Why You Should Pray to God and Not to Angels
Matthew BellShare
In today’s world, some people may wonder whether it’s appropriate to pray to angels, seeking their guidance or intervention. While angels are significant spiritual beings created by God, the Bible makes it clear that prayer should be directed to God alone. Here’s why focusing your prayers solely on God is essential for your faith journey.
God Alone is Worthy of Worship
Throughout Scripture, God emphasizes that He alone is worthy of worship and prayer. In Isaiah 42:8, God says, “I am the Lord; that is my name! I will not yield my glory to another or my praise to idols.”
Angels, while holy, are created beings who serve God. Worshiping or praying to them detracts from God’s glory, which is due to Him alone.
Angels Are Messengers, Not Mediators
Angels are often seen in the Bible as messengers carrying out God’s will. For instance, the angel Gabriel delivered messages to Mary and Zechariah (Luke 1). However, angels are not mediators between humanity and God.
The Bible declares that “there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). Jesus is the only one who can bridge the gap between us and God, making our prayers heard and effective.
Biblical Warnings Against Angel Worship
In Colossians 2:18, Paul warns believers not to get caught up in the worship of angels: “Do not let anyone who delights in false humility and the worship of angels disqualify you.” This verse highlights that turning our focus to angels instead of God is spiritually harmful and leads us away from the truth.
Similarly, in Revelation 22:8-9, the Apostle John falls at the feet of an angel to worship him, but the angel rebukes him, saying, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”
God Desires a Personal Relationship with You
Prayer is an intimate way to connect with God. Through prayer, we build a personal relationship with Him, share our hearts, and seek His will. Angels are not meant to replace that relationship.
Jesus taught us to pray directly to God, beginning with “Our Father in heaven” (Matthew 6:9). This indicates that prayer is a direct conversation with our Creator, who knows us and loves us deeply.
Angels Point Us Back to God
In every instance in the Bible where angels appear, they point people back to God. Their role is to glorify Him and carry out His commands. By praying to God, we align ourselves with His divine order and acknowledge His sovereignty over all things, including the angels.
Trust God’s Sovereignty in Sending Help
Angels often work behind the scenes, carrying out God’s plans. Hebrews 1:14 describes them as “ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.” However, it’s God who commands and sends them to act on our behalf.
By praying to God, you place your trust in His sovereignty and wisdom, knowing that He will send help in whatever form He chooses—whether through angels, other believers, or direct intervention.
Conclusion
While angels are remarkable beings and play an essential role in God’s plan, they are not the focus of our faith. The Bible consistently teaches us to direct our prayers to God, who is our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer.
By praying to God alone, we honor His authority, deepen our relationship with Him, and remain aligned with His Word. Remember, angels are servants of God, not objects of worship or prayer. Let’s follow the example set in Scripture and keep our eyes fixed on God, the true source of all power and grace.
Key Verse to Remember:
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” — Jeremiah 33:3
