The erroneous notion of praying to dead human beings is found nowhere in Scripture, yet is expressly forbidden in Scripture.
The dead are either in heaven with God because Christ paid for every one of their sins on the cross, or they have been condemned to hell as just punishment for their transgressions against God.
Therefore, the dead have no need of our prayers.
And we have no need of the dead's prayers because we know for a certainty that "there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." (1 Timothy 2:5)
Apparently, Rome doesn't offer this assurance to its memebership, thus making men uncertain, fearful and frustrated, ever striving for something Christ has already accomplished for them, if God so wills.
You are correct, my friend - and assume, brother. I’ve seen RCC arguments based on the reasoned position that saints in heaven can see something of what’s going on Earth (Heb 12:1 and Rev 6:9-11), as if that meant we should pray to them or ask them to pray for us! RCC arguments also maintain that the prayers of the saints (Rev 5:8 and 8:3 - 4) are the prayers of those heavenly saints on behalf of the earthly saints 9which they do not recognize by that name).
Assumptions are the enemy of Truth.
Remember: He is the God of the living.
I know you've probably gotten ten posts by now that "they're really not dead", but I wonder if this is as big in the EOC? I know they aren't as militant about adoring Mary.