Years ago, we used to hold intercession in the Church house on Wednesday nights. At the time, we had no more than 4-5 people show up. On this particular Wednesday night, it was myself, Dan and Desmond that were present. I remember Desmond leading us in worship on my right and Dan on my left. I typically keep my eyes closed as it helps me to concentrate on the Lord.
During worship as Desmond was singing and playing guitar, I heard a voice that sounded like a girl singing. It started out faint, but as the worship in the room increased, the voice got louder. At this point, I was convinced that someone had walked in and joined us for intercession. There had been times where people would come in late and join us, so that idea wasn’t far off. By the time we were wrapping up and no one seemed to be praying, I opened my eyes. I was anticipating welcoming whoever walked in the door and complimenting them on their voice. To my surprise, I turned to the left and to the right and saw no one new. Dan was still on my left and Desmond was still on my right.
Once we officially stopped, I asked them if they heard a girl singing during worship and they did not. I started tripping out and told them what I heard. I was convinced someone had joined us, but maybe I was wrong or maybe I was right, sort of? I thought to myself, “maybe I heard an angel?” I’ve heard stories of people seeing angels and hearing from angels in the Bible and also in personal encounters, but I never expected it to happen to me.
As the Lord brought this memory to my attention, He reminded me of the scripture in Luke 22:39-44 that says:
Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. 40 On reaching the place, he said to them, “Pray that you will not fall into temptation.” 41 He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, 42 “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” 43 An angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him. 44 And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground.
– Luke 22:39-44 (NIV)
When Jesus went to the Lord in prayer and anguish, asking Him to take this cup of suffering from Him; yet not His will but God’s will be done, an angel from heaven appeared to him and strengthened him.
I don’t remember what we were singing or what we had prayed that night, but I do remember feeling a sense of heaviness in my heart and a brokenness in my spirit for certain people that came to my mind. I don’t even remember the words we sang, but I do remember singing and believing and meaning what I was singing in my heart.
Perhaps an angel had appeared in the room to strengthen me. Perhaps it was a reminder that there are angels all around us contending for us. The scripture says:
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
– Hebrews 1:14 (NIV)
Isn’t Revelations filled with scriptures about angels singing and praising God in heaven. Could it be that the voice I heard was a glimpse of heaven on earth?
Whether we ever hear the voice of an angel or not, we can find comfort in knowing that God sends his angels to guard us and protect us in our time of need. And when we don’t know what to pray or have the words to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us.
For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;
– Psalm 91:11 (NIV)
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
– Romans 8:26-27 (NIV)
Father, Thank you for sending your angels to comfort us, whether we know it or not. I pray that we would remember that we can always turn to you in our time of need. Your scripture says in Psalm 51:17 “My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.” May we run to you with our brokenness. Break our hearts for what breaks yours and mend it with the love that you have for us. Thank you for your Holy Spirit who intercedes for us and the sacrifice of your son Jesus, who made it possible for us to connect with heaven on earth. Speak to us and lead us into your ways. In Jesus’ precious name, we pray, Amen!