I invite any Orthodox or RC believers to do an experiment for 90 days.
Ask God The Father to show you HIS TRUTH in the matter. Then, since you have already been doing the one; for 90 days, do the other. Pray strictly and exclusively to The Father or The Son without any aids, images, statues, icons--for 90 days.
And compare the results. Or switch back for 90 days and then compare the results.
I've done that for way longer than 90 days.
My results were: I appreciate all the help I can get.
:)
"And compare the results. Or switch back for 90 days and then compare the results."
Take a look at the two Caucus threads on homilies on Prayer by +Theophan the Recluse. The overwhelming majority of our prayer time is spent exactly as you suggest, Q! :) We strive to pray unceasingly with what is called "noetic prayer" or "prayer of the heart". The usual prayer is "Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner." It is remarkable how one's life can be transformed in all its aspects by such a simple prayer.