That helps, thanks.
I think the Hebrews scripture and Revelation scripture show that the Saints are aware. And they are alive, aware and concerned and praying/interceding.
As for as being required or commanded, no; as for it being assumed, recommended, asked for, a good and pleasing thing yes - particularly when we do not try to make a, false IMHO, separation between Saints in the Church Militant and Church Triumphant. It is only if we separate the Body of Christ that any possible conflict can occur - or the questions you ask can arise.
As for history of the practice: Of course, the longer the Christian Church exists, the more Saints there are, the more the practice as it concerns Christian Saints in Heaven increases. The great majority of Saints in Heaven were not even born when Holy Scripture was recorded.
Also, here’s a couple of quotes from the early Church that apply:
Hermas
“[The Shepherd said:] ‘But those who are weak and slothful in prayer, hesitate to ask anything from the Lord; but the Lord is full of compassion, and gives without fail to all who ask him. But you, [Hermas,] having been strengthened by the holy angel [you saw], and having obtained from him such intercession, and not being slothful, why do not you ask of the Lord understanding, and receive it from him?’” (The Shepherd 3:5:4 [A.D. 80]).
Clement of Alexandria
“In this way is he [the true Christian] always pure for prayer. He also prays in the society of angels, as being already of angelic rank, and he is never out of their holy keeping; and though he pray alone, he has the choir of the saints standing with him [in prayer]” (Miscellanies 7:12 [A.D. 208]).
thanks again...
D,
Thanks for the two quotes. The first doesn’t show him praying to a Christian above, but to God, having seen an angel. The second is more than 200 years after Christ. I confess I couldn’t find any historical evidence any better.
I don’t have time to discuss Hebrews at the moment or Revelation. I will just say that neither refers to what is assumed in your post, but I’ve not time at the moment to give you an exposition in a fair way - and maybe you don’t care anyway. If you are interested, leave a message and I’ll do it over the next 24 hours. I’m just juggling too much already for one day.
There is a natural separation and difference between them and us. They are in the presence of God, in a spiritual existence, outside time and likely with new resurrection bodies. We are in our earth suits, here in time, and longing for eternity. That isn’t artificial. It is recognizing what is in reality true.
Speaking of caught in time, I’ll talk later.