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catholicsoldier said:
...exception being that the saint are in heaven having crossed the finish line and earned God's special favor and reward He has promised to all who persevere unto death

You are blind to the very serious ramifications of this exception. Yes they've crossed finish line but they are dead here (my friends that I ask for any prayer from are not dead - not to mention that I would never ask anyone for prayer in the way many of the prayers to the saints are written and said) We are not to communicate with the dead. There is no communication between them and us.

Deuteronomy 18:10
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Let no one be found among you who.....consults the dead.
Isaiah 8:19
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...Why consult the dead on behalf of the living?

God has already said it. I will pray for you Catholic Soldier that you receive God's grace and you will see and know the Truth!