[Elsie]

I assume you believe Mary died a couple thousand years ago, so if she is receiving any prayers she must be receiving them somewhere.

Your assumption is correct; the first part.

Your assumption that she MUST be 'receiving prayers' is your own.

More precisely; what your church has taught you.

[ought-six]

I believe that anyone who has passed still exists as a spirit. I believe they can hear the pleas and entreaties and “howdy’s” of those still inhabiting temporal bodies, if those pleas and entreaties and “howdy’s” are directed towards them.

I do not consider those to be “prayers” to them, but rather simple communications. Haven’t you ever said to someone near and dear to you who has passed: “Do you see your (son; daughter, grandson; granddaughter, etc.), and how beautiful (he, she, etc.” turned out?” That’s just an example.

As for Mary, I believe she holds a very special place in God’s kingdom. She holds a very special place because she is seen as the quintessential mother, the universal mother.

[ought-six]

“Your assumption that she MUST be ‘receiving prayers’ is your own.”

No, it’s basic logic. A sends something that is received by B. If B is dead (i.e., is no longer a sentient corporeal body), B must necessarily be receiving that something somewhere.