In reply to Laura.

I agree--essentially. But historically, there is a vein with runs through Roman Catholicism which promulgates the idea very well expressed by Mr. Flanagan, that we not only ask these saints to pray for us, but that it is preferable, undercutting a proper Christology. Of course asking earthly friends to pray for us, can do the exact same thing. Imho, the problem is not in the asking, but in the why.

And that's where I (a nonlutheran, just a wayward Christian) would diverge from Lutheranism. I don't believe a correction to this roman catholic tradition, requires a total renunciation of, 'Mary I love you and I know you love me too'. I talk to Mary. I talk to my Dad and Grandmother. I know they all love me and care for me. In Christ, all things are mine, all things in heaven even. I have a real relationship with them, centered in Christ who is ever present. Of course He is! He is never alone! Where they are He is, and where He is, they are! That is my praying-with-Scripture experience.

May God, who is Truth lead us into all Truth