[Mrs. Don-o]

"LOL First of all the “saints” are all those who have accepted Christ as savior so ALL prayers are before the Father when prayed in Jesus name since the rending of the veil."

Good morning, Cynical Bear, and LOL to you too, my dear friend. Thank you foir helping me prove my point! These are the prayers of ALL the saints, both on earth and in heaven. There is nothing in Revelation that excludes, denies, rejects, or forbids the intercession of saints in any place, in heaven or on earth. And both of us --- with all Christians--- believe in intercessory prayer.

The passage from Revelation describes the angel offering incense with the prayers of all the saints. The angel is acting as a messenger, bringing this incense and these prayers to God. That's intercession right there.

Thus we are taught by Scripture to believe in the Communion of Saints: that all the saints on earth and in heaven have the privilege of praying for each other. We have confidence in this promise we have of the mutual aid of fellow Christians, united in Christ our Lord.

2 Corinthians 1:11
You also join in helping us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.

James 5:16
Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

Please pray for me and I will for you. Not even death would stop me!

[CynicalBear]

So do you talk to your relatives who have passed on also to have them pray for you? BTW, how do you know they are in heaven?

[metmom]

Paul was writing to those still alive here on earth. There is no indication that it meant those who had died, and there is not one command in Scripture to pray to or for those who have passed on.

Nor is there any indication they can hear us, or have the power to answer us or respond in any way.