The Play and Interplay of Angelic Powers and Prayer

Presuppositions exist, and they are everywhere. These are premises, assertions, and beliefs that are not explained but assumed to be understood. For example, in the fantasy world of Cinderella, no child questions why the fairy godmother’s magic runs out at midnight (why not bring a portable charger?); why everything reverts except the glass slipper; and who the fairy godmother is.

These presuppositions exist also in the world of science. Assumptions are made that truth itself exists, observations can be measured and compared, and the laws of reason and logic apply universally. No one questions whether numbers exist or not.

Presuppositions are also found in Scripture. Though many would like to think so, the Bible does not directly engage the question of whether God exists. He simply exists. Holy Writ is not a philosophical treatise that seeks to present proofs. Rather it is God’s message of salvation and restoration revealed to humanity.

One fascinating presupposition of Scripture is the existence of supernatural beings, that is, other than God. Other sons of God come to present themselves before the Lord (Job 1-2). God made other worlds (plural; Heb. 1:2). The Bible is replete with verses about angels of different types and their earthly activities. No explanation is given, but we encounter presuppositions to their activity. In Mark 1:21-27 Jesus and the unclean spirits interact in a manner that puzzles the reader. In Matthew 8:31 why do the demons have to go anywhere anyway, especially why into a herd of swine?

He can raise the dead. He dispatches angels to aid us. He won the battle against the prince of Persia, and He will win the final war of heaven and earth.

Who is Michael but the archangel found in Jude 9. Meaning the “One who is like God,” Michael is equated with the Son of God (1 Thess. 4:16; John 5:25). Jesus as the Archangel, or ruler of the angels, comes to Gabriel’s side in the spiritual battle. Christ is often seen as the Angel of the Lord, especially in the Old Testament. Not a created angel, this divine messenger Archangel helps Gabriel.

Daniel 10 describes the prince of Persia as stronger than Gabriel, but weaker than Michael, or Christ. The “prince of Persia” was not Cyrus, who is referred to as the “king of Persia” (verse 1). This chapter showcases the unseen spiritual warfare between Gabriel and a fallen angel behind world leaders.

Seven lessons emerge: 1. Our prayers are heard when prefaced by heart preparation and humility. 2. Our prayers impact the play and interplay of angels. 3. Our prayers are real-time text messages in the midst of spiritual warfare. 4. The answering of prayers may be delayed by real-time events of angels. 5. Christ is stronger than any angelic power. 6. Political leaders and the history of the nations are impacted by the influence of angels. 7. We don’t battle against other individuals, nations, or human elements, but against spiritual entities (Eph. 6:12).

None of the angels receive worship except one: Michael the Archangel is not a created being, as some assert. Rather Scripture points to Him as the Almighty Leader of legions of angels. He can raise the dead. He dispatches angels to aid us. He won the battle against the prince of Persia, and He will win the final war of heaven and earth. A powerful presupposition indeed.