Scriptural Basis for devotion to Saints - Why devotion to Saints?

Why Devotion to Saints

Devotion to saints are very special in the Catholic but they are not worshiped. Catholics do not worship saints. A saint is someone who has lived their life so perfectly in the service of God that they changed others around them while they were alive on earth. Their example was exemplary. If their life was so exemplary on earth, they can only be perfected to the utmost in heaven. Catholics do ask saints for intercessory prayers.

It is clear in Sacred Scripture that the saints in Heaven will intercede for us if they are petitioned in prayer (Revelations 8:3-4), and it is clear in the records of early Christianity that the first Christians eagerly sought their intercession. It is worth noting St. John Chrysostom of fourth century: "When thou perceivest that God is chastening thee, fly not to His enemies, but to His friends, the martyrs, the saints, and those who were pleasing to Him, and who have great power." If the saints have such power with God, why doubt and the Liturgical calendar of the Church is full of such saints who are known and not known.

Scriptural Basis for devotion to Saints

In both the Old Testament and the New Testament, there are examples of angels and dead prophets coming to intercede for humans on God's behalf. Intercession, especially through prayer, is a common theme throughout the Bible.

New Testament References on Saints

Ephesians 6:18 – With all prayer and supplication, pray at every opportunity in the Spirit. To that end, be watchful with a perseverance and supplication for all the holy ones.

Mark 12:25-27 – "When they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage, but they are like the angles in heaven. As for the dead being raised, have you not read in the Book of Moses, in the passage about the bush, how God told him, "I am the God of Abraham, [the] God of Isaac, and [the] God of Jacob?' he is not God of the dead but of the living. You are greatly misled."

Hebrews 12:1 -" ... we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . ."

Lk 23: 43 - Jesus said to the good thief: And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.  
Lk 9:29-30 - Peter, James, and John accompanied Jesus: And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. And behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias.  

Old Testament References on Saints

Tobit 12:12– Angel Raphael says, "I can now tell you that when you, Tobit, and Sara prayed, it was I who presented and read the record of your prayer before the Glory of the Lord..."

Church Documents on devotion to Saints

The Catechism of the Catholic Church, "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole church more firmly in holiness...They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus....So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped." Along with the instruction that such activity is acceptable are two quotes that seem to "sum up" the Church's position. They provide an intensely personal view of how the Church and its members view prayer to the saints:

Saints on devotion to them

"Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life." [St. Dominic]

"I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth." [St. Therese of Lisieux]

May the saints intercede for us

References

1.(Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2nd edition, 1994: Section 956, page 249)

2. Read more at Suite101: Why Do Catholics Pray to Saints?: Catholic Apologetics and an Explanation of Saints http://www.suite101.com/content/why-do-catholics-pray-to-saints-a146025#ixzz13wG3OkZ2

PRAISE GOD
BLESSED BE THE ONE WHO COMES IN THE NAME OF THE LORD