Except, he is alive. The dead, or the faithful departed, are saints because their time on earth is over. They are the ones who have completed the race, kept the faith, and have been given the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:7,8). When they stood before the Son of Man, they were judged to be righteous and told, Come, you who are blessed by my Father. Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world (Matthew 25:34). They are the sheep for whom the Good Shepherd freely laid down his life (John 10:1-18); the ones who have been escorted by Jesus to the Fathers house (John 14:1-3); and the great multitude which no one can count that are gathered around Gods throne (Revelation 7:9).
Yes, there is Eternal Life and eternal death. Someone in heaven is spiritually alive and has access to prayer. Someone in hell is spiritually dead and cannot pray.
So, the term "dead men" needs to be quantified.
AMEN. The saints in Heaven are ALIVE!