For a number of Christians, the idea that angels can be commanded or told what to do in prayer feels like heresy. This is often based on religious teaching that concludes that only God can command his angels as humans are at the bottom of the spiritual food chain. The truth is that this isn’t the way things are explained when one undergoes a deep biblical study on the way humans are to relate to angels. First of all, angels are made ministering spirit for us.
“Are they [angels] not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
Secondly, angels do the word of God, heeding the voice of his word.
“Bless the Lord, you his angels who excel in strength, who do his word, heeding the voice of his word” (Psalm 103:20)
While God has a voice and speaks his word, thus commanding his angels, what many Christians have missed is that we have a voice with which we can speak God’s word. We can use our voice to speak his written word, or prophetic words, in either case issuing forth communication that will send the angels of the Lord into action.
A third aspect has to do with identity. We are part of the royal family of heaven according to Ephesians 3:15. Angels are servants in the kingdom of God. As heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17), our position affords us certain benefits. Just like children in the natural will have a degree of authority when it comes to certain servants in their parent’s house (if their parents have them), this principle carries over to the heavenly realms as a component of the conversation on our identity in Christ. Most Christians carry a broken view of their identity in Christ, and so it is not surprising that many would struggle with the idea that their voice speaking the Word of God would put angels into action. However, it does!
There is a lot to say on the subject of working with angels as citizens of heaven. For more on this subject check out the podcast below!
Can't find what you're looking for?