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I think we agree that when if we make it to Heaven, we spend our eternity in total bliss and happiness, praising and worshipping God.

We agree that the Angels are spirits created by God (unlike Adam and Eve, they have no physical bodies). Angels can basically go anywhere and do anything, but they can not "read minds" so to speak; they do not know what is in our hearts. Only God does. That is why the fallen angels -- (angels, like Adam and Eve, were created with free will to accept or reject God) -- in particular Lucifer (Satan) can not read our mind and know our heart. Satan understands human nature like an expert shrink -- he tempts and thwarts in order to cause people to fall from grace, to sin against God. But He can't MAKE someone sin -- we CHOOSE to win, and Satan knows how to tempt humans. As St. Paul said, "12 Therefore, brethren, we are debtors, not to the flesh to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live according to the flesh, you shall die: but if by the Spirit you mortify the deeds of the flesh, you shall live. 14 For whosoever are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." (Romans 8:12-14)

OK, I'm assuming that we're still on the same page. If we die in a state of Grace (saved), we go to heaven. We become saints. As saints, we praise and worship God.

If a saint is praying in heaven, why can't he pray for those still on earth? When you go to heaven, to you forget your loved ones? Your friends? Your neighbors? Couldn't a saint pray to God for the conversion of a sinful friend?

Catholics pray directly to God. We also ask the saints to pray for us. So really, we're praying to God and the saints are praying for us, and if the prayer is something the God wishes to grant us, He will.

I suppose one DOESN'T have to ask the saints to pray for us, but there is absolutely no harm. And I believe strongly in the power of prayer. When a group of people get together to pray for someone who is sick, or going through difficult times, I believe that God really listens -- we're praying for our neighbor and showing the love we are commanded to demonstrate as Christians, and I think that God blesses that.

The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:

956 The intercession of the saints. "Being more closely united to Christ, those who dwell in heaven fix the whole Church more firmly in holiness.... They do not cease to intercede with the Father for us, as they proffer the merits which they acquired on earth through the one mediator between God and men, Christ Jesus.... So by their fraternal concern is our weakness greatly helped."[493] Do not weep, for I shall be more useful to you after my death and I shall help you then more effectively than during my life.[494] I want to spend my heaven in doing good on earth.[495]

God bless.

It's a good explanation of what you believe, but it didn't answer my specific question. I understand how a deceased person who has gone on to be with God can pray for his loved ones. I understand how he can in general pray for everyone.

My question was this: "HOW does a saint, like Francis, for example, know about EACH of the prayers that might be prayed asking his assistance?" What I am trying to get at is this: what is the process by which Francis would come to know that GopHack was asking for Francis' assistance?

If a saint is praying in heaven, why can't he pray for those still on earth? When you go to heaven, to you forget your loved ones? Your friends? Your neighbors? Couldn't a saint pray to God for the conversion of a sinful friend?

If you want me to pray for you you can send me an email..or call..how do the saints in heaven know you want them to pray for you? (as opposed to those on earth ...yea the bible says ALL that are believers are saints:>)