Q&A Clip: If God Is All-Knowing, Why Do We Pray? And Why Do We Need the Saints? | Jonathan Pageau

Summary

The speaker explores the significance of praying through the intercession of saints and holy ones, explaining that it reflects a deep connection within a hierarchy of care and reverence. This 'chain of care' unites believers with saints and angels in a collective movement towards God. By asking saints to pray for us, we participate in a cycle of love and attention that enhances our unity with the divine. Ultimately, this practice leads to theosis, or becoming more like God, by aligning ourselves with the divine council.

Takeaways

• 🙏 Praying through the prayers of a Holy One is a way to participate in a spiritual unity and reverence, rather than a mere request for divine intervention.
• 🌐 The concept of praying through others is rooted in the understanding of reality as interconnected and not just individualistic.
• 🔗 It is believed that God already knows our needs, as stated by Saint Paul, so prayer is not about informing God but about participating in a spiritual relationship.
• 🤝 The idea of a 'chain of intercession' suggests a hierarchy of care and reverence, where we pray to God, thank Him for the Saints, and ask the Saints to pray for us.
• 🕊 Praying for salvation through the prayers of the Saints is a way to be united in love with them, reflecting the belief in the power of their intercession.
• 🌟 The structure of prayers to Saints involves celebrating them, thanking God for their example, asking for their prayers, and ultimately seeking God's salvation through their intercession.
• 🙏🏻 Prayers to Saints are not idolatry but a recognition of their role as models of God's love and justice, whose prayers are powerful because of their righteousness.
• 🔄 The cycle of love, care, and attention in prayer moves from us to God and back, symbolizing the unity and multiplicity of the faithful community.
• 🎼 The script paints a picture of a 'Symphony of prayers' where individuals, Saints, and God are all interconnected in a beautiful, harmonious relationship.
• 🛐 The concept of theosis, or becoming more like God, is tied to the idea of participating in the divine council and being agents of God in the world.
• 🕊️ The ultimate goal is to model God's love and act as patrons or guardians of different aspects of reality, fostering unity and powerful bonds within the church.

Q & A

What is the significance of praying through the prayers of a Holy One according to the transcript?

Praying through the prayers of a Holy One signifies a deep understanding of reality and the interconnectedness of all in the divine plan. It is about participating in a chain of intercession and care, where the prayers of the holy ones are seen as powerful and effective because of their closeness to God.

Why do we ask others, including the Saints, to pray for us even though God already knows our needs?

Asking others to pray for us is not because God needs to be informed of our needs, but rather it is about participating in a spiritual community and acknowledging the power of communal prayer. It is about being united in love and prayer with those who are close to God.

What is the 'chain of intercession' mentioned in the transcript?

The 'chain of intercession' refers to the interconnected spiritual relationship where we pray to God, thank God for the Saints, ask the Saints to pray for us, and finally, pray that God saves us through their prayers. It is a cycle that represents the unity and multiplicity of the spiritual world.

How does the concept of praying for something through the prayers of a Holy One relate to the idea of theosis?

The concept of praying through the prayers of a Holy One is deeply connected to theosis, which is the process of becoming more like God. It suggests that we are called to participate in the divine life, to be agents of God in the world, and to model the love of God to those under our care.

What is the role of the Saints in the prayer life of believers as described in the transcript?

The Saints are seen as models of God's love and justice. They are thanked for their example and asked to intercede in prayer for believers. Their prayers are considered powerful because of their righteousness and close relationship with God.

Why is it important to understand the structure of prayers to Saints as described in the transcript?

Understanding the structure of prayers to Saints helps to avoid misconceptions about idolatry. It clarifies that the prayers are not directed to the Saints as gods, but rather seek their intercession based on their exemplary lives and closeness to God.

What does the transcript suggest about the relationship between unity and multiplicity in the spiritual realm?

The transcript suggests that unity and multiplicity coexist in a beautiful harmony. It is not about a collection of isolated individuals but a symphony of prayers where each part has a role in the grand design of divine love and care.

How does the concept of praying through the prayers of a Holy One contribute to the idea of the 'Divine Council'?

Praying through the prayers of a Holy One contributes to the idea of the 'Divine Council' by emphasizing our participation in the divine life. It suggests that we are part of a council where we are called to be agents of God's love and justice in the world.

What is the final move in the cycle of prayer as described in the transcript?

The final move in the cycle of prayer is asking God to save us through the prayers of the Saints. This move reveals the secret of the unity in prayer and the desire to be united with the Saints in love and spiritual communion.

How does the transcript describe the image of the church as a whole in relation to prayer?

The transcript describes the church as a united body in powerful bonds, not as a collection of individuals but as a symphony of prayers where each member plays a part in the divine plan, moving towards unity with God.

What does the transcript imply about the nature of God's knowledge of our needs?

The transcript implies that God's knowledge of our needs is complete and does not require us to vocalize our requests for Him to know. The act of prayer is more about participating in a spiritual community and aligning ourselves with divine will.