Prayer: Archangels and Intercessory Beings

The use of intercessory beings in prayer hasn't always been the normal accepted practice. As Christianity and paganism began to merge under the rule of the Byzantine Empire, many elements that existed within paganism were "Christianized" and adapted for use by the Church. This article will trace a possible origin for the use of intercessory beings in Christian prayer and will use evidence from the scriptures and noncanonical Christian books to weigh the use of intercessory beings against prayer directed specifically to God. Sources include the Book of Tobit, the story of Joseph and Aseneth, the Book of Daniel, the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, and the appearances of the Archangel Gabriel in the New Testament.

©2012 Randall J. Morris (P)2013 Randall J. Morris