Sunday, August 3, 2008

ARCHANGEL GABRIEL,





Gabriel
Meaning: champion of God
This word was used as a proper name to designate the angel who was sent to Daniel (8:16) to explain the vision of the ram and the he-goat, and to communicate the prediction of the seventy weeks (Dan. 9:21-27).
He also announced the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:11), and of the Messiah (26). He describes himself in the words, "I am Gabriel, who stand in the presence of God" (1:19).



ARCHANGEL GABRIEL,MESSENGER OF GOD
(Saint Gabriel Archangel, Angel Gabriel)

The Archangel Gabriel is the exalted Messenger of God, whose name means "The Strength of God" and whose deeds are recorded in the Jewish scriptures, where the spirit aided the Prophet Daniel in the interpretation of his dream-visions. Although an important Jewish angel, Gabriel has touched the lives of those of different religions as well.
In the Christian Bible, it is Gabriel who brings important news to Zachary and the Virgin Mary concerning their children-to-be, and many Christians believe that at the Last Judgement Gabriel will blow a sacred trumpet horn.
Furthermore, according to Muslims, Gabriel dictated the Koran to Mohammed over a period of 23 years and also accompanied the Prophet on his Night Journey.
Some people believe that Gabriel is a female spirit; others hold that angels have no gender.
Because of Gabriel's role as a communicator and mediator between Heaven and Earth, Catholics hold the Archangel to be a Patron Saint of broadcasters, telecommunications workers, diplomats, messengers, postal workers, and stamp collectors. Because Gabriel helped the prophet Daniel interpret his dreams, those seeking similar aid with their own dream work may petition the Archangel for help. Additionally, because Gabriel announced the births of both John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, women hoping for heavenly assistance in trying to conceive children have reported benefits from keeping an Angel Gabriel novena candle burning in the home.
The picture of the Angel Gabriel on this page is taken from a Lucky Mojo brand Catholic novena candle label and shows the spirit appearing as an annunciator, a bringer of good news and understanding.
Because of Gabriel's eminent position, holy cards, candles, and anointing oils bearing the likeness of this archangel have long been available in the marketplace. These are used by spiritual practitioners who wish to keep the image of Gabriel before them as a simple adjunct to their prayers and devotions. It is said that those who light a novena candle to the Archangel Gabriel will receive news they have been awaiting.
There are a total of seven Archangels according to ancient Jewish beliefs -- of whom four are most commonly petitioned, those being Michael, Gabriel, Raphael, and Uriel. In African American hoodoo folk magic or rootwork, two of them are associated with a powerful natural curio called Angelica Root or Archangel Root. Archangel Michael, the eldest, is used with Angelica Root as a defender of women. Archangel Gabriel who is concerned with the announcements of pregnancy, is allied with this root in its role as an herbal tonic for women's reproductive health.
It is my hope that the following prayer to the Archangel Gabriel will be of use to all, and will find service among those who request the intercession of this great and powerful heavenly being.
PRAYER TO ARCHANGEL GABRIEL
Alleged to Help in Communication and Conception
Beloved Gabriel,
Glorious Messenger of the Court of Heaven
and most excellent Saint and Archangel,
first minister of God,
interpreter for Daniel the Prophet,
instructor of Zachary the Priest,
annunciator to our Holy Mother Mary,
bringer of the word of truth:
Please favor my devotions and
help me to love and serve you,
and, through you,
to love and serve the Lord.
O Gabriel Archangel,
grant me what I most earnestly desire
and humbly ask for with this prayer,
for the honor, glory, and fulfillment
of my soul.
Amen.When a divine spirit grants your wish, it is customary, to give an offering of some kind in return. Because Archangel Gabriel, the Messenger of God, is generally depicted with white lilies or a trumpet horn, it is considered appropriate to make an offering of white flowers or to play music before the altar a thank-offering.

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