“You seem to be making an exception for “departed” that does not exist in scripture. We are to ask for other’s prayers, not excluding anyone in the Body of Christ.”
The distinction is in scripture and self evident. They are not here.
“As to the Saints in Heaven being aware we have scripture from Revelation and that concerning the “cloud of witnesses” to tell us they do - as well as being alive in Christ, God of the living.”
Yes, their lives witnessed the truth of God. They are not watching us.
The distinction is in scripture and self evident. They are not here.
I think the opposite. Where is it clear and self evident to you, contradicting the cited scripture?
their lives witnessed the truth of God. They are not watching us.
If I am surrounded by witnesses, I think it is a required meaning that they are witnessing.
Of course, you may have your own interpretation, but I do not see where you have been convincing in using scripture to disprove the Communion of Saints in the creeds as taught by the Church.