Another awakening I had toward Lutheranism:
While riding a motorcycle, I had a very (VERY) close call with an airborne SUV. I didn't stop and pray through St Christopher, the patron saint of travel (which, BTW, I did carry a St Christopher medalion in my jacket pocket at the time). Nope. I shouted, "Dear GOD, watch over me!" I had an overwhelming realization that I DO have a direct line to the "big guy", and prayers through saints were completely unneccessary. God hears them anyway! So, strip out the middle man because the saints can't do the same work as God. In retrospect, I almost feel as though I had been praying to false gods this whole time.
Now, I do have a related question... Since Mary is still revered in the Lutheran faith, but not idolally worshipped, do any Lutheran synods honor the May Crowning? I doubt it because it really puts her high upon a pedistal, but I'm pretty sure a local Episcopal church does.