The Action of Angels as We Pray

Photo by Duncan Sanchez on Unsplash

A read through the Scriptures and one cannot deny that God has a host of angels on assignment in heaven and on earth: in the heavenlies as worshippers and warriors, and on earth as guardians, ministers, and messengers.

What goes on in the heavenlies — that realm between God’s throne room and the domain of man — seems to get a lot of press. With a stretch of the imagination and a few Scriptures, grand narratives can be constructed that catch the attention of the fervent and skeptics alike.

The book of Daniel provides us with a look into both realms.

Daniel tells of his experiences on earth and the angels sent to Daniel tell him of their experiences in the heavenlies. A responsible study of the Scriptures' recording of these encounters gives us insight into the interaction of heaven and earth when God’s people pray.

During Daniel’s service in the royal courts of Babylon, he had several encounters with heavenly beings, including Gabriel, the angel perhaps best known for his visit to Mary, the mother of Jesus (Luke 1:26–27).

In Chapter 8 of Daniel, Daniel describes his puzzling vision of a ram and a goat doing battle, with great emphasis on the horns of each. Even today, books and blogs and debates abound about what the vision could mean.

Daniel was a wise man.

“When I, Daniel, had seen the vision, I sought to understand it.” (Daniel 8:15, ESV)

In response, Daniel heard a voice from some distance away and saw another figure standing before him. Although the one who appeared before Daniel looked like a man and the one who spoke sounded like a man, Daniel’s reaction indicates that they were no ordinary men: he fell on his face and into a deep sleep.

It was only when the one standing by Daniel touched him that he was able to stand up to listen to the angel’s message. The voice that spoke called the one standing before Daniel “Gabriel” and gave him this instruction: “Make this man understand the vision.” (Daniel 8:19, ESV)

But the end of the account leaves us wondering how successful Daniel, or even heaven, considered the encounter: “And I, Daniel, was overcome and lay sick for some days. Then I rose and went about the king’s business, but I was appalled by the vision and did not understand it. (Daniel 8:27, ESV)

Some years later, Daniel had another encounter. It doesn’t appear that Daniel was requesting angelic intervention, and yet, as he prayed, Gabriel appeared again.

Daniel’s study of the Scriptures had led him to approach the Lord in humility, confessing the sins of his people and asking God, in His mercy, to act on Israel’s behalf.

The angel Gabriel said his purpose in coming was to give Daniel understanding once again. Since then, Gabriel’s message has been the subject of numerous math exercises, simple and complex.

Daniel’s third encounter with heaven’s messengers had much in common with the first two: he received the vision after extended prayer and fasting; the heavenly messengers appeared as men, yet were terrifying, nonetheless; and the messengers made it clear they were there to bring him understanding.

But this time, the messenger shared a piece of information only hinted at elsewhere in Scripture: he had to struggle with an opposing force to make his way to Daniel.

It seems Daniel had no idea.

He had simply done what he was called to do: cry out to God for what he knew only God could do — forgive His people and deliver them according to His word. How He would do it, Daniel left up to Him.

So why did the messenger feel it necessary to give Daniel that glimpse behind the scenes and why was Daniel inspired to share it with us?

Perhaps to encourage men to be patient and persistent in prayer?

Then he said to me, “Fear not, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and humbled yourself before your God, your words have been heard, and I have come because of your words.” (Daniel 10:12, ESV)

That the prayers of the righteous are heard in heaven the moment they are spoken? Though the heavens may seem like brass, nothing can keep them from the Father?

That God moves heaven to deliver His answer to those who are greatly loved?

The messenger then gave Daniel an explanation for his delay:

“The prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me twenty-one days, but Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I was left there with the kings of Persia, and came to make you understand what is to happen to your people in the latter days. For the vision is for days yet to come.” (Daniel 10:13–14 ESV)

Gabriel had said much the same thing during Daniel’s earlier encounter with him and had included this instruction: “Therefore consider the word and understand the vision.” (Daniel 9:23)

Often, God’s answer is understanding.

His wisdom, His timing, and His resolution are beyond the comprehension of the common man but are available to the righteous who will “consider” what they cannot understand.

These verses in Daniel 9 and 10 make it clear that heavenly hosts are opposing each other in a realm beyond this earth, some in the army of God and some in the army that is attempting to thwart the plans of God.

They also make it clear that God’s army is at God’s command.

Several New Testament verses confirm that there are forces in the heavenlies intent on keeping God’s kingdom from invading the earth: 2 Corinthians 10:3–6; Ephesians 1:15–23; and Ephesians 6:10–20.

These verses have become the basis for the battle plan of some in the Church: invade the heavenlies and make war with the forces of evil.

But consider: has heaven’s battle plan in spiritual warfare changed? Is it now the believer’s assignment to invade the heavenlies to overcome the forces of evil? What exactly is the New Covenant believer’s assignment, his battle?

My exhortation to you?

The same as Gabriel’s to Daniel: consider the word of God that was delivered to you.

The answer is in the Scriptures. Just be sure to consider it in its context.