We disagree on who needs to provide proof for their claim.
Scripture clearly indicates we are alive as the body of Christ and that our God is the God of the living and that the Saints in Heaven are part of Christ’s body and so on.
I see you as needing to provide proof that the Saints in heaven are excluded from the Body of Christ and, in this case, intercessory prayer.
You see, according to your interpretation, the need to prove they are included; I see the need to prove they are excluded.
It should be no surprise to you that I will stick with the Church as the authority rather than you.
I do appreciate your time, replies and discussion.
D,
You are arguing something that I am not disagreeing with.
Now take that base we agree on and demonstrate :
1. Saints in heaven can hear you
2. That God wants us to pray to/through saints
3. That Christians understood this as an important part of Christian practice before 100ad,
It will probably not surprise you that like Paul commended, I will search the Holy Scriptures to see if the teachings of any man are true - including leaders of every and any Church.
Blessings to you in this new year.