Angels play a role in God’s plan, but the Bible encourages us to turn to God for help directly. Relying on Him shows trust in His care. Today, let’s see how Scripture advises us regarding angels and asking for help.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Grumbling And Complaining
What Does The Bible Say About Asking Angels For Help
Psalms 91:11-12
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands they will bear you up, so that you will not dash your foot against a stone.”
This verse reassures us that God commands His angels to protect and guard us in all our ways. We can find comfort in knowing that angels are sent to watch over us and prevent us from harm or danger.
Asking angels for help should not be our primary focus, but rather we should direct our prayers and requests to God, who alone has the power to send angels to assist us. However, we can have faith that God uses angels as His messengers and servants to help and guide us when needed.
Hebrews 1:14
“Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?”
This verse reminds us that angels are created as ministering spirits, sent by God to serve and assist those who are inheriting salvation. It is a reminder that angels are here to fulfill the purposes of God, including helping and supporting believers.
While we can acknowledge the presence and role of angels in our lives, it is important to remember that our ultimate reliance and trust should be in God. Angels are not to be worshipped or idolized, but rather recognized as part of God’s divine plan and provision for His people.
Acts 12:15
“But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astonished.”
In this passage, we see an example of Peter seeking help through prayer and God using an angel to miraculously rescue him from prison. It demonstrates that God can choose to intervene through angelic assistance in response to our prayers and petitions.
While we can seek God’s intervention through prayer, we should not solely focus on asking angels for help. Our faith should be in God alone, trusting that He will answer our prayers in the way that is best for us.
Matthew 18:10
“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.”
This verse highlights the special care that angels have for children. It assures us that the angels of children are in the presence of God, observing and interceding on their behalf.
While we can seek the assistance and protection of angels, it is ultimately God who determines their role in our lives. We should remember to approach God with childlike faith and trust, knowing that He will provide the help and guidance we need.
Genesis 19:15-16
“With the coming of dawn, the angels urged Lot, saying, ‘Hurry! Take your wife and your two daughters who are here, or you will be swept away when the city is punished.’ When he hesitated, the men grasped his hand and the hands of his wife and of his two daughters, and led them safely out of the city, for the Lord was merciful to them.”
This passage recounts the story of Lot and how angels were sent to rescue him and his family from the impending destruction of the city of Sodom. God’s mercy and protection were manifested through the intervention of angels.
While this story shows that angels can be dispatched to rescue and deliver individuals, it does not imply that we should directly ask angels for help. Rather, it reinforces the idea that we should put our trust and reliance on God, who is the ultimate source of rescue and salvation.
Matthew 26:53
“Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?”
In this verse, Jesus affirms His authority to call upon an immense number of angels for assistance. It reveals that angels are under God’s command and can be deployed according to His will.
While this verse showcases the power and presence of angels, it emphasizes the supremacy of God and His ability to provide help beyond what we can imagine. It is a reminder that our prayers should be directed to God, trusting in His provision and guidance.
Psalm 34:7
“The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.”
This verse assures us that those who fear the Lord are surrounded by the angel of the Lord, who offers protection, deliverance, and safety.
While this verse recognizes the role of angels in safeguarding God’s people, it is essential to maintain our focus on God as the ultimate source of our security and deliverance. We should fear and reverence Him above all else.
Daniel 6:22
“My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.”
This verse recounts Daniel’s experience in the den of lions. It highlights how God sent an angel to shut the mouths of the lions, preserving Daniel’s life because of his righteousness.
While angels can be dispatched on specific assignments to protect or deliver believers from harm, it is important to remember that we should not seek angels for help directly. Our trust and dependence should be placed in God, who has the power to intervene in miraculous ways.
2 Kings 6:16-17
“Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answered. “Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed, “Open his eyes, Lord, so that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”
This passage relays the story of Elisha and his servant, who were surrounded by enemy forces. Elisha’s prayer enabled his servant to see the spiritual realm, filled with the angelic armies of God that far surpassed the enemy’s forces.
While this story portrays the presence and power of angels in protecting and fighting on behalf of God’s people, it is crucial to keep our focus on God as the ultimate source of strength and victory. Our prayers should be directed towards Him, seeking His guidance and protection.
Acts 27:23-24
“Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.'”
These verses depict the Apostle Paul’s encounter with an angel, who reassured him of safety and deliverance from a shipwreck. It exemplifies how God can use angels to communicate His plans and assure His chosen servants.
While this story demonstrates the role of angels as messengers and servants of God, it is crucial to remember that our focus should be on God rather than seeking angelic assistance directly. We should trust in God’s plans and provision for our lives.
Exodus 23:20-23
“See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared. Pay attention to him and listen to what he says. Do not rebel against him; he will not forgive your rebellion since my Name is in him. If you listen carefully to what he says and do all that I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and will oppose those who oppose you. My angel will go ahead of you and bring you into the land of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Canaanites, Hivites, and Jebusites, and I will wipe them out.”
In this passage, God assures the Israelites that He is sending an angel before them to guide, protect, and prepare the way for them. It emphasizes the importance of obedience and attentiveness to the angel’s instructions.
The role of the angel in this context is specific to the Israelites’ journey to the Promised Land. While we can recognize the involvement of angels in our lives, our obedience and trust should be directed towards God, who orchestrates His divine plans and purposes.
Luke 22:43
“An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.”
In this verse, an angel appeared to Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, providing strength and support during His time of anguish and prayer before His crucifixion.
While this verse showcases the comforting presence of angels in times of need, it highlights the importance of turning to God for strength and solace. Our reliance should be on Him, acknowledging His power and provision in our lives.
Isaiah 6:2-3
“Above him were seraphim, each with six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. And they were calling to one another: ‘Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of his glory.'”
This passage describes the seraphim, a specific type of angelic beings, praising and worshiping God in His holy presence.
While this verse provides insights into the heavenly worship of angels, it underscores the importance of directing our worship and adoration to God alone. Angels serve as witnesses to His glory and should not be worshipped or revered in the same manner as God.
Psalm 148:2-5
“Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts. Praise him, sun and moon; praise him, all you shining stars. Praise him, you highest heavens and you waters above the skies. Let them praise the name of the Lord, for at his command they were created.”
In these verses, the psalmist calls upon all the angels and heavenly hosts to praise and worship the Lord. It recognizes the role of angels in glorifying God and acknowledging His creative power.
While we can acknowledge the role of angels in praising God, it is crucial to remember that our worship should be focused on God alone. We join with the angels in glorifying and exalting the name of the Lord.
Revelation 5:11-12
“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!'”
In this scene from Revelation, John witnesses a multitude of angels proclaiming the worthiness of the slain Lamb (Jesus) to receive power, wealth, wisdom, honor, and praise.
While this verse showcases the heavenly worship of angels, it reminds us that Jesus is the ultimate object of our worship and adoration. We join with the angels in recognizing His worthiness and acknowledging His sacrifice and glory.
John 1:51
“He then added, ‘Very truly I tell you, you will see ‘heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on’ the Son of Man.'”
In this verse, Jesus speaks to Nathanael about seeing angels ascending and descending upon the Son of Man, referring to Himself.
While this verse points to the connection between Jesus and the spiritual realm, it demonstrates that our focus should be on Jesus as our mediator and Savior. We should seek Him for guidance, help, and salvation.
Revelation 22:8-9
“I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. But he said to me, ‘Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!'”
In this verse, John, who had received visions from an angel, was corrected when he attempted to worship the angel. The angel directed John to worship God alone.
While angels may be involved in delivering messages and guiding God’s people, they are not to be worshipped or exalted. Our reverence and worship should be directed solely towards God.
Revelation 22:6
“The angel said to me, ‘These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.'”
This verse emphasizes the trustworthiness and truthfulness of the message delivered by the angel to John. It underscores the role of angels as messengers sent by God to reveal His plans and purposes.
While we can acknowledge the role of angels as messengers and servants, it is important to remember that our ultimate trust and faith should be in God, the source of all truth and revelation.
Mark 1:13
“And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him.”
In this verse, after His baptism, Jesus was led into the wilderness, where He was tempted by Satan. The mention of angels attending Him suggests that they provided sustenance, support, and supernatural care during this challenging period.
While this verse highlights the ministry of angels in ministering to Jesus, it reminds us that our focus should be on Jesus as our ultimate source of provision, guidance, and strength. We should seek Him in times of testing and temptation.
2 Samuel 24:16
“When the angel stretched out his hand to destroy Jerusalem, the Lord relented concerning the disaster and said to the angel who was afflicting the people, ‘Enough! Withdraw your hand.'”
In this passage, an angel was sent to bring a plague upon Jerusalem as a result of David’s sin. However, God’s mercy prevailed, and He commanded the angel to cease the destruction.
While this story reveals the authority and power of angels in executing God’s judgments, it showcases God’s sovereignty and mercy as well. He has the final say in every situation and can intervene according to His will.
Matthew 1:20-21
“But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.'”
In this passage, an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream, providing him with guidance and assurance regarding Mary’s pregnancy and the significance of Jesus’ birth.
While this verse highlights the role of angels in delivering messages of divine guidance, it underscores the fact that our faith and trust should be in Jesus alone, who is the Savior and redeemer of all mankind.
Acts 10:3-4
“One day at about three in the afternoon he had a vision. He distinctly saw an angel of God, who came to him and said, ‘Cornelius!’ Cornelius stared at him in fear. ‘What is it, Lord?’ he asked. The angel answered, ‘Your prayers and gifts to the poor have come up as a memorial offering before God.'”
These verses depict the encounter between Cornelius, a devout Roman centurion, and an angel. The angel affirms that Cornelius’ prayers and acts of charity have reached God’s attention.
This passage highlights the role of angels in delivering messages and bearing witness to the acts of believers. It also emphasizes the importance of prayer and compassionate actions, which are valued by God.