The praying mantis is the only known insect on earth that can rotate its head and look over its shoulder. Some people get repulsed when they see these “little monsters,” but we find praying mantises in a posture of prayer that immediately evokes a feeling of holiness or piety. So, what is the praying mantis meaning in the Bible?
Christians believe that seeing a praying mantis symbolizes their devotion to God and His favor. It’s also believed to suggest that people ought to focus their attention on God. Due to their praying hands, praying is the praying mantis’ most obvious biblical allegory.
Contents
What Does A Praying Mantis Mean In The Bible?
Prayer
Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
— Thessalonians 5:16–18
The praying mantis[1] evokes a feeling of great significance in our lives, alluding to the state of our fellowship with and communication with God. The Bible says that prayer is one of the most important aspects of the life of a Christian believer. It is a cornerstone of our faith in God. With its folded legs, the praying mantis always appears in a praying state, as if referring to a divine being in the heavens.
Stillness And Peace
And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
— Philippians 4:7
The praying mantis is a creature of serenity and stillness. It always looks secure in its posture and never makes a move unless it is sure of what it will do, especially when catching its prey. Its biblical meaning points to God’s power and tranquility.
Despite the presence of storms, pains, and tribulations, God wants us to have peace in our lives. But like the praying mantis, God instructs us to remain steadfast in Him, who always provides comfort in all dark circumstances.
Patience And Understanding
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer.
— Romans 12:12
The praying mantis may remain motionless for many hours until its prey appears near it. With its slow and calculated motions, it is a creature of patience that displays precision in its movements. Its biblical meaning refers to God’s blessed hope for all of humanity.
Patience is a valuable trait that is essential to our character. We should not be creatures of rash judgment and decision but individuals of wisdom, understanding, and foresight. It is not advantageous when we rush the processes of our lives, as it may result in disasters or great mistakes.
Instead, patience in seeking the Lord for all our actions and decisions is a valuable fruit of the Holy Spirit. Waiting for the right moment for the implementation of a God-given course of action is a treasure.
What Does A Praying Mantis Symbolize?
- The praying mantis can symbolize the presence of an angel in your midst. The sight of this insect can mean that you have to approach God in prayer and that He is always ready to hear your pleas and supplications.
- In the culture of the Native American tribes, the praying mantis symbolizes good fortune and wealth. It also relates to the cycle of life, death, and resurrection.
- In some Christian traditions, people believe that the praying mantis is a spiritual animal that represents piety or holiness because of its “praying hands.”
- The praying mantis symbolism refers to the ability to remain stable in its disposition despite the existence of a threat.
- The praying shape and form of a praying mantis give it the impression of an alien creature.
- In some other cultures, the praying mantis is considered a good luck spirit animal.
- The Zuni, a North American Indian tribe, believes that the praying mantis’ spiritual meaning is sacred, wise, and powerful.
- The Chinese believe this creature represents greed and persistence, while the Japanese treat the praying mantis as a symbol of autumn and courage.
- The state insect of Connecticut is the praying mantis. It is a good predator since it feeds on different harmful insects such as aphids, caterpillars, moths, and grasshoppers that damage crops.
- Some cultures in South Africa give significant honor to the praying mantis. They believe that if you accidentally kill one, it will bring you bad luck for the rest of your life.
- The Celtics believe that this creature represents greed, cruelty, voracity, persistence, and courage.
What Is The Spiritual Meaning Of A Praying Mantis?
Deep Spiritual Forces
But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
— John 14:26
Because of its physical appearance, posture, and movements, some cultures believe that the praying mantis refers to a creature from another planet. Moreover, it has been honored in the spirit world as a being of significance and high intelligence. Lastly, it exudes deep spiritual meanings regarding its nature and purpose.
The same mechanism and manifestation exist in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. The power of God is plain for the faithful believer to understand and nurture but elusive to the comprehension of unbelievers.
When we see a praying mantis, we should be reminded of the notion that God is always willing to help and guide us with spiritual power if we remain faithful and obedient to Him. Spiritual growth and the power of the Holy Spirit are always freely given to people who revere God.
Reflection And Meditation
But when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.
— Matthew 6:6
The praying mantis’s meaning in the Bible alludes to a creature that exudes stillness and reflection. With its posture of praying hands, the spirit animal looks like it is in a constant state of prayer and meditation.
In our busy, mundane lives, we sometimes get overwhelmed by the pressures and problems of our daily existence. But God commands us to be still in the midst of all circumstances. This creature reminds us that, despite all the pain and difficulties, God is with us and He grants spiritual power.
In the storms of our lives, we also lose sight of our focus and aims. But the praying mantis, as a spirit animal, represents the spiritual force of meditation, reflection, and exploration into one’s higher self and meaning. The creature also represents a clarified vision and wisdom of spiritual and psychic energy that shapes your character and personality.
If a praying mantis appears in our midst, it means that we have to take a needed break from our busy lives and connect to our Almighty God. He provides us with peace, wisdom, and guidance.
What Does It Mean If You See A Praying Mantis?
Sign Of Mystery
The praying mantis can also be a sign of mystery. When we see this creature, it may mean that a certain obscurity surrounds you or members of your family.
This requires some sort of introspection and inquiry on your part as to the source of the mystery. Are you failing or weak in your relationship with God and your family? Do you harbor any negative feelings towards one another?
It is just possible that you or a member of your family is struggling with some sins against God or pursuing the ways of the enemy. In this case, we need to seek forgiveness for our sins from God and other members of the family. We should also intercede in prayer on behalf of other family members.
Lack Of Spirituality
When we see a praying mantis, it can signify the prevailing state of our spiritual lives. Are we focusing too much on our work and the expansion of our earthly possessions? This behavior manifests our utter lack of pursuit of God.
When we see a dead praying mantis, it represents the lack of spirituality in our lives. In such cases, we need to re-examine our inner selves to check if we have lost or diminished our faith in and obedience to God.
On the other hand, when we dream about a dead praying mantis, it is a sign that we need to focus on the more important things in our lives. Perhaps, we have been too busy with the concerns of this world that we have forgotten or neglected to say our prayers, read the Scriptures, and even attend church services on Sunday.
Sign Of Wealth
The praying mantis is a creature of precise movement and material gain. When we see this insect, it may mean wealth is forthcoming in the near future. With the right attitude and outlook, we will be able to attract the positive forces in our midst to help us prosper in the many aspects of our lives.
Wealth can arrive in small and large pieces. The meaning of the praying mantis reminds us that to be successful in life, we need patience, prayer, and the implementation of the right strategies and actions in our careers and family lives.
Does A Praying Mantis Represent Good Luck?
Depending on the culture, the sight of a praying mantis may mean good or bad luck. Seeing this creature, especially in the morning, gives greater significance to our lives.
We may be in trouble and experiencing difficult times regarding our finances and other earthly matters. But the sight of a praying mantis gives us hope for better things to arrive in the near future. The praying posture of this creature tells us that our petitions will soon be answered if we remain faithful and obedient to our Creator.
Conclusion
The praying mantis reminds us of the need to relish life and gather continuing faith in God. Despite its minuscule size, we discover its inherent patience and precise movements in its daily activities. The praying hands of this insect suggest that we need to harbor a vigorous prayer life and gather long-suffering in all that we do.
Despite our imperfections and troubles, God always reminds us that we are His most important creation, whose primary purpose is to venerate and worship Him.