Praying to Angels: A Biblically Incorrect Practice - Here's Why!

Discover whether it is biblically correct to pray to angels. Explore the teachings of the Bible and the example set by Jesus. Worship God alone.

Is it Biblically Correct to Pray to Angels?

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian faith. It is a way for believers to commune with God, seek His guidance, and express their worship and gratitude. However, the question arises whether it is biblically correct to pray to angels. While there is no specific verse that explicitly states, "You shall not pray to angels," a careful examination of the Bible reveals that praying to angels is not in line with God's will.

Angels and Worship

Worship is reserved for God alone. In the book of Revelation, when the apostle John fell at the feet of an angel to worship him, the angel sternly rebuked him, saying, "See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!" (Revelation 22:8-9). This incident clearly indicates that angels reject our worship and redirect it to God. Praying to angels would be a form of idolatry, as it diverts our worship from the one true God.

Jesus' Example and Instruction

One of the most compelling reasons against praying to angels is the example and instruction we have from Jesus Himself. Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently directed His prayers to the Father. When His disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray, He responded by giving them the Lord's Prayer, which begins with addressing God as "Our Father in heaven" (Matthew 6:9; Luke 11:2). If praying to angels were acceptable, Jesus would have included it in His model prayer, but He did not. His consistent practice of praying to the Father reinforces the idea that our prayers should be directed to God alone.

Furthermore, when we examine the content of Jesus' prayers, we see that He requests assistance and blessings that only God can provide. In Matthew 11:25-26, Jesus begins His prayer by praising the Father as the Lord of heaven and earth. He goes on to request revelations of truth and the granting of divine knowledge, emphasizing that these requests can only be fulfilled by someone who possesses the attributes of omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. Angels, being created beings, do not possess these powers and therefore cannot fulfill the requests we make in our prayers.

Jesus as the Intercessor

In addition to His example, Jesus also acts as our intercessor before the Father. In John 14:13, Jesus assures His followers that whatever they ask in His name, He will accomplish because He pleads directly with the Father. This highlights the unique role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity. Similarly, in John 16:26, Jesus emphasizes that after His ascension, He will continue to intercede for believers before the Father. No angel or created being is depicted as an intercessor in the Bible. Only Jesus and the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:26) have this role. Therefore, directing our prayers to angels would bypass the intercession of Jesus, which is an essential aspect of our relationship with God.

Prayer Without Ceasing

The Bible encourages believers to pray without ceasing (1 Thessalonians 5:17). This implies that we have constant access to God, who is always present and available to listen to our prayers. Angels, on the other hand, do not possess the attributes of omnipresence or omnipotence. They are not qualified to receive our prayers and act upon them. Praying to angels would limit our communication with God and hinder our ability to have a direct and intimate relationship with Him.

Biblical References

While there is no explicit commandment forbidding the practice of praying to angels, the consistent teachings and examples found in the Bible strongly discourage it. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes the exclusivity of worship and prayer to God alone. It portrays Jesus as our intercessor and encourages us to approach God directly through Him. Angels, while serving as messengers and servants of God, are not to be the object of our prayers or worship.

Throughout the Bible, we find numerous instances of people praying to God, seeking His guidance, and expressing their worship and thanksgiving. From the Psalms, where David pours out his heart to God, to the prayers of Jesus Himself, the Bible provides a rich resource for understanding the proper approach to prayer. As believers, we are called to follow the scriptural teachings and guidelines in our prayer life, directing our prayers to God alone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Bible does not explicitly state, "You shall not pray to angels," a careful examination of its teachings reveals that praying to angels is not in accordance with God's will. Worship is reserved for God alone, and angels redirect any worship directed towards them back to God. Jesus, our example and teacher, consistently prayed to the Father and emphasized that our prayers should be addressed to God. He also acts as our intercessor before the Father, a role that angels do not fulfill. Finally, the Bible encourages us to pray without ceasing, indicating that we have direct access to God at all times. Praying to angels would limit our communication with God and hinder our relationship with Him.

As believers, let us follow the biblical teachings and guidelines in our prayer life, directing our prayers to God alone. He is the one who hears and answers our prayers, and He is the one deserving of our worship and adoration.