Best bet for any individual
In this universe, it is evident that we humans are but only one of perhaps zillions of intelligent life forms. As an unbiased outsider looking at the major religions on earth, each with billions believing that their god(s), anthropomorphic in nature is the only true god(s) in the universe, is both bewildering and unbelievable. Tomes of rules and commandments set down in a time, circumstance and human condition quite unlike the times in which we are now living, decreeing how we should behave and eat are like a voluntary yoke and blinder for a close minded man in these modern times.
I tell my children, there may indeed be an unknown force of nature that is both omniscient and omnipotent that can affect and effect all things. And that it is up to them if they wish to pursue knowledge regarding it.
Meanwhile, if they feel insecure and feel they need to reach someone on the other side, they can appeal to their grandmother. Their grandmother led a life of one who deserves to go to heaven if there is such a place. In life she was loving, hardworking, selfless and totally devoted to her family and people less fortunate than herself. If there is a heaven, I know she’s there, I also know she will try to do whatever she can to help, if she can be made to see her loved ones ( that’s where the prayer comes in ). Heaven would not be heaven to her, if she forgot who her loved ones are. If you come from a loving family and led a virtuous life, would you be you if you went to heaven and forgot about those you loved while you were on earth. If your loved ones are deserving and believing wouldn’t you try directly or indirectly to intercede if beseeched?