Reformationist
Non nobis domine sed tuo nomine da gloriam
Originally posted by isshinwhat
The last passage is quoted to show that those in Heaven are aware of the lives of those on Earth. I have refrained from posting references from Scripture that is deemed apochryphal by Protestants, but it can be posted, too, if you are curious about it. Hope it helped a little!
Neal
Neal, I'm a little confused by your references, as not one of them shows an instance of someone praying to past saints. Additionally, the last two verses you cited were about angels, not saints.
For the record, I do not personally take issue with this practice unless, of course, someone is, in some form, worshipping the saints, which I don't think most Catholics do.
Originally posted by VOW
I haven't found any Scripture saying, "Only living, breathing people can pray for one another.
True as that may be, I am not aware of any scripture that promotes such activity as even beneficial. If you are please share.
Originally posted by VOW
The Scripture you quoted is in the Old Testament; the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament is that the dead are alive in Christ.
Why would you make a distinction? Does the Old Testament say something contrary to this?
2 Tim 3:16,17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
I realize that it does not say, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, etc in every situation." However, to say that because something is "Old Testament" and then show a "New Testament" scripture that is seemingly contrary because it is more applicable is not very edifying nor is it biblically sound.
Originally posted by bouncer
could God be persuaded by others, to answer our prayers even if he does not want to answer it when we ourselves ask him?
God is immutable. Persuasion is a non issue with Him. He does not ever change His mind from that which was always His Will.
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.
Originally posted by VOW
Community prayer encourages us to work together, as a whole, for the betterment of everyone. We do not exist in a vacuum, the Church is a collection of PEOPLE, and we all together form the whole. A single cell in your liver, say, isn't more important than a single cell in your eyeball. BOTH have vital functions to work together for the entire "you." And NEITHER can function alone! Community prayer is a constant reminder that none of us is more important than another.
Secondly, prayer is GOOD for you! By asking others to pray for you, you are actually doing THEM a favor, LOL. Prayer encourages your spiritual growth, so you, as the recipient of the prayer benefits, but so do the people who pray for you.
VOW, this response by you is, in my opinion, the best one offered yet. Well done.
God bless.
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