Chapter 19—Angel Ministry in Prayer

BIBLE GEM

“Therefore hear the word of the Lord; I saw the Lord sitting upon His throne, and all the host of heaven standing on His right hand and on His left.”—2 Chronicles 18:18CWG 50.1

QUESTION

What service do angels perform with reference to prayer?CWG 50.2

ANSWER

Angels present prayers to God; also record them: “Those who look unto Jesus day by day and hour by hour, who watch unto prayer, are drawing nigh to Jesus. Angels with wings outspread wait to bear their contrite prayers to God, and to register them in the books of heaven.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1184CWG 50.3

Appointed to answer: “Heavenly beings are appointed to answer the prayers of those who are working unselfishly for the interests of the cause of God. The very highest angels in the heavenly courts are appointed to work out the prayers which ascend to God for the advancement of the cause of God. Each angel has his particular post of duty, which he is not permitted to leave for any other place.”—Ellen G. White Comments, The S.D.A. Bible Commentary 4:1173CWG 50.4

Obey instantly: “Ministering angels are waiting about the throne to instantly obey the mandate of Jesus Christ to answer every prayer offered in earnest, living faith.”—Selected Messages 2:377CWG 50.5

Will come to our help: “We may through the exercise of faith and prayer, call to our side a retinue of heavenly angels, who will guard us from every corrupting influence.”—Our High Calling, 23CWG 50.6

Bring may blessings: “Angels are constantly ... bringing blessing and hope, courage and help, to the children of men.”—The Acts of the Apostles, 153CWG 50.7

“Strength and grace have been provided through Christ to be brought by ministering angels to every believing soul.”—Steps to Christ, 53CWG 51.1

Choose our words; influence our actions: “When you rise in the morning, do you feel your helplessness and your need of strength from God? ... If so, angels mark your prayers, and if these prayers have not gone forth out of feigned lips, when you are in danger of unconsciously doing wrong and exerting an influence which will lead others to do wrong, your guardian angel will be by your side, prompting you to a better course, choosing your words for you and influencing your actions.”—Testimonies For The Church 3:363, 364CWG 51.2

Why do we pray so little?: “What can the angels think of poor helpless human beings, who are subject to temptation, when God's heart of infinite love yearns toward them, ready to give them more than they can ask or think, and yet they pray so little and have so little faith? The angels love to bow before God; they love to be near Him. They regard communion with God as their highest joy; and yet the children of earth, who need so much the help that God only can give, seem satisfied to walk without the light of His Spirit, the companionship of His presence.”—Steps to Christ, 94CWG 51.3

SUMMARY AND PRAYER THOUGHT

Those that look to Jesus day by day, hour by hour, and moment by moment, will never be overcome by the enemy. All God's children are protected and assisted by mighty powerful angels. When our prayers come from trusting hearts, and we express them in earnest living faith, then no corrupting influence will be able to destroy us.CWG 51.4

Praise God for His mighty angels who are always by our side. But they will leave in sadness if we watch the wrong degrading TV programs or listen to the devil's music with heavy beat, or when we acknowledge and willingly do the wrong thing and by our action we prove that we still love sin more than purity.CWG 51.5

Help us, loving Father, to always remember that You are more willing to give us overcoming power than we are to give good gifts to our children.CWG 51.6