Intercession of saints

In Catholic & Eastern Orthodox theology, the intercession of the saints is prayer to holy men and women that the Church has recognized, in the belief that their prayers in turn have a "powerful effect" (Epistle of James 5:16). Protestants see only prayer to God Himself as valid.

Intercession Of Saints Media

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  "As we celebrate with our festive gatherings the birthday of this great man, the Lord's forerunner, the blessed John, let us ask for the help of his prayers. Because he is the friend of the bridegroom you see, he can also obtain for us that we can belong to the bridegroom, that we may be thought worthy to obtain his grace." – St. Augustine

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  "Scripture does not teach calling on the saints or pleading for help from them. For it sets before us Christ alone as mediator, atoning sacrifice, high priest, and intercessor."—Augsburg Confession (Lutheran), Article XXI