“The poor called out; YHWH heard
and saved them from all their troubles.
The angel of YHWH encamps around those
who revere God, and rescues them.” (Psalm 34:6-7)
“For I will command my angels
to guard you wherever you go.
They’ll carry you in their hands,
so you don’t hurt your foot on a stone.
You will tread on the young lion as easily as one does a cobra,
you’ll trample down both lion and serpent.” (Psalm 91:11-13)
Oh angels of God, our guardians dear
To whom God’s love commits us here
Ever day and night be at our side
To light and to guard, to rule and to guide.
Amen -traditional Catholic prayer
Some churches emphasize praying with angels and saints so much that people end up appealing to them more than God. Some new age faiths have become so uncomfortable with organized religion that they focus almost entirely on angels and God becomes a distant, remote force, rather than an intimate, loving parent. In other denominations, the practice of praying with angels or saints is suspected of idolatry.
Sometimes visitors to my home are surprised to find me with novena candles on my table, and guardian angel candles are among my favorites. Scripture tells us that angels are an essential part of the world God made for us. One of the reasons God created angels was to aid human beings and excluding them robs our faith of some of its spiritual power. The problem is finding their proper place in our religious life. The words for angel in both the original Greek and Hebrew can also be translated as “messenger.” God sends them to deliver messages to us, and they take messages back to God. But, God is still omnipotent and omnipresent. God is not a distant far-off force, with angels standing in between. God is with us, God comes to us, and we have a direct relationship with God. It’s not either-or. We have the presence of both God and angels in our lives. And of course, angels are helpers and should never be worshiped themselves.
The Angelic Protection of the Heavenly Host
“He replied, “Do not be afraid, for there are more with us than there are with them.” Then Elisha prayed: “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So the Lord opened the eyes of the servant, and he saw; the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.” (2 Kings 6:16-17)
Elisha and his servant were in deep trouble as enemies surrounded the city, but God sent an army of angels to save them. I like the idea of being surrounded by a multitude of angels, they are there for us like a spiritual police force in the physical world, helping to keep order and protecting us so we can live in safety.
“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering.” (Heb. 12:22)
According to scripture, there are an infinite number of angels. We don’t need to be worried about being selfish because there will always be enough angels to help everyone. Also, we read that angels gather where God is worshiped. You probably know how some places feel better than others. One church may feel light and loving, another dark and gloomy. Maybe your grandparent’s house feels loving but your aunt’s house feels creepy. Is this because of the presence or absence of angels? Is it because this is a place where people love God? These are questions I can’t answer. However, I am intentional about spending as much time as I can in places that feel holy and loving. Just being in these places nourishes my soul. It’s part of why I chose to serve the church I’m at, a place where simply sitting quietly in the sanctuary is so peaceful and restorative. There are places in nature that feel like that to me too.
“Take care that you do not despise one of these little ones; for, I tell you, in heaven their angels continually see the face of my Father in heaven.” (Matt. 18:10)
Here’s a reminder to love our neighbors, no matter how small and powerless they appear. Angels accompany you, but also everyone else. There is always a heavenly witness to our lives.
Our God is abundantly kind, if we ask God for angelic assistance, our request will be heard. We still have God’s plan for us, and the presence of angels won’t change that. However, their assistance is God’s gift to us. I try my best never to reject God’s gifts to me. We may not be able to exactly understand the role God intends for the angels in our lives, but we can trust in God’s plans. The presence of angels can help give us a safer, more blessed, happier life.
I pray daily to God to ask for holy angels to come into every part of my life, my home, relationships, my workplace, my car, my dreams, and every part of my life. I firmly believe my life is much more joyous because of them. I praise and thank God every day for the gift of angels.
“Are not all angels spirits in the divine service, sent to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?” (Heb. 1:14)
“Jesus said to him, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.’ Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.” (Matt. 4:10-11)
“Suddenly an angel of the Lord appeared, and a light shone in the cell. He tapped Peter on the side and woke him, saying, “Get up quickly.” And the chains fell off his wrists.” (Acts 12:7)