Topical Bible: Protection: Saints: Pray For

◄ Protection: Saints: Pray For ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the Christian tradition, the concept of protection is deeply rooted in the belief that God is a refuge and fortress for His people. The Bible is replete with instances where the faithful seek divine protection through prayer, and this extends to the intercession of saints, who are considered righteous individuals in the presence of God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible encourages believers to seek God's protection through prayer. In Psalm 91:1-2 , it is written, "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'" This passage underscores the assurance of divine protection for those who seek refuge in God.

Role of Saints

In the Christian tradition, saints are often seen as intercessors who can pray for the protection of the faithful. The concept of the "communion of saints" suggests a spiritual solidarity between the living and those who have passed into eternal life. This belief is supported by passages such as Revelation 5:8 , which describes the saints in heaven offering prayers to God: "And when He had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."

Intercessory Prayer

The practice of asking saints to intercede for protection is rooted in the understanding that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. James 5:16 states, "Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse highlights the efficacy of prayer, particularly when offered by those who are righteous before God.

Examples of Saints Praying for Protection

Throughout Christian history, numerous saints have been invoked for protection. For instance, Saint Michael the Archangel is often called upon for protection against evil, as he is depicted in Revelation 12:7-9 as leading the heavenly army against the forces of darkness. Similarly, Saint Christopher is traditionally regarded as a protector of travelers, and many Christians seek his intercession for safe journeys.

Theological Perspectives

The invocation of saints for protection is viewed as an extension of the biblical call to pray for one another. It reflects the belief that the saints, being close to God, can offer powerful prayers on behalf of those on earth. This practice is not seen as detracting from the sole mediatorship of Christ but rather as participating in the communal and intercessory nature of the body of Christ.

Conclusion

The practice of praying for protection through the intercession of saints is a testament to the enduring belief in the power of prayer and the interconnectedness of the Christian community across time and space. Through the prayers of the saints, believers find comfort and assurance in the protective presence of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 17:5,8
Hold up my goings in your paths, that my footsteps slip not.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 51:9
Awake, awake, put on strength, O arm of the LORD; awake, as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Are you not it that has cut Rahab, and wounded the dragon?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Paul and his Requests for Prayer
... made glorious by the prayers of the saints at Philippi ... Paul urges the Roman Christians
to pray for him ... Prayer is a defense and protection against the malignity ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xv paul and his requests.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... of God, Jacob conditioned his prayer for protection, blessing and ... We find all of
God's saints in straits at different ... O Lord God, remember me, I pray thee, and ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

The Lord's Prayer. Our Father who Art in Heaven.
... of our person, whether we be sinners or saints, worthy or ... the people that they might
learn to pray truly, and ... know, that all our shelter and protection rest in ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/the lords prayer our father.htm

The Service Common to Two or Many Hierarchs.
... be clothed with righteousness, and let Thy saints, shout for joy ... of life, of thee
we supplicate: Pray, O Sovereign ... one, and beg for thy warm protection, for thou ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xi the service common.htm

The Broken Fence
... Protection to character is also found in the fact that ... Puritan, "I have no need to
go there to pray. ... Thus have the saints defied the overtures of priestcraft ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the broken fence.htm

Epistle xxx. To Constantina Augusta.
... churches that one cannot even go to pray there without ... really take up the bones of
saints, as they ... not from their bodily presence, but from their protection. ...
/.../the epistles of saint gregory the great/epistle xxx to constantina augusta.htm

The Communion of Gifts.
... of the Father for their assistance and protection; all the ... pilgrims, and sojourners
in the earth, the saints would be ... All that He can do is to pray for them ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxvii the communion of gifts.htm

The Character and Supports of Widows Indeed.
... their helpless dear ones, and he hath promised them protection. ... In such cases the
saints may plead God's honor and ... to ask mercy of God, and to pray for grace ...
/.../lee/sermons on various important subjects/sermon xxiv the character and.htm

Second Part of the Book.
... that to Him pray, and grant them what they ask or what is better: and in presence
of Saints, and in worship of churches that are hallowed, protection of angels ...
/.../second part of the book.htm

The Blossoming Desert.
... a prospect of both protection and support in time of need, though such protection
and temporal ... Moreover, we pray God to influence the saints of your ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/vii the blossoming desert.htm