The Role of Angels in the Ministry of Deliverance

The spiritual realm is real, and the reality of angels and demons is a topic that is found throughout the Bible. The following is an excerpt from my new book Keys For Deliverance, on the role that angels play in deliverance ministry:

While the topic of this book is on demons and deliverance from their influence, let’s not forget that the spiritual realm is not relegated to darkness only. God has hosts of angels that are sent into the world to do His work, fulfill His commands, and minister to His people. In fact, the writer of Hebrews says that God’s kingdom has an “innumerable company of angels” (Hebrews 12:22). These angels are described as “ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation” (Hebrews 1:14).

Angels are spiritual beings that are part of God’s heavenly kingdom. There are hundreds of references to angels in the Bible, and they play a prominent role throughout both the Old and New Testament. It is beyond the scope of this book to cover the various biblical examples of the ministry of angels and the many facets of their work in the earth. For our purposes, I want to look at how angels are involved in spiritual conflict and deliverance.

As I have studied Scripture and walked in practical experience, I have come to appreciate the importance of angels in general and in deliverance specifically. God doesn’t need to use angels to accomplish His purposes, but it appears that He often chooses to. While it would be foolish to give them too much attention or focus, it would also be foolish to ignore their role in the kingdom of God. When I minister deliverance in large group settings or personal prayer ministry, I make it a point to ask the Father to send His angels to assist in the ministry. Multiple people who operate in the gift of discerning of spirits have reported seeing or otherwise discerning the presence of angels in such times.

Once I was praying for a woman for deliverance, and whenever a demon would manifest there was a sharp pain in her back. At one point in the prayer session I asked God to send angels to minister to her, and when I did, she felt a sensation on her back and the pain went away. The next morning, I happened to be reading in Matthew chapter 4 when verse 11 jumped out at me: “Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him.” Note that Jesus Himself was ministered to by angels. I observed that it was in the context of spiritual conflict that the angels came to His assistance, and remembered the prayer ministry session from the night before.

When you are receiving or ministering deliverance, ask God to send angels on assignment to help bring breakthrough and deliverance. I don’t believe we are to command angels directly, but we can petition the Father to release them to our aid.

“The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” (Psalm 34:7)

“For He shall give His angels charge over you,
To keep you in all your ways.
In their hands they shall bear you up,
Lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra,
The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.” (Psalm 91:11-13)

For more information about deliverance from evil spirits, check out my new book: