I think is is admirable to love your brothers and sisters in Christ, and feel so attached to them, that like dearly departed loved ones you kiss their pictures/representations. Is this sort of love and closeness shared with living saints within the congregation? And, how do you on daily basis intercede for one another in your congregations and everyone's individual needs in prayer?
In many ways, it was the love between the members of the parish (living) that helped me to understand how we relate to icons, when I was first coming into Orthodoxy. Because I did struggle a bit with icons, and wanted to be sure I was understanding properly, and received God's guidance in the matter. I will just say that after a great deal of prayer, I understood that yes, they bring to mind in the same way that photos of our loved ones who have reposed will do. And to love our brothers and sisters in Christ is in no way offensive to God - in fact we are commanded to do so! If we love our natural family, how much more ought we to love those who are of the household of faith?
And I'm sure it varies by parish, but yes, in ours, everyone IS family (kind of "adopted" in a sense through Church relationships, having baptized one another's children, standing at other's weddings, and so on - they become actual recognized Church family in this way, and they do take it seriously - but even outside of those relationships, people are welcomed and brought in like "family"). We are all concerned for the things that affect one another. There are frequently offers of practical help when needed, comfort, prayers for each other, and all else that goes with that. To be honest, I pretty much lost all my friends when I came into the Church, and I don't have family nearby except my daughter (and she's very busy) ... but I have a pretty full life due to my Church family.
And yes, we have discipline for prayer, and pray regularly for each other - generally at least twice a day.
Is there the same physical devotion as there is with icons?
This varies with culture, I am sure. I belong to a Greek parish, and they are very demonstrative. Many people greet with kisses, one on each cheek - most of the women will greet me this way, and a few of the men I know well. With strangers, even, there is generally a clasping of hands that is more than a handshake, and a slight bow. For those one wants to especially honor, they may kiss their hands.
It was in fact this custom that really made me understand much of what we do, especially involving icons. It is apparently traditionally customary for grandchildren to greet their grandparents by kissing their hand, to show a deep honor and respect to them. I met a very dear, sweet lady who later baptized me (she became then my Nouna - my "mother" in a way - sadly she has reposed) ... anyway, she was an elderly lady, and so loving. She used to greet me and kiss my hand. The whole parish made note that she would do that, and I didn't realize what an impact it had on them. It isn't that commonly done. Ah - I think I'm going to fail at explaining here. She honored me greatly - and I kissed her hand as well, as would be more fitting. It is something I will do on very rare times to one or two other women as well, whom I VERY deeply respect in Christ, and to show them honor. No, I think I'm going to fail at what I wanted to convey. If all this seems like just rambling, I do apologize. But it just made me UNDERSTAND so clearly ... Forgive me that I can't explain.
But yes, culture is going to have an impact there. What I have described is traditional Greek interacting, and they understand the kisses to the cheek, kissing the hand, and the rest to have a particular meaning. Some others may not have the same customs, and I have seen parishes made up of American converts to behave like Americans typically do when meeting or greeting one another - handshakes with strangers, hugs with those one is close to in Church.