I do not pray to the saints. This is because I find no teaching in holy scripture that tells me to do it. I do find texts such as Hebrews 12:1-2, reminding me that “we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses.”
I take this to mean that they continue in a blessed existence in the presence of the Eternal God. He is not the God of the dead but of the living. I am to learn from their noble example to “run with perseverance” the race marked out for me through this life and on into the next, as they did.
Throughout the world, many Christians observe this day, November 1, as “All Saints Day.” It commemorates heroes of the church, known and unknown. This observance dates back to the seventh century and is marked by the remembrance of their lives and honor to their example.
I have known quite a few saints in my time. Some of them are still living on earth. (I am married to one of them.) Others are now in eternity, with the Lord whom they loved. I could write all day (I won’t!) with gratitude for what they have meant to me and for what I have learned from their faithfulness, their endurance, their unselfish love.
So there is value in remembrance. If All Saints Day is a day of remembrance for you, then give thanks today for those saints above and saints below who have reminded you to keep “fixing (y)our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer, and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him, he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
In 1864 William W. How wrote a hymn for this day. Read it slowly.
For all the saints who from their labors rest,/ who Thee by faith before the world confessed,/ Thy name O Jesus, be forever blest. Alleluia!
Thou wast their rock, their fortress and their might;/ Thou, Lord, their captain in the well-fought fight;/ Thou in the darkness drear, their one true light. Alleluia!
O blest communion, fellowship divine!/ We feebly struggle; they in glory shine./ Yet all are one in Thee, for all are Thine. Alleluia!
And when the strife is fierce, the warfare long,/ steals on the ear the distant triumph song,/ and hearts are brave again and arms are strong. Alleluia!
But then there breaks a yet more glorious day:/ the saints’ triumphant rise in bright array;/ the King of glory passes on his way. Alleluia!
From earth’s wide bounds and ocean’s farthest coast,/ through gates of pearl stream in the countless host,/ singing to Father, Son, and Holy Ghost: Alleluia!
Alleluia, indeed!
Pastor Randy Faulkner