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So, you can’t answer the question?

Zuriel provided answer, just not one limited to the narrow application you were seeking an answer conform to. By default, there was nothing he said in comment #56 that would go against the idea of those personages appearing with Christ on the Mount of Transfiguration (as that Bible passage has grown to be commonly known) were not alive, for whatever the state of existence was for those two persons (Moses and Elijah) who appeared with Christ, it would mean little to nothing once what Zuriel was trying to draw your attention to was noticed.

Now THERE, among the above, when I wrote about "answer you were seeking" was a little mind reading of my own -- yet not out of the blue, or beyond the pale and beyond the rules of debate, for it was obvious enough what you were seeking -- the answer "they were alive". Otherwise, show me where I misread (through the cobwebs).

What Zuriel (obviously enough to me) was driving at, was one of the very passages of Scripture you were trying to lean upon in order to support prayers to departed saints (PTDS -including prayers to "Mary", regardless if it's allegedly just "asking her to pray for us" etc.) does not at all support the practice (PTDS), but otherwise can be seen to quite strongly forbid the practice, thus resulting in one of the examples of Scripture that is commonly reached for among RCC apologists for support of PTSD, more actually undermining the very argument that is trying to be made.

It's like you've shot your own argument in the foot, but not a flesh wound only, here in this instance the Scripture passage (cited below) is deadly fatal to the very concept of PTDS; [underlining of key portions added for emphasis]

Matthew 17
3 And behold, Moses and Elijah appeared to them, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, one for Moses, and one for Elijah.”
5 While he was still speaking, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them; and suddenly a voice came out of the cloud, saying,
“This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!”
6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 But Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 When they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

If we are going to be reading meanings into the text, asserting that there are things in-between-the-lines, pregnant within the text, this text STILL provides for us nothing in way of support for PTDS hinging upon whether ot not Moses and Eljah were "alive" at that time and place (within the Open Vision of the Transfiguration witnessed by several apostles/followers of Christ) ---but rather instead--- runs contrary to it. Could be seen as unspoken prohibition against the practice, and should be seen as prohibition against the practice, for we must be consistent in ongoing appraisals of Scripture. One of the biggest principles within Scripture, the so-called Old Testament, and the New Testament also, is monotheism ---to have no other Gods before (other than) the Creator, alone.

Which from the beginning (of Scripture) and also clearly to the end, results in (if we are to follow what has been written, as we should, as ALL should) our needing pray to God alone (our Father in Heaven) as Jesus (the man himself when present among us in this world, in the flesh) explicitly instructed.

If there is still argument that any should pray to other personages (thought to presently be residing "in Heaven" also) show us where from within Scripture such a practice is recommended.

We'll be waiting ('till the cows come home).

Thusly, your argument fails. So sad, too bad, so sorry. To the winners go the spoils. To the rest I will advise, leave my FRiend Zuriel alone. Mess with him and you just may cross paths with me.

**Were Moses and Elijah “dead” when they appeared with Christ in front of Peter?**

Sorry for the delay, but there are periods of time that I have to cease electronic communication in order get sleep, family time, or other important things done.

Moses physically died. There is scripture for that. Elijah ascended to heaven without any indication of a physical death. Samuel died a physical death, yet was later “disquieted” by Saul, by way of a demon possessed woman. God apparently allowed this, since the words of Samuel, in this awakening of sorts, proved to be 100% accurate.

So, the only instance in scripture, where earthly communication with someone that has physically departed (other than Christ), is a bad example, then why would anyone seek to awake them for mediation purposes? Why insist on a prayer directed to heaven be intentionally diverted (as if you or I had the power to divert it) to a soul that has to be awakened by God to hear you?

You need proof that the soul of Mary not only doesn’t sleep, but is omnipresent.