The Holy Spirit is moving mightily in the Ohio Catholic Church as evident in many events! First, it is in the many Columbus Catholic parishes hosting the ecumenical ALPHA series. Second, it is in the birth of newer huge charismatic ministries associated with Ohio -- Encounter Ministries (and Urban Encounter) and the Damascus Faith Mission Camp ministries, all of which are deeply rooted in the Holy Spirit, evangelism, healing, and charisms of the Holy Spirit within the traditions and roots of our Catholic faith from its earliest years.
New ideas and activities are sprouting including ADORE, a way to praise and adore Jesus in the Eucharist in the tradition of the Franciscans of the Renewal out of Steubenville, and Encounter weekends, by small groups hungry for a balanced prayer group of all the main components to make it healthy (see the end of this article) and through schools of ministry sessions (such as Encounters'), to equip for the real world and spreading the Good News of Jesus Christ through witness, signs, wonders, and living a life in the Spirit.
This article is for the newbie across the world who has no idea what I am talking about but would like some information.
First, the ALPHA program, is an ecumenical one endorsed within it by many priests and bishops that answers many of life's general questions on Christian faith. There is even a quote from Pope Francis in it -- going forth into the Protestant world! It is an 11-week program that usually meets weekly for dinner with a community-building "table" within a group of tables who grow in their Christian faith through viewing, sharing, and praying. I happened to participate in two different multi-week sessions (it changes every five years) and can vouch for its truth and power to change lives.
When I gave a training for the teams at Our Lady of Peace the following is what I prepared for those who would pray over people for healings, conversions, and "bigger" realms. It is rooted in Scripture, which speaks for itself, although we did engage in each briefly.
John 15:7 -- "If you remain in me and my works remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you."
Mark 11: 23-26 -- "'Amen I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart but believes that what he says will happen, it shall be done for him. Therefore, I tell you, all that you ask for in prayers, believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours. When you stand to pray, forgive anyone against whom you have grievance, so that your heavenly Father may in turn forgive you your transgressions.'"
Matthew 7: 1-5 -- "Stop judging that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother's eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in our own eye? How can you say to your brother, 'Let me remove that splinter from your eye,' while the wooden beam is in our eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from our brother's eye.' [Note: This may not appear to have much to do with healing, but it is -- only a few sentences later does Christ speak of facilitating healing and good things -- after we have stopped judging others].
Matthew 7: 7-11 -- "'Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand a son a stone when he asks for a loaf of break, or a snake when he asks for a fish? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will our heavenly Father give good things to those who ask Him'?"
In my experience and training - having been "slain in the Spirit" at 11 years old and calling down Holy Spirit in the charismatic movement for over 45 years, and having prayed over a multitude of individuals, I further emphasized that in order to call down and "channel" the Holy Spirit to someone, in the laying on of hands either under their hands, or on their shoulder, or on their head, one needs to be an empty, humble vessel, that the Holy Spirit surges through, having Him do it all. Try not to get in the way by "trying" too hard, but allow the Holy Spirit to inspire the words and come down through you, to actually perform the healings needed.
I also emphasized to be brave! If you don't believe in yourself being able to do it, this is good! Just believe whole-heartedly in God's power to do this through you and He will never let you down! Do not be afraid or put off if you must pray long, and you may have to several times (potentially in the future). These are not signs of failure but of God's timing.
Another immensely powerful and popular 13 session series on the charisms of the Holy Spirit is the Wild Goose series, but out by the TOR, or Franciscans of the Renewal. When entering the Charismatic world for the first time, many churches will now use this series for the new person's "Life in the Spirit Seminar," which formerly had its own materials. Powerful!
Finally, Mother Mary's intercessory prayers are powerful! Some of the most powerful healings I have been involved in with a group praying over someone has been when I pray a "rosary in the Spirit" and completely lose myself. She is the one, I believe, who beaconed on the entire Catholic Charismatic Renewal in the U.S.
2017 marked the 100th anniversary of Fatima and the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. During a rosary at the Mother Mary side chapel of St. Catharine's I was meditating on that and it hit me hard that at her 50th anniversary of appearing at Fatima, one of the very most famous apparitions of Mary in the world, when all eyes would be on her to see if she would visit the world again, I believe she elbow-nudged her Spouse, the Holy Spirit and asked, "Please Go, in a big way, to the United States and FILL the Catholics there with You in the manner of the very first Pentecost!!" This, in turn, spread throughout the entire Catholic Church, the world over! See the end of this article for a section on Mary from St. Ignatius, St. Bernard, and St. Cyril form The Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius.
While these are good ideas from my background, I was about to learn far more in the world of the charisms of the Holy Spirit at the Encounter Ministries Summer Intensive School of Ministry classes in August, 2017. It was their first ever inaugural "School of Ministry" set of classes. This course was loaded far beyond what I can convey with the wisdom, insight, inspiration, training and practice necessary for any Catholic or Christian to become empowered and equipped for an evangelical life in the Spirit! It has a solid, rich, theological foundation, rooted in Truth itself, which is Christ.
I learned and practiced many of the other gifts and areas of a life in the Holy Spirit that I felt more unexperienced at -- prophetic word, visions, words of knowledge, etc, etc, etc. I strongly feel it is a must for all Catholics (and other Christians), especially those who want to work with the poor and forgotten.
Nearly immediately after this course began an intense persecution welled up against it, which is a sign that it is of Christ, according to Jesus and St. Ignatius. In the end of the beatitudes Jesus emphasized: "Blessed are you when they hate you, reject you, insult you, and denounce your name as evil all on account of me..." (John 6:22). St. Ignatius, in his Spiritual Exercises, repeatedly emphasized embracing persecution, such as when he describes the "highest degree of perfection. It consists in preferring, for the sole love of Jesus Christ, and from the wish to resemble Him more, poverty to riches, shame to honor,... Christ could have destroyed His enemies, and yet He spared them, and freely gave Himself up to their hate ... to inspire us with the desire to prefer with Jesus ... contempt to reputation and the esteem of men..." p. 140
Yet, ... this rock solid mountain of Encounter Ministries has not skipped a beat and has continued in many other states as the Holy Spirit moves! We are all praying and fasting for our next bishop and those decision makers on that choice, that the Holy Spirit lead them to another faithful shepherd who will reopen powerfully, this exquisite community and ministry in Columbus and in our diocese again. Online please go to "Encounterministries.us" to witness all they have to offer the world. Come, Holy Spirit, come! A newer extension from Encounter is Urban Encounter, a model for living in the Spirit with the poorest in the inner city, which sounds like the Early Church of the first century, living in "profound poverty and profound joy." Please support both ministries in your prayers and in any other manner possible!
This quote of the day gives a feel of the entire experience:
my speech and my message were not with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit and power, that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Saint Paul 1 Corinthians 2:4-5Books on these subjects that I would highly recommend are:Healing, by Dr. Mary Healy and Healing, by Francis McNuttRecently a newer friend said to me that she tried the charismatic stuff and did not like it. When I explained my experience with it for approximately 43 years - my best experiences having come from the West and Central sides of Columbus, Ohio in the first 25 years - she said, "I WOULD LOVE THAT."
Prayer Meetings of
Our Roots
(Roots of the Charismatic Renewal for parish prayer groups) Approx. Times
(Some nights the Holy Spirit
wants more in one area)
1. Praise and Singing 20 min.
2. Silence 7-8 min.
A teaching can be inserted for 2 and 3
3. Group Sharing 13-15 min.
4. Praise Mode 10-15 min.
5. Praying for Self and Others 10-15 min.
Final Song and A Few Shared Miracles/prayers Announc. 5-10 min.
Fellowship after 15-20 min.
What each looks like:
1. Leadership:
This could be one or two people, and in a spirit of the genuine humility that Christ speaks of about a true leader (“servant of all”). The idea is to call down the Holy Spirit nearly constantly upon others – for praise, sharing, revelation, inspiration, love, peace – in addition to listening to God. The leader rarely speaks, nor any other one person repeatedly.
To maintain this spirit of humility, there is a round-robin style of leadership where there are about 4 leaders (or sets of leaders) who take turns leading, a different one each week for about four weeks. How humbling for them and beautiful for the group to be served in this manner!
2. Praise, Singing, and Music Ministry:
There may be one or two pre-planned songs, but then the Holy Spirit inspires all of the others, through any person, as to what He wants sung at this and that time for the singing, or murmuring of tongues, etc. Each person present can be utilized by the Holy Spirit to name a song He wants sung during those designated times at the beginning and in the sustained praise time (mainly). After the sharing time, the songs continue to be sprung from the witnesses, testimonies, and types of miracles or lessons that took place and were expressed from that week. If the music ministry cannot play it, we just sing it. Very beautiful, and led by the Holy Spirit in great trust.
All the singing has space between songs for the Holy Spirit to speak to us, mainly absolute silence. The silent times are powerful times!! It requires much patience and restraint of the leadership and on music ministry people.
New songs are welcome, if they copy music for people to see. The music is always fresh and alive, sprung from the Holy Spirit and from lessons and inspirations of the Holy Spirit for that particular week's theme that is revealed at the prayer group through the sharing.
New songs are welcome, if they copy music for people to see. The music is always fresh and alive, sprung from the Holy Spirit and from lessons and inspirations of the Holy Spirit for that particular week's theme that is revealed at the prayer group through the sharing.
3. Sharing Time is Brief: During #3. Sharing, each person keeps their sharing to two or three minutes and only a few share each week (5 or 6). If someone quotes a Scripture during another part, and someone has a confirmation of that (exact same scripture or theme that week), they can confirm that on the spot (pretty exciting when this happens like popcorn!). This lends to much greater praise and worship!
* NOTE -- It is very critical that this not be the time to “discuss” with each other things shared. It is basically one-sided and very brief, and if an inspiration comes for that person (to help them) during Sharing, write it down and tell them during fellowship after, or in small groups of three if that is offered during the praying over time (and they are in their group). Sharing time is not a therapy session.
* NOTE -- It is very critical that this not be the time to “discuss” with each other things shared. It is basically one-sided and very brief, and if an inspiration comes for that person (to help them) during Sharing, write it down and tell them during fellowship after, or in small groups of three if that is offered during the praying over time (and they are in their group). Sharing time is not a therapy session.
4. What it looks like:
The leader of that night will open with a short prayer of the Holy Spirit, something like “We come before you God with our hearts open to praise you, learn from you and bring each other to greater holiness of life. We lay our burdens at the foot of Your Cross” - wait a little – “and give them completely over to you.”
It is easier to begin to praise when we are unburdened when our
thoughts are unburdened.
The leader then does not speak much only gently steers toward the
next component of a balanced prayer meeting/group if necessary. “How
has the Lord been moving in your lives this week?” “Now let’s have some
silent time to listen to the Holy Spirit.” Most of these do not even need to
be said eventually. People get used to the flow of all components of a
balanced prayer group center. There’s a feel and a flow that is natural and
balanced. Too many songs, verbally expressed prayers or comments, or too
much talking can kill community. The
discernment as to when to step in or hold back.
much talking can kill community. The
discernment as to when to step in or hold back.
Totally quiet and silent times are welcome and not a sign of failure or
dead air! Those are the most powerful times of the Holy Spirit speaking
back to us stirring us to the soul!
In the ALPHA training they emphasized this point true in old-time
charismatic prayer meetings: that when praying with someone, [and
leading a charismatic group] you don’t keep repeatedly talking and talking,
no matter how strongly you want to: “If you find your mind saying, ‘and I
just feel that the Lord wants,… and just… and I just… and just… [because
you think you’re feeling it so strongly] there’s something wrong.” You are
doing too much and the Holy Spirit is not allowed to do it Himself within people's souls. Let go and let God.
Rarely there is a short prayer over everyone, inspired by the Holy
Spirit, for anyone to pray out loud over the people. All are welcome
provided it is not coming too often from one person, even the leader.
A Scripture is welcome at any point even during the singing time.
The gift of tongues is welcome at any point (aside from a microphone). Scripture speaks of “different kinds of tongues” so some may be the joyful shout as done sporadically in the history of the Israelites but more often it is at the speaking level sometimes the soft level, words and phrases that are not English, repeated ones like melodious soft singing and murmuring in tongues, (Fr. Cantalamessa, four popes’ priest, his favorite too!) lauds etc. this sung at varying levels – whatever the Holy Spirit decides to stir in His sweeps. It is more a receptical experience of the Holy Spirit within coming out through us and not us doing it consciously (speaking or singing). It is a beautiful experience to be caught up and enveloped in the Spirit, with soft, lovely murmurings and singing to Him.
We never had a microphone, even with 60-70 people. We sat in extremely close proximity and could hear the faintest murmuring of tongues,
4. Praying Over, Praying With, and Praying For:
I. Praying Over: This is the laying on of hands (usually over a head), with full and partial healings, conversions, life-changes, and other major happenings in a person's life (in other words, not often). A person may fall backwards because the rush of the Holy Spirit is so intense. The person or prayer team for this prayer has a special and rarer gift (of calling down the Holy Spirit in mighty stirrings down upon people, sort of like the first Pentecost).
II. Praying With: This is a more often/common form of praying at prayer meetings and is done in threesome – everyone has this gift – and you get to talk a little longer for explanation (2 min.) about the problem or person needing prayers. The other two lay a hand(s) on you somewhere and pray with you. Sometimes a vision or word of insight, etc. comes to any three. Then they rotate if prayer is needed, to another in the group. The whole thing is fairly short and takes place as another option during the praying over people time. Mighty things happen here too!
III. Praying For: This is done at the very end, in a large circle, for a couple of bigger things such as the nation, etc. It can also be a mini-thanksgiving for this or that resolved problem, miracle, etc., that was not conveyed during the sharing time.
5. Final Song and Fellowship After: We come together in a circle and do a few wider prayers (and a couple of thanksgivings), sometimes hand-in-hand and sometimes arm-in-arm. We then sing a final song. The fellowship after is crucial, as mentioned in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Office pamphlet. All hands on deck for this critical fellowship for each and every member. This is the opportunity to bond a community in love, which is God. A special outpouring is toward newcomers, with time spent talking with them. Members also know that this is available when they had been wanting to talk too long perhaps during the prayer meeting – knowing that all members will gladly take part.
WHAT IS A PRAYER MEETING?
A "PRAYER MEETING" is a weekly gathering of Christians to give honor, praise, thanks and love to Jesus Christ as Our Lord and Savior. It is a time we gather in community to praise God on a one-to-one basis. A "Prayer Meeting" is not a discussion club, a therapy session or a time for counseling, but a time to give our full attention to Jesus through the help of the Holy Spirit (who will teach us all truth).
A Prayer Meeting has 2 purposes
1. To praise, worship and honor God
2. To build up the Body of Christ (as brothers and sisters)
What is the Content of a "Prayer Meeting"?
Opening prayer, praise and worship; prophecy (God speaks to us through one of His children); tongues, interpretation of tongues; scripture reading; teachings; testimony and sharing.
How long do the "Prayer Meetings" last?
Usually about 1 1/2 hours (counting fellowship after). Matt 26:40, "How is it that you were not able to watch with me for one hour?"
Do I have to raise my hands and pray like others do?
NO! You should pray in the way in which you feel comfortable, as if you were alone communicating with Jesus. Pray as you feel comfortable, but respect others' way of prayer and praise.
Is a prayer group a parish organization?
Yes, a prayer group is made up of individuals who come together weekly as a family for the purpose of giving Jesus the praise He deserves. The first and primary purpose of all prayer is to praise and honor God, who created us and gives us all the gifts and blessings we enjoy each day. The prayer group is under the authority of the parish pastor and should keep him informed periodically.
What are the spiritual gifts we pray for?
See 1 Cor. 12-14. Word of Wisdom; Word of Knowledge; Faith; Gifts of Healing; Miracles and Interpretation of tongues; Prophecy (2 Peter 1:20-21); Discernment of Spirits and tongues (Acts 5:12-16).
Is the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" a new sacrament?
No. It is not a Sacrament, it is merely a RELEASE of the POWER of the Holy Spirit already received in the Sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation helping us to know Jesus, the Bible, our daily prayer life, our faith, etc. in a deeper way.
Do we have to speak at a prayer meeting?
NO -- the ones that speak, prophecy or read are usually moved to do so by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26, "The Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My Name, will teach you everything and make you remember all that I have told you."
What is a testimony?
Telling how the Lord is working in your life. One's testimony should be short and to the point. [This gives great glory to Jesus and to the Holy Spirit]
How can I grow spiritually?
Attend the "Prayer Meeting" each week. Have a regular prayer time each day (taking time to listen) 10 minutes to an hour and talk to the Lord throughout the day. Read the Bible at least 15 minutes per day. Short courses will be offered; "Life in the Spirit Seminars and Growth Seminars, etc."
Who can give a teaching at a meeting?
A teaching is reserved to one who has cleared it through the leadership or core group. This is to insure proper teaching.
Is a prayer meeting based on scripture?
Ephesians 5:18-19. "...be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with you heart to the Lord." Yes, Jesus said, "Where two or more are gathered in My Name, there I am in their midst." (Matt. 18:19-20); 1 Cor 14:26; Acts 2:42; Revelations 3:20-21; Revelations 22:17. Covenant Community (one step further) Acts 2:46.
Why do we sing?
(Colossians 3:16) Singing is a way of praying, praising, and worshipping God. St. Augustine said, "he who sings prays twice." It should not turn into a songfest. We should PAUSE between songs, readings, prophecy, etc., and LISTEN. This is the time the Holy Spirit can speak to us. We need silence to reflect and allow the Spirit to work.
Why do some greet others with a hug?
This is just a sign of brotherhood. See 1 Cor. 16:20; 1 Cor. 13:12; 1 Thes. 5:6 and 1 Peter 5:14.
Where can I read about the Holy Spirit in Scripture?
John 14:16; John 15:26; John 16: 7-14, Acts: 1,2,4, 8, Acts 2:3, 17; Acts 10:44-48; Acts 19:5-6; Romans 5:3-5, Romans 8: 1-17; 26-27; 1 Cor. 2:6-16, 3:16, Gal. 5:16-26 and many more.
Is Satan real?
See Ephesians 6:10=18, 1 Peter 5:8 Matt. 4: 1-11, Matt.10:1-8, Matt. 13:36; Mark 1-4.
What is the importance of prayer and fasting?
See Matt. 17:20-21; Matt. 21:22; Mark 11:22-26; Mark 14:37-38; Luke 6:12; Luke 11:1-11; John 8 42-47; Luke 4: 1-2, Luke 6: 12-16; John 11: 41-42; Matt. 26:36-46; Acts 2:42.
What should I keep in mind as I attend a prayer meeting?
- Come at least 4 or 5 times before making a decision. It takes that long to understand how the Holy Spirit is working.
- Pray as you feel comfortable and let others do the same.
- Praying alone we are easily distracted. We support each other at a Prayer Meeting.
- Pause between songs, reading and teaching to allow the Spirit to work.
- Don't concentrate on others, concentrate on Jesus and YOU.
- All ages are welcome, we are all children of God.
- Prepare for the meetings through prayer and sacrifice.
- Don't be afraid; you are with friends. Don't let the devil, the evil one, discourage you.
- You will experience the "fruits of the Spirit" as you progress. (Gal. 5:22 and the Gifts of the Holy Spirit 1 Cor. 12).
- If you do not have an opportunity to speak or share at meetings, you may do so after the meeting with others during the time of fellowship. (There may be one before in some groups).
- If you have questions, please don't leave until you get an answer. We love you and together we love God and HELP EACH OTHER AS BROTHERS AND SISTERS.
Final Thoughts:
·
Bring an open heart and spirit for
something completely new, and your Bible!
·
Have a pencil or pen and paper to
write down inspirations, prophetic words, Scriptures or spiritual reading
shared that speak to you (it is not necessary that they are shared when they
touch you; it may be for your private walk of holiness).
·
You can stop and write at any time
when something hits you, but please, if the sharing time has gone on for about
15 minutes, pray about waiting to share it afterwards during the critical fellowship
time.
Life-Changing Quotes Honoring Our Mother, Mary
from The Spritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. These are workouts for the soul, just like hard exercise and weight training are for the body. -- The soul "exercise" of meditating on her pregnancy and beyond: ".. the blood of Mary became the blood of Jesus: Jesus is flesh of her flesh; He lives with her, breathes with her breath; He is in her, of her entirely. Thus the angels says, 'The Lord is with thee.' (Luke 1:28)" p. 185, -- "... Mary is soon placed on His right hand, that is associated with His glory and His all-powerful action and salvation in the world..." pp. 185-186-- "... And what creature is more like to Jesus as Mary? The laws of nature ordain that the son should resemble the mother..." p. 187-- "... Her perfect charity which made her so prompt in visiting Elizabeth, .. so attentive at the marriage of Cana, so devoted, so heroic during the labors and sorrows of her Son, so useful to the Apostles ["John, behold thy mother.."], so dear to the infant Church." p. 188
-- "... Jesus Himself God, obeyed her for 30 years ... What lesson does the docility of this teach to us sons by adoption ..' -- St. Bernard" -- "... Giving us Jesus through Mary was to give us the authority of the Queen of Heaven, how extensive the power of the Mother of God! ... How safe are those she protects!' -- St. Bernard"
-- "... by you the Trinity is glorified, ... the holy cross is celebrated and adored throughout the universe, .. the heavens joyful, ... angels tremble with joy of Him, ... devils put to flight, ... idolatrous, [given] incarnate truth, ... faithful ... baptism, churches raised all over the world, ... gentiles repentence.." pp. 188-189-- This "exercise" of the soul is to meditate with Mary at the foot of the cross looking up at Jesus: "See Mary at the foot of the cross; hear Jesus saying to you [personally], 'Behold, thy Mother.'"
-- "Jesus who lavished the blood He derived from Mary... His mother and yours, should serve as your advocate, your refuge, and your mediatrix with Him.. for a mother always loves her child; and Jesus, Son of God, will always love His mother." p. 190-- " ... [Have] love for her, ... gratitude, ... filial affection, ... confidence, -- that your trust in her might be unlimited, that we might know that she would always be able and willing to help us." -- "If the winds of temptation blow .. a sigh towards Mary. If waves of pride, ambition, jealousy ... seek to swallow of the would, ... a prayer to Mary. If anger, ... love of pleasure ... seek the eyes of Mary ... If trouble of conscience ... attach your heart to Mary. In your dangers, anguish, your doubts, think of Mary, call on Mary. Let Mary be on your lips and in your heart ... You have nothing to fear while she protects you ... you will reach the harbor of safety without weariness..' -- St. Bernard" pp. 192-193
From my Benedictine Oblate newsletter is part of an article below.
Set Aside Your Own WillAnd Walk Alongside the Lord
"It is only three words: 'dying to self.' It seems disarmingly simple, but in reality, andespecially in today's world, the idea of dying to self is confoundedly complex...Image if we oblate, and the whole world,chose to obey God -- and each other --casting aside our own concerns, abandoningour own will, and stepping away from whatever we are doing at the moment, leaving it unfinished -- and leaving it toTod: choosing to 'empty ourselves out sothat the presence of God can come in,tangible and present and divinely human'(Joan Chittister, Rule of St. Benedict, ASpirituality for the 21st Century)... To the Corinthians, Paul declared, 'Do notdeceive yourselves. If you think you are wisein this age, you should become fools so thatyou may become wise. For the wisdom ofthis world is foolishness with God" (1 Corinthians 3: 18-19)."
