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Protestants do believe in asking fellow living people to help pray for them. They just don't ask the dead to do so nor expect the dead to be able to intercede on the living's behalf. Such "dead intercession" is not in Scripture and is wrong.

You say such because you don't understand.

The world of the living and the dead may seem distinct in our eyes, but there is little distinction in the eyes of God. Being alive in this world doesn't somehow trump being alive elsewhere under the purview of the Almighty.

As Catholics we view these worlds as God does, therfore are in communion with those who have died. Which is why we not only pray for them, we ask them to pray for us. Logically speaking, asking those who exist elsewhere in God's kingdom to pray for us makes at least as much sense as asking a total stranger on an internet board.

Prayers for those who are dead are dead themselves.

Praying for the deceased cannot save them nor offer them hope or help.

Look in Scripture, not Catholic tradition, for appropriate justification. The Catholic church is fallible as evidenced internally by the changes it has allowed over the years.

**As Catholics we view these worlds as God does, therfore are in communion with those who have died. Which is why we not only pray for them, we ask them to pray for us. Logically speaking, asking those who exist elsewhere in God's kingdom to pray for us makes at least as much sense as asking a total stranger on an internet board.**

Amen -- although I pray for the people on the internet board too!

Have a blessed Christmas!