The manifestations of the Spirit not only open the door to nations, they can also open the door to the hearts of individuals. Supernatural events, divine appearances, and revelations from God can awaken an unbeliever to his lost condition and the reality of redemption. They can prepare a believer to fulfill his purpose and calling. They can provide direction, encouragement, and strength.
The life of the apostle Paul proves that beyond any doubt. The first time we see him in the book of Acts, he is an evil man, breathing out murderous threats against the Church, assisting in the stoning of Stephen, and putting Christians in prison. He’d heard the Gospel message preached but it hadn’t affected him. His stubborn heart had remained untouched.
On the road to Damascus, however, a manifestation of the Spirit brought him to his knees and changed him forever.
As he journeyed he came near Damascus, and suddenly a light shone around him from heaven. Then he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” Then the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” So he, trembling and astonished, said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no one. Then Saul arose from the ground, and when his eyes were opened he saw no one. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither ate nor drank. (Acts 9:3 – 9)
Isn’t that amazing? Saul (or Paul) had already heard some of the most anointed ministers of the Gospel that have ever lived. He’d heard Stephen preach and seen his countenance shine like the face of an angel. Yet he had still resisted the message of salvation. He’d refused to believe that Jesus is Lord.
But one mighty manifestation of the Spirit brought Saul from darkness to light. One appearance of Jesus made a believer out of him.
That’s something we should keep in mind when we’re praying for people whose hearts seem as hard as Saul’s. We should think about the road to Damascus and remember what one supernatural event can do.
Scripture Reading: Acts 9:1 – 19
On the chilly March night in 1972 when Lynne Hammond took her first step into a life of Spirit-led prayer, she had no idea what was about to happen. All she knew was the hunger in her heart for God wouldn’t let her sleep. In the few short months she’d been born again, her desire to fellowship with Him had grown so strong she could hardly contain it. “Help me, God!” she cried. “I want to know you. I want to be able to talk to you. Please, teach me to pray!”
Suddenly, a heavenly presence flooded the room. Lynne sensed waves of spiritual fire sweeping over her and a beautiful language began to flow like a river from within her. Although she’d never heard of the baptism of the Holy Spirit, she knew instantly, without a doubt—this was God!
What began that night soon blossomed into a life of prayer that ultimately became a ministry of prayer when, in 1980, Lynne and her husband, Mac, founded Living Word Christian Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Under Lynne’s leadership, the prayer ministry at Living Word has become an internationally recognized model for developing effective pray-ers in the local church.
A teacher and an author, Lynne publishes a newsletter called Prayer Notes, has written numerous books, and currently serves as the national prayer director for Daughters for Zion. Her passion for inspiring and leading others into the life of Spirit-led prayer continues to take her around the world to minister to believers whose heart cry, like hers, is “Lord, teach me to pray!”