No. Presbyterians pray to God alone, through Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5). But the Bible calls every believer a saint (Romans 1:7), so All Saints’ Day on 1 November is a good day to give thanks for all who have gone before in faith, without praying to them or through them.
“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.”
— Romans 1:7
On 1 November much of the Christian world observes All Saints’ Day. In some churches it means prayers to departed saints. In a PCEA congregation you are more likely to hear a gentle question: what is a saint, and who may we pray to? This article answers both with respect for friends in other churches.
What Is a Saint?
In the New Testament the word “saint” means “holy ones,” and it describes all believers, not an elite group. Paul writes “to all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people” (Romans 1:7), “to the saints in Ephesus” (Ephesians 1:1) and so on. By that standard you are a saint if you belong to Christ, because he has made you holy in his sight (1 Corinthians 1:2).
Whom Do We Pray To?
Jesus taught his disciples to pray, “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). Paul writes, “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Hebrews invites us to “approach God’s throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because Jesus our high priest is there. The Westminster Confession adds that prayer is to be made to God alone, and not to angels, saints or any other creature (chapter 21).
That does not mean saints are forgotten. It means that the line to God is already open through Christ, so no one else needs to stand in the way. You do not need a go-between with the one who has already gone between us and God.
What About Mary?
Presbyterians honour Mary deeply. She said, “My soul glorifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46) and Elizabeth called her “blessed among women” (Luke 1:42). She is the mother of our Lord and a model of faith and obedience. But the Bible gives no command to pray to her, and no example of anyone doing so. At the wedding at Cana, her only advice is: “Do whatever he tells you” (John 2:5). We follow that advice.
Can We Honour the Faithful Without Praying to Them?
Yes. The Bible does it. Hebrews 11 recalls Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, Rahab and many more, and then says we are “surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses” and should “run with perseverance the race marked out for us” (Hebrews 12:1). They are examples to learn from, not intercessors to call on. Many Presbyterian churches mark the Sunday near All Saints’ Day by giving thanks for the faithful who have died, whether famous or hidden.
A Gentle Word to Friends in Other Churches
Catholic and Orthodox Christians love Jesus and many have deep devotion. Presbyterians disagree about the practice of praying to saints, not about the people’s sincerity. For the wider comparison, read our guide to 7 differences Kenyans ask about. We aim to state our view without insulting anyone.
A Simple All Saints’ Day Practice
- Write down three people who showed you what faith looks like.
- Thank God for them in prayer.
- Ask: what in their example can I follow this week?
- Pray to the Father, in Jesus’ name, for the courage to run your own part of the race.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Presbyterians pray to saints?
No. Presbyterians pray to God alone, through Jesus Christ the only mediator.
Who are the saints in the Bible?
All believers, called “holy ones” because God has set them apart in Christ.
Do Presbyterians honour Mary?
Yes, as the mother of Jesus and a model of faith, but we do not pray to her.
Can Presbyterians observe All Saints’ Day?
Many do, as a time to thank God for the faithful who have died, without praying to them.
Final Thoughts
The cloud of witnesses cheers us on, but it is Jesus we are running toward (Hebrews 12:2). Give thanks for the saints this November, and keep your eyes on the one who made them holy.
General doctrinal content (Matthew 6; Luke 1; John 2; Romans 1; 1 Corinthians 1; Ephesians 1; 1 Timothy 2; Hebrews 4, 11, 12). Westminster Confession chapter 21 is paraphrased. Written descriptively and charitably. Checked against the PCEA doctrine standard (prayer to God alone through Christ; no veneration of saints or Mary). Compiled by the Editorial Desk.