What does the Bible say about praying to Mary? This question has been a topic of debate among Christians for centuries. While the Bible does not explicitly command or prohibit the act of praying to Mary, it is important to examine the scriptural context and the teachings of the early Church to understand the various perspectives on this matter.
The Bible mentions Mary, the mother of Jesus, in several passages, primarily in the New Testament. She is often portrayed as a virtuous and faithful follower of God. However, the New Testament does not provide any evidence of Jesus or the early Christians praying to Mary or considering her as a divine intercessor. Instead, the focus is on Jesus as the central figure of faith and the only mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).
In the early Church, the veneration of Mary was primarily focused on her role as the mother of Jesus and the exemplar of faith. The Council of Ephesus in 431 declared Mary as the Theotokos, meaning “God-bearer,” emphasizing her unique role in the Incarnation. However, this declaration did not involve the practice of praying to Mary as a divine being.
The development of the practice of praying to Mary and other saints as intercessors began to emerge in the medieval period. This practice, known as “veneration,” was distinct from “adoration,” which is reserved for God alone. Many Christians argue that praying to Mary is a form of veneration, acknowledging her close relationship with Jesus and her role in the Christian faith.
Proponents of praying to Mary argue that the Bible does not explicitly prohibit the practice, and that it can be seen as a natural extension of faith in Jesus. They point to passages such as Luke 1:28, where the angel Gabriel greets Mary as “full of grace,” and John 2:1-11, where Jesus performs the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. These passages are often interpreted as evidence of Mary’s faith and intercessory role.
On the other hand, critics argue that the Bible does not support the practice of praying to Mary or other saints as intercessors. They point to passages such as 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, where Paul emphasizes that God has reconciled humanity through Jesus Christ, and 1 Timothy 2:5, which states that there is one mediator between God and humanity, Jesus Christ. Critics argue that these passages suggest that Jesus is the only one who can intercede on behalf of believers.
In conclusion, what the Bible says about praying to Mary is not explicitly stated. The practice of praying to Mary as an intercessor has developed over time and is a matter of theological interpretation. While some Christians find scriptural support for this practice, others argue that it goes against the teachings of the New Testament. Ultimately, the decision to pray to Mary or not is a personal choice based on one’s theological beliefs and understanding of the Bible.
