Forcing The angles

מלאכים (angels) acting as intermediates

for the Tefilos ,is mentioned in the Gemoro (Shabbos 12b).

Tefilos directed to the  מלאכים* started in the times of the 

Gaonim. We find in Selichos, Pizmonim & Piyutim where we 

daven directly to the מלאכים.

Kabbalists  had a  practice of  forcing an oath on 

the מלאכים.  (  משביעין את המלאכים ).

Hashem gives permission to the מלאכים to do as they 

are commanded (by humans) even if the recipients  are 

not worthy and have no zechusim for the favour. (Levush)

There used to be a Minhag for Chazanim to force an 

oath on the מלאכים.

The Chazanim were concerned, an עין הרע will cause them to lose

their voice during Davening.  

The Chazanim had a Nusach they said, before saying המלך.(Yomim Noroim)

בשם שמעי' -------(שמות של מלאכים)---- אני פלוני בן פלוני משביע אני עליכם  (

שתסייעו לי שאתפלל היום בקול רם ונעים וערב ואל יחר גרוני ואל ילאה רוחי וכוחי

(In the name of the Malochim --- I Ploni the son of Ploni, place a Shevuah

on you (Malochim) that you will help me to Daven today with a voice

that is loud, pleasant  and sweet, and my throat shouldn’t anger (cough)

and my spirit and strength shouldn’t tire.)  

The Levush (O.Ch.584) was against this השבעה (oath). He claims it

is wrong to force Hashem to accept your Tefillos**. The acceptance of

Tefillos is dependant on the כוונת הלב,and you may not force it.

The second issue the Levush had against it, was, Hefsek, The Nusach was

said after ברוך שאמר.(before Hamelech)

The Levush suggest to eliminate it altogether and if not possible, then it

should be said beforeברוך שאמר.

*Many Poskim(Maharal, Vilna Gaon< Chasam Sofer etc.)

were against it, but weren’t successful,in stopping  it.

** loss of voice would be a sign of non acceptance of Tefilos