Prayer and intercession can be a confusing subject. It is for me.
Does Jesus being the exclusive way to the Father and salvation negate our need to pray and intercede for one another? The old and new testament is replete with scripture where Believers intercede and pray for one another. Scripture tells me that yes, Jesus is the exclusive way and He is the only mediator between God and man. Scripture also shows that Believers praying and interceding for one another does not negate or reduce Christ's person.
So, if we agree that according to the scripture it's ok for Believers to pray and intercede with one another - what's the problem?
I believe it boils down to how Catholics and most Protestants view the body of Christ. Catholics believe that individuals who are part of the Body of Christ in heaven can be petitioned to intercede and pray for them. Protestants generally believe that the saints in heaven cannot intercede for them.
If I've mischaracterized the Catholic or (most) Protestant belief on prayer and intercession amongst Believers, please let me know.
Of COUSE you have!