One of the most persistent claims made by Roman Catholics is that they don’t pray to Mary—they only “ask for her intercession.” But if we apply a little common sense to the matter, the reality is undeniable: they are, in fact, praying to Mary.
Let’s break it down.
1. They Address Mary as Though She Can Hear Them
When someone prays, they are speaking to a being they believe can hear and respond in some way. Catholics recite prayers like the Hail Mary, explicitly addressing her:
“Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee… Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death.”
This is not merely a remembrance of Mary’s faithfulness; it is a direct petition. She is spoken to as if she is personally listening. If you were to say the same words to a friend in conversation, it would be unmistakably clear that you were talking to them.
2. They Believe Mary Acts on Their Behalf
Catholics claim they don’t pray to Mary, only through her. But what does that mean? They believe she takes their requests and presents them to Christ in a special way that has power. In other words, they believe she does something with their prayers.
Yet the Bible teaches that Christ alone is our Mediator:
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” (1 Timothy 2:5)
If Mary is acting as a mediator, she is being given a role that Scripture reserves for Christ alone.
3. They Believe Praying to Mary Changes Things
The whole reason Catholics pray to Mary is that they believe it works—that her intercession makes a difference in their lives. They believe she has power to obtain blessings, protection, and favor.
Yet this is precisely what prayer is: presenting requests to a being with the belief that they can influence the outcome. Whether one calls it “prayer” or “intercession,” the function is the same.
So Let’s Be Honest
If you speak to a supernatural being, believe they can hear you, trust that they can act on your behalf, and expect that your request will lead to real change, you are praying. There is no escaping it.
But biblical prayer belongs to God alone. Our worship, our petitions, and our devotion should be directed to the Lord, not to any creature—even one as honored as Mary.
“Call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify me.” (Psalm 50:15)
Mary herself, as a faithful servant of God, would direct us to her Son, not herself (Luke 1:46–47). Let us, then, follow her example by worshiping and praying to the Triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.