[thefrankbaum]

There is however utterly no indication in the bible that we are able to communicate with those who have died. Even in the bad example above it took a witch to communicate with Samuel—and such necromancy is completely condemned in scripture. I don’t think Roman Catholics guilty of necromancy, it is just that Mary (or St. Catherine, or St. So&so), can’t hear you—and they’re not supposed to. God always hears us, and in his mercy, perhaps he hears prayers to saints and answers some of them...since He knows His people are needy and such prayers are done in ignorance.

I posted an answer to this above on this thread. See posts 42, 58, and 81. In the Psalms, the author cries and "prays" (ie, asks) to angels in Heaven. He did not get ahold of any righteous dead because Heaven was closed until the veil was torn. Jesus conquered death - those who believe in Him and live righteous lives do not die! Thus, we are not "communicating with the dead."

[AnalogReigns]

Yes, saints are alive in Heaven. However, I come back to the same point, if they can hear us pray, and, we are helped greatly in such prayers, why not a word about it in the New Testament?

It would seem Saints Peter, Paul, John, Luke, Mark and James were remiss in ignoring such a great resource! s/

As for me and my house we’ll worship and pray to God alone, by the power of the Holy Spirit, only through the merits of His Son!