I think this whole discussion is veering weirdly. The “mystery of divinity” in 1 Tim 3:16 indicates that Paul, and by extension the early church, believed that Jesus was God himself and that one must believe on him in the world. Reading Paul, one comes away with the impression that he very literally viewed his relationship with Jesus as one with the “living Christ.” As such, to speak to and with him would have been a natural mark of the relationship.

To pray to Jesus is to speak to him. He is, after all, the focus of CHRISTianity and the reality of his literal resurrection is the primary emphasis of the Christian teaching (1 Corinthians 15:1-19). If he is literally raised and literally ascended, as Paul clearly taught, then he is literally declared to be the Son of God, also as Paul taught (Romans 1:1-5) and through him we receive grace. As such, why WOULDN’T we converse with him?