Do We Have Guardian Angels? What Does the Bible Say? (2025)

The classic Christmas movie It’s A Wonderful Life tells the heartwarming story of George Bailey and his guardian angel, Clarence. George, overwhelmed by life’s struggles, is ready to end it all when Clarence is sent to intervene. During this process, Clarence earns his angel's wings. Movies like this and others may leave viewers wondering, do we have guardian angels? I wonder if you have ever considered this. If you have, it would not be unusual because it’s a question that sparks curiosity, and maybe even comfort, for many people. Over the years, I’ve heard stories of people attributing protection or miraculous events to their “guardian angel.” But is there any truth to this, and, more importantly, what does the Bible really say about guardian angels? Let’s dive into Scripture to uncover the truth of whether we actually have guardian angels.

Does the Bible Mention Guardian Angels?

People define guardian angels as angels who have been assigned to an individual by God to offer protection, guidance, and help in time of need. It’s almost like you have a heavenly secret service detail. In our movie reference, that’s what Clarence was doing for George. However, this idea did not originate in Hollywood. Those who believe in guardian angels would argue that the Bible supports this concept, drawing from various passages suggesting angels play a protective and guiding role in believers' lives. Is this accurate, or does the Bible tell us something different?

There are two key scriptures people may reference as evidence of guardian angels. Let’s examine each one.

"See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven." - Matthew 18:10

While we may think of the little ones as children, the little ones are those who believe in Jesus with a childlike faith. When they put their faith in Jesus, they become like little ones. Jesus then says their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father. Is Jesus saying we have guardian angels? When you look a little closer, you must pay attention to where the angels focus their eyes. They always see the face of the Father. Why does this matter? First, angels serve at God’s request and at God’s command. They go where he tells them, and they do what he commands them to do. Second, they look to the Father as they await their next assignment. Angels serve and only move when God tells them to according to his will and his pleasure. This is confirmed when you consider another scripture that people may use to imply we have guardian angels.

For he will command his angelsconcerning you
to guard you in all your ways;
12they will lift you up in their hands,
so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. - Psalm 91:11-12

Again, notice the angels are operating at God’s command. When he commands his angels, they move. Do these verses tell us that angels can be sent by God to help us when we need it? Yes. Do these verses tell us we have been assigned a personal guardian angel? The answer is no. While there is no doubt God sends angels to help, there is no scripture that directly confirms that we have all been assigned a specific guardian angel. Since that idea is not clear in the Bible then, I cannot say we have guardian angels.

Are Angels Assigned to Protect Individuals?

Even though we may not have specific guardian angels, that does not mean that we won’t have intervention from angels. We can’t control or command these interactions because angels serve at God’s command. When you see the engagement of angels with humans in scripture, they come to help and when they are finished, they go back before the Father in heaven waiting for their next assignment.

Let me give you two examples:

Daniel in the lion's den

King Darius put Daniel in the lion's den. However, Daniel survived the night. Afterwards, here is what Daniel declared.

Daniel answered, “May the king live forever! 22My God sent his angel, and he shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, because I was found innocent in his sight. Nor have I ever done any wrong before you, Your Majesty.” - Daniel 6:21-22 (emphasis added)

Daniel stated that God sent his angel to help Daniel, which again shows that angels operate at God’s command. The angel came and shut the mouths of the lions. When his assignment was completed, he returned to the Father.

Peter’s escape from prison

In Acts 12, we read the story of Peter’s miraculous escape from prison when an angel came and led him out of the prison. In this passage, there are two things we know. The angel appeared suddenly and left suddenly. He showed up suddenly, by God’s command, to help Peter. Once Peter was safe, the angel suddenly left him. Please pay attention to what Peter said afterward.

Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know without a doubt that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from Herod’s clutches and from everything the Jewish people were hoping would happen.” - Acts 12:11 (emphasis added)

Both passages remind us that angels belong to God, and he sends them where and when they are needed.

Should We Pray to Guardian Angels?

There is nowhere in the Bible that states we should ever pray to a guardian angel, or any angel, for that matter. Always direct your prayers to God, and always place your trust in him. There is no doubt that God has used and will continue to use angels to intervene. However, we never pray to an angel or anyone else to come help us. We pray to God and he will send help as he sees fit.

Honestly, we should not take any comfort from the idea of guardian angels because that is not where our hope lies if we are Christians. Our hope should always be in Jesus because he is the one who promised that he would be with us always. God has always promised that he would never leave us or forsake us. That is our hope. Can God use angels to protect us? Yes. But he doesn’t have to. He can save us, rescue us, protect us, or speak to us with or without any angelic interference.

Today, I don’t want you to take any comfort in a guardian angel. Doing this can lead to idolatry because you place your trust in something other than God. Instead, take comfort in a God who is all-knowing, all-seeing, all-powerful, and always present. He is the one watching over you and ordering your steps. God is far greater and more powerful than any guardian angel. He is the one that you should put your trust in. If God sends an angel to help in your time of need, thank him for it. Just remember it’s not the angel who gets the glory; it is God who does.

But now, this is what theLordsays—
he who created you, Jacob,
he who formed you, Israel:
“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;
I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
2When you pass through the waters,
I will be with you;
and when you pass through the rivers,
they will not sweep over you.
When you walk through the fire,
you will not be burned;
the flames will not set you ablaze.
3For I am theLordyour God,
the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; - Isaiah 43:1-3a


Further Reading
Do We Have Guardian Angels?
Does the Bible Say That Guardian Angels Are Real?
7 Biblical Facts about Guardian Angels

Photo credit: ©Getty Images/Zwiebackesser

Do We Have Guardian Angels? What Does the Bible Say? (1)Clarence L. Haynes Jr.is a speaker, Bible teacher, and co-founder of The Bible Study Club. He is the author ofThe Pursuit of Purpose which will help you understand how God leads you into his will. His most recent book is The Pursuit of Victory: How To Conquer Your Greatest Challenges and Win In Your Christian Life. This book will teach you how to put the pieces together so you can live a victorious Christian life and finally become the man or woman of God that you truly desire to be. Clarence is also committed to helping 10,000 people learn how to study the Bible and has just released his first Bible study course calledBible Study Basics. To learn more about his ministry please visit clarencehaynes.com.

Do We Have Guardian Angels? What Does the Bible Say? (2025)

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