Can we talk with angels? Whether we can or not has proven to be a very popular question. We see interactions with angels imagined in songs about angels watching over people. Books, videos, magazines, and more report interactions with angels. Do you have an angel story?
What Does the Bible Say about Angels?
The Bible is filled with verses about angels. God is the Creator, and therefore, He created angels. The Old Testament book of Job shares that the angels worshiped God as He created the universe.
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone—while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?” (Job 38:4-7 NIV)
Filled with the power given by God, angels are messengers of God created to serve and worship God. Angels can intercede and protect His creations.
“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.” (Psalms 91:11-12 NIV)
Scripture describes the Cherubim angels with two wings, as on the Ark of the Covenant. The book of Isaiah describes six-winged angels known as Seraphim.
Michael was an Archangel—a leader of angels—ordained by God. Scripture refers to Michael as a “chief prince” who protected the people of Israel. Michael and his angels fought and defeated the dragon known as the devil (Revelation 12:7-9 NIV).
Lucifer, an angel who fell from grace, became full of pride and self-centered thinking.;
Does the Bible Mention People Talking with Angels?
Numerous accounts in the Bible tell about people talking with angels.
A key story about angels talking with people comes in Genesis. Abram and his wife Sarai had no children. Sarai told Abram to begin a family with her slave, Hagar, but the two women despised each other once Hagar became pregnant. Even though Sarai initiated the plan, the outcome was more than she could handle. After learning the feelings of Sarai, Abram told her to do what she thought was best. After being mistreated by Sarai, Hagar left, and an angel of the Lord found her near a spring in the desert.
The conversation between Hagar and the angel, recorded in Genesis 16, began with a question and continued with instructions.
Some years later, God renamed Abram Abraham and renamed Sarai Sarah. After the renaming, three messengers appear to Abraham, informing him that Sarah will have a son by the next year. Scholars generally agree the three messengers were “the angel of the Lord” (a word sometimes used in Scripture for God himself appearing to people) and two angels (who then went to the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah).
A more dramatic encounter with angels happens in the New Testament. While serving in the temple, an angel appeared to Zacharias, filling him with fear. The angel provided comfort by sharing that Zacharias’ prayers had been heard and would be answered. Zacharias and his wife Elizabeth would have a baby, who would be called John.
“He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even before he is born.” (Luke 1:14-15 NIV)
One of the most profound encounters with angels comes just after the story of Zacharias when the angel Gabriel visits Mary to give her good news. As a messenger of God, the angel was sent to Nazareth to tell the virgin that God highly favored her. Although she was troubled by the news, the angel comforted her by sharing that God favored her.
Movies and television shows have depicted this scene in various ways—from a light shining through the open window to Mary resting on a rock in her home until she heard the angel speak. The important part to remember is the words of Gabriel and the response from Mary and what the angel did after Mary spoke.
“‘I am the Lord’s servant,’ Mary answered. ‘May your word to me be fulfilled.’ Then the angel left her. (Luke 1: 38 NIV)
What Kind of Things Do Angels Usually Say to People?
In Scripture, angels usually provide guidance or warning about a particular situation. For example, here is what happened when the two angels sent to Sodom and Gomorrah told Abraham’s nephew Lot to take his family and flee.
“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.’” (Genesis 19:15 NIV)
How do we know if an angel is speaking to us? Since angels are messengers of God, perhaps we have encountered an angel without knowing. Therefore, being alert and ready to hear a message from God is vital to our spiritual relationship with Him.
Can We Pray to Angels?
Christians do not pray to angels. Christians pray to God. Yes, we acknowledge the importance and reality of God’s messengers. However, Christians pray only to God. Praying is an act of worship. Praying to angels would deny the supreme authority of God and place some of that authority elsewhere.
In the book of Revelation, John falls at the feel of an angel to worship him. But, John is reprimanded for attempting to worship an angel.
The Bible tells us how to pray to God:
“This, then, is how you should pray:” ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-19 NIV)
Pray to God, not angels. We can thank God for angels but not pray to them.
Does the Bible Warn Us about Seeking Experiences with Angels?
The world is filled with chaos. Financial worries, worldwide health scares, increased crimes, deceitful actions by people in important positions, family crises, and much more can cause anxiety and worry.
However, these experiences give us opportunities to learn and grow in faith. In contrast, some people have turned to collecting crystals, placing objects to worship in their homes, and other actions to find peace. Other people seek closer experiences with angels and fall into the darkness instead of seeking the light. These attempts to connect with angels are not what God intends for us. God wants us to seek Him at all times.
“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” (Matthew 6:33 NIV)
God will send His angels at His direction and in His timing. This knowledge can bring peace and calm to the weary.
What Does the Bible Warn about Spirits that Pretend to be Angels?
The Bible tells us to be alert because the enemy roams around, looking for someone to devour. We are called to be firm in our faith and to resist the evil one.
Scripture tells us to beware of false prophets who come in sheep’s clothing (Matthew 7:15).
“And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV)
“But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” (Galatians 1:8 NIV)
Jesus instructed the people not to let anyone mislead them, for many would come saying they were Him (Matthew 24:5). This may include spirits pretending to be someone they are not.
Encounters with Angels
God is in control, and He sends His messengers for specific reasons. Christians are called to stay alert, be ready to share the love of God with others, and know God is with us in every moment. God may send angels into our lives, and we may recognize that we have encountered an angel. Other times, we may not know. God knows.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/bestdesigns
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.
