Hi Alan,

Thanks for the question.

I've grabbed some answers we had from our knowledge base.
I think they will help:

From my colleague Eric:

I was raised a Baptist and I am confused about whether praying to Mary and the saints is OK.

From both Eric and John:

Jesus, righteousness, confessing our sins to a priest and praying to the Saints

Here are some of the Scripture verses.

Veneration of the Saints

Joshua 5:14 - Joshua fell prostrate in worship before the angel
Daniel 8:17 - Daniel fell prostrate in terror before Gabriel
Tobit 12:16 - Tobiah and Tobit fall to the ground before Raphael
Matthew 18:10 - the angels in heaven are always before the face of God
Note: We venerate angels because of their great dignity, which comes from their union with God. Saints are also in united with God. Veneration nor honor IS NOT WORSHIP. Catholics worship GOD/Jesus alone!
Hebrews 13:7 - Remember your leaders, who preached the word of God to you, and as you reflect on the outcome of their lives, take their faith as your model
1 Thessalonians 1:5-8 - you become an example to all believers
Note: this is what Saints are for Catholics and all mankind: examples of holiness
1 John 3:2 - we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is

Finally here is a list of Catholic Scripture verses that defend Catholic doctrines.
http://www.askacatholic.com/holyquotes/documents/_all_catholic_verses.htm

If this doesn't answer your question, please follow-up with us and

WELCOME TO THE FAMILY!!!

Mike

Hi Alan,

I wouldn't be too hasty to use OT Scriptures in which they appear to worship angels.

First off, in the Old Testament a specific reference to the Angel of the Lord is a reference to a pre-incarnate Christ. Any good Protestant familiar with Bible will tear you shreds.

I'd recommend a book by Patrick Madrid called "Any Friend of God's is a Friend of Mine".

Madrid's book not only has scriptural support, but lays out an easy to understand explanation of the Communion of Saints and how it works.

Hope this helps,

John