The topic of praying to angels is one that generates much debate among Christians. On one side, some believe that praying to angels is endorsed or even commanded in the Bible. On the other side, many argue that the Bible prohibits praying to any spiritual being other than God Himself. So what does the Bible really teach about this issue?
When examining this topic, it is important first to define what “praying to angels” means. In this context, praying refers to petitioning or making requests of angels. It goes beyond merely talking to or interacting with angels, which the Bible shows angels sometimes doing with people. Praying to angels means asking angels to intervene for help, guidance, protection, etc. With this definition in mind, let’s survey some key biblical passages on this topic.
Passages often used to support praying to angels
There are a few passages in Scripture that, on the surface, may seem to suggest that praying or petitioning angels is acceptable. However, under closer examination, these texts do not definitively promote the practice of praying to angels.
Jacob’s encounter with an angel (Genesis 32:24-30)
In this passage, Jacob wrestles all night with a “man” who is clearly identified as an angel/divine being. Jacob refuses to let this angel go unless he receives a blessing. Some interpret Jacob’s physical grasping of the angel as a prototype or endorsement of prayer directed toward angels. However, the text does not specifically indicate Jacob petitioned or prayed to this angel. Jacob’s actions seem motivated more by a desire to ascertain the angel’s identity and purpose rather than to make intercessory requests. Though Jacob boldly interacts with this angel, the passage falls short of endorsing formal prayer directed to angels.
Angelic appearances in Revelation (Revelation 22:8-9)
In Revelation 22, the apostle John falls down to worship at the feet of an angel who had revealed visions to him. The angel immediately corrects John, telling him to worship God only. Some claim this indicates it was acceptable for John to petition this angel, as long as worship was directed to God alone. However, the text does not clearly indicate John had been praying to this angel. More likely, John simply reacted in awe of the glorious angelic messenger without any formal prayer requests. The angel redirects John’s worship, without any commentary on prayer directed to angels.
Michael the Archangel (Jude 9)
In Jude 9, Michael the archangel disputes with the devil over the body of Moses. Some posit that if Michael is interacting with the devil, this supports the idea of invoking angels for help or protection. However, there is no evidence Jude intended his very brief reference to Michael to be an endorsement of praying to angels. In fact, the dispute with the devil seems part of Michael’s special assignment as guardian over Israel, rather than an example for believers to emulate.
In summary, while these passages describe interaction between angels and humans, none offer definitive support for believers directly petitioning angels in prayer. The passages are too ambiguous to establish a doctrine as significant as praying to created beings.
Passages cautioning against praying to angels
In contrast to the ambiguous passages above, the Bible contains clear warnings about contacting the spirit realm improperly. Several verses strongly imply that prayer is reserved for God alone.
The angel’s warning in Revelation 19:10
In Revelation 19:10, John falls down at the feet of an angel to worship him a second time. The angel strongly rebukes John, stating “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you…Worship God.” The angel draws a clear distinction between himself as a created being and the eternal God who alone is worthy of worship. His strong prohibition implies petitioning created angels is similarly inappropriate.
Paul’s warning in Colossians 2:18
Colossians 2:18 contains the strongest New Testament caution against improper angelic contact. Paul warns believers not to allow anyone to “disqualify you, insisting on asceticism and worship of angels.” He emphasizes that believers have already died with Christ and been raised to new life in Him. Eschewing manmade religion and mystical worship, we can now directly approach the Father through Christ (Hebrews 4:14-16). Paul’s warning places prayer and worship directed to angels in opposition to the sufficiency of Christ.
John 14:13-14
In John 14:13-14 Jesus makes an important statement about prayer and whom it should be directed towards. He first promises believers “whatever you ask in my name, this I will do.” He then expands by declaring “If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” Jesus twice states that prayer petitions are to be directed to Him, with no mention of approaching angels in prayer.
The absence of instructions to pray to angels
The Bible contains no instructions or examples that model believers praying to angels, despite numerous examples of people interacting with angels. The absence is conspicuous if this practice is truly intended by God. All examples focus prayer on God the Father (Matthew 6:9), Jesus (John 14:13-14), and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26-27). This strongly implies that prayer is reserved for members of the Triune Godhead alone.
These passages provide significant biblical evidence against the practice of petitioning angels in prayer. They continually direct believers to approach God alone in worship and requests for help.
Angels’ purpose as servants and messengers
Biblical descriptions of the role and purpose of angels also imply that prayer is not to be directed toward them. Angels are consistently portrayed as ministering spirits sent to serve believers at God’s command:
Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation? (Hebrews 1:14)
The angel answered him, “I am Gabriel. I stand in the presence of God, and I was sent to speak to you and to bring you this good news.” (Luke 1:19)
Angels reveal God’s word (Luke 1:26-38), guide believers (Genesis 24:7), deliver God’s people (Numbers 20:16), and protect God’s servants (Psalm 91:11). Their ministry is always rendered at God’s bidding in service to Him. There are no examples of angels acting independently of God’s will to answer believer’s prayers or petitions. Approaching these ministering spirits with prayer requests seems outside their designated role.
Jesus Christ as the sole mediator between God and man
One of the strongest biblical arguments against praying to angels relates to the role of Jesus Christ as the sole mediator between God and man. Passages such as 1 Timothy 2:5 emphasize this important doctrine:
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.
As Hebrews repeatedly highlights, Jesus’ sacrifice and priestly ministry has opened the way for believers to directly approach God’s throne for mercy and grace in time of need (Hebrews 4:14-16). Petitioning angels for their assistance and help seems to undermine Christ’s unique role as the one mediator. Believers who pray to angels are not fully trusting in Christ’s complete sufficiency as mediator, high priest, and help in time of need.
The doctrine of Christ alone as mediator does not mean believers cannot ask other Christians for prayer support. Christian intercession involves fellow believers praying to God on each other’s behalf, not believers praying to other believers. This important distinction maintains Christ as the sole mediator between God and man.
Other concerning implications of praying to angels
Praying to angels has additional potential implications that conflict with broader biblical principles:
- It can open the door to contact with fallen angels or demons in disguise (2 Corinthians 11:14). Prayers may be intercepted.
- It risks diminishing reverence for God Himself and His unique worthiness to be worshiped and approached in prayer.
- It assigns inappropriate authority and capabilities to created beings like angels.
These implications provide further reasons for caution regarding praying to angels.
Examples of angelic worship condemned in Scripture
Several pivotal stories in the Bible depict God’s clear disapproval when created beings, including angels, are inappropriately venerated:
- Golden Calf: While Moses was on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient and constructed a golden calf to worship (Exodus 32). This was idolatry.
- Herod: When King Herod permitted the people to offer him worship as a god, he was immediately struck down by an angel (Acts 12:21-23).
- John’s angel: As mentioned previously, two times in Revelation angels refuse to allow the apostle John to fall down and worship them (Revelation 19:10, 22:8-9).
- Paul and Barnabas: When the residents of Lystra attempted to worship Paul and Barnabas as gods, the apostles tore their garments in protest (Acts 14:11-18).
All of these stories illustrate God’s displeasure when created beings are venerated in place of Him. While angels should certainly be respected, these examples imply approaches that border on worship, like praying to angels, are unacceptable.
Practical alternative – Asking God to send his angels
Rather than praying directly to angels, believers should follow biblical examples of asking God to dispatch angels in service to His people:
The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them. (Psalm 34:7)
He will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. (Psalm 91:11)
These verses inspire confidence that God can and does send His angels. But the model prayer is addressed to God, not the angels themselves. Petitioning God aligns with the angels’ role as His servants.
When facing spiritual warfare, believers should “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might,” not independently seek angelic help (Ephesians 6:10). God may choose to dispatch angels in response to prayer, or strengthen believers directly by His Spirit.
Conclusion – The biblical testimony against praying to angels
In summary, while the Bible offers no definitive command that says “thou shalt not pray to angels,” the collective biblical testimony strongly implies this practice should be avoided:
- There are no clear examples of believers praying to angels.
- Angels are portrayed as servants who minister at God’s bidding.
- Jesus alone is elevated as the perfect mediator between God and man.
- Prayer is consistently addressed to God, Jesus, and the Spirit – never angels.
- Warnings suggest believers should be cautious about improper contact with the angelic realm.
- God condemns venerating created beings, as this threatens His unique worthiness to be worshipped.
For these reasons, the weight of scriptural evidence seems to prohibit believers from petitioning angels in prayer. Though angels minister powerfully, intercession is to be directed to the Triune Godhead alone. Prayer honors God, while also aligning with the secondary role angels play in His divine plan. Prayer should move vertically from believers, through Christ, and directly to the Father, rather than horizontally to fellow created beings.