Hassi
