Holy Spirit PowerIn 1973 I was introduced to the concept of the power of the Holy Spirit by reading the stoning of Stephen in the book of Acts. As I read, I saw a supernatural strength in Stephen. His faith didn’t crumble as he faced death. At that moment, I was vividly aware I wanted that kind of faith and courage. Now the question was how do I receive what Stephen had?
On a Sunday evening I visited a Pentecostal church. At the end of the service, the pastor invited the congregation to come forward and pray for the teens that were going away to college. He instructed the congregation to ‘lay hands’ on them. This was a new term for me. I watched with curiosity as people left their seats and filed forward to participate. When the front of the church was packed with people, the pastor began praying out loud. As he prayed, I saw the adults place either one or both of their hands on the shoulders of the teens. I thought, “So this is what laying on of hands means.” As I watched, I felt a gentle push from a hand on my right shoulder. I turned around to see who was behind me, but no one was there. Then I had a compelling urge to go forward and join the group. At first, I was reluctant, but suddenly a burst of energy hit me. I popped out of my seat and walked down the aisle. As I approached the front of the church, I felt something like electricity in the air. I had never experienced anything like this before. I had an overwhelming urge to lay hands on the teenage girl in front of me. The moment I rested my hand on her shoulder I was touched on the top of my head with a warm current of liquid love that flowed through my body like electricity. From the crown of my head to the tip of my toes, I was enveloped in God's incredible love. I was caught up in a spiritual dimension I had never known before.
After arriving home, I reflected on the events of the evening. I stared at the vast expanse of the evening sky. How different everything looks. The stars twinkle more radiantly. The moonshine bouncing off the leaves of the trees sparkle brighter. Everywhere I looked God's creation had more life than I had ever noticed before. I was in love with God and with life. The new connection I had with Jesus through the Holy Spirit brought a supernatural faith beyond anything I’d experienced. I now understood how Stephen could face death without any fear.
As I continued to view the stars, I had a recurring thought - “Abba Father’. I didn't understand what it meant. I just knew it brought a joy and peace to my soul each time the thought came. Then in my mind I saw a man running down a dirt road. He was headed for a person that was slowly coming towards him. As the running man got closer, he held out his arms to embrace the other. As they drew nearer to one another, I saw the other person was myself and the man running was Father God. He hugged me with love so great I thought I would burst. At last, my quest was over. I found what I had been searching for: God's tangible love and His acceptance. In one electrifying moment, God answered my every question concerning me being His daughter. In response I said, “God of all creation. Thank you for loving me enough to put in my heart a restlessness that eventually led me to this evening. Your love is awesome. I had no idea the baptism in the Holy Spirit was so wonderful. Thank you for this gift. He really is the comforter you promised.”
As I continued to view the stars, I had a recurring thought - “Abba Father’. I didn't understand what it meant. I just knew it brought a joy and peace to my soul each time the thought came. Then in my mind I saw a man running down a dirt road. He was headed for a person that was slowly coming towards him. As the running man got closer, he held out his arms to embrace the other. As they drew nearer to one another, I saw the other person was myself and the man running was Father God. He hugged me with love so great I thought I would burst. At last, my quest was over. I found what I had been searching for: God's tangible love and His acceptance. In one electrifying moment, God answered my every question concerning me being His daughter. In response I said, “God of all creation. Thank you for loving me enough to put in my heart a restlessness that eventually led me to this evening. Your love is awesome. I had no idea the baptism in the Holy Spirit was so wonderful. Thank you for this gift. He really is the comforter you promised.”
The next morning I read a book describing the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I discovered one of the gifts is tongues (a prayer language the intellect of a person doesn't understand). As I read its purpose and function, I wanted it. The book also defined the words "Abba Father" that kept flowing through my mind the night before. The book explained that when a child begins to talk, he uses the simplest consonants and the simplest vowels; and because he knows how to make but one syllable, he repeats the syllable. When God gives the Holy Spirit, we cry “Abba.” Abba is Aramaic for papa. It is a repetition of the two simplest syllables. The Holy Spirit fills a child of God and teaches him or her to look into Father God's face, and say, “Papa, Papa!” I prayed, “Father God if this is what you want me to have than that's what I want, but if for some reason, this gift isn’t meant for me than I don't want it.” Immediately I had the same thought, I had had the night before, “Abba Father.” Only this time I felt compelled to say it out loud. “Abba Father.” As I spoke it, a warm feeling spread through me. Wow! What if I said this repeatedly? I began saying “Abba Father. Abba Father. Abba Father.” Before I knew it I was so caught up in the feeling I lost awareness of what I was saying. This went on for several minutes before I realized I was speaking a language I had never heard before. A rush came over me. I’ve received the gift of tongues! My prayer language has become my "hotline to heaven" when I minister to others and pray on their behalf.
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every Christ Follower. If you want this, simply ask for it and believe you will receive it along with your prayer language. Here's a suggested prayer: “Lord, I ask you to baptize me in the Holy Spirit. I ask for the spiritual gifts you want to give me and for the gift of tongues, which will be my personal devotional prayer language. By faith, I receive this baptism. May your power fill me right now. Thank you Lord, for baptizing me in your Holy Spirit. Amen.”
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is available to every Christ Follower. If you want this, simply ask for it and believe you will receive it along with your prayer language. Here's a suggested prayer: “Lord, I ask you to baptize me in the Holy Spirit. I ask for the spiritual gifts you want to give me and for the gift of tongues, which will be my personal devotional prayer language. By faith, I receive this baptism. May your power fill me right now. Thank you Lord, for baptizing me in your Holy Spirit. Amen.”