Why must it be either/or? Do you think that Catholic and Orthodox do not also pray to God? Have you ever asked anyone to pray for you? If so, why did you do so and not just pray directly to God?
A love of Mary and the saints is no contradiction of a direct intimate relationship with God the Father. Indeed, we should love those whom He loves.
Why would you pray to Mary, or the Saints when the Father invites you into a direct intimate relation ship with Him?
2) I do not get down on my knees and pray to my friends to intercede with Jesus or the Father for me. You praying to the saints and asking friends is NOT EQUIVILANT. You have been taught that answer by others, but do some thinking about it on your own .........................