The monks of Mt. Athos are known for their devotion to the Jesus Prayer. But a lesser-known and equally ancient prayer of the Holy Mountain is: "Most Holy Theotokos, save us." Save us? At first glance, it might seem excessive. After all, Jesus saves -- don't you know?!
But consider this: if I were drowning and someone pulled me to safety, and I said, "Thank you! You saved me," who would object? No one would accuse me of undermining the work of Christ. My gratitude wouldn't negate the cross or the resurrection.
So too, when we cry out to Our Lady, "Most Holy Theotokos, save us," we are acknowledging the power of her intercession, not replacing the Savior.
This is the prayer of a child, whispering to his mother, "Save me... from despair, from shame, from fear, from my own comforts."