Sandalphon - Angel of Prayer
Angel IofielSandalphon is a Greek word meaning "co-brother". In rabbinical lore Sandalphon is a twin to Metatron. As a twin Sandalphon probably knows quite a bit about differentiation into male and female. Some scholars of the Cabalistic tradition say Sandalphon is in charge of the developing human fetus and its differentiation into a male or female body. Sandalphon hears our prayers for our developing babies (both our physical babies and our projects). In MacGregor Mather's 1889 book, The Greater Key of Solomon, Sandalphon is said to be "the left-hand feminine cherub of the Ark of the Covenant." An ark is a cabinet or container for sacred energies and information. (The womb is also a sacred container for the developing body that will house the human spirit.) The Ark of the Covenant is a sacred chest made of acacia wood in which the Jews placed Moses' Tablets of the Law. This Ark is an emblem of the God's presence for the Jews, as the finger of God burned the laws onto the tablets. As such, Sandalphon is a strong guardian for the presence of God. There is a fun tidbit associated with Sandalphon. It is said that when she stands before God the Father, she wears soft sandal shoes, but when she stands before the feminine presence of God, called Skekinah, she wears leather shoegear. Most of all, though, Sandalphon is the angel of prayer. In the Jewish Feast of the Tabernacles, Sandalphon gathers the prayers of the faithful and makes a garland of them. Then she "adjures them to ascend as an orb to the supreme King of Kings."

Sandalphon’s Message and Meditation

This is a time for prayer in your life. Prayer can help to lift up your heart. You may know what your prayer is specifically about, perhaps there is something you have already been praying over. Perhaps your prayer is for another person, or a situation. Examine your prayer, are you praying for something specific? Is God answering your specific prayer with an answer other than the answer you expect? Sandalphon can help you with knowing what to pray for, how to pray. A prayer is often very personal. It is a communication from us to God, telling God of our needs and desires. Only one part of prayer is asking, the other part is listening. Are you only doing the asking, or are you listening as well?

Imagine you are standing in an audience chamber. There are three wide stone steps behind you. As you turn toward them, you may find Sandalphon, dressed in dark blue, beside you. On her feet are soft sandals. Her smile lets you know she really likes you. There is even a sense that you share a secret together.

In her hands she holds a garland of flowers, twigs, ribbon, and other things. A small white dove is bringing her bits and pieces to add to the garland. She explains to you that this garland is a gift to God. It is a “Garland of Prayers” and God will receive this gift and answer every one of the prayers. As you stand beside Sandalphon, she asks what you would like her to put in the garland. You hand her something, whatever comes to mind. Sandalphon weaves the object into the garland and places it on the stone altar. She smiles at you and gives you an old piece of leather lacing that once belonged to a sandal. She tells you it is time to leave this altar place, and God will come in His own timing to find the garland and answer your prayer.

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