When they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak the word of God courageously. (Acts 4:31)
Jim and I heard our dying friend moan. I placed a hand on the patient’s head and prayed for relief. The Spirit of Jesus pressed into the hospital room with a tangible wholeness. Tears of joy slipped past my eyelids. Jim had his own puddle going on the other side of the bed.
The Lord’s presence woke the cancer victim enough to squeeze our hands and utter undistinguishable, yet beautiful praises. In spite of encroaching death—or perhaps in celebration of it—the three of us fell into a time of worship.
As our mini church service ended, I turned to the man in the next bed. What could he be thinking of all this … God in his room? My heart was still on fire, and I asked, “What about you sir, do you know Jesus as Savior?”
The geriatric mumbled coarse sounds and stared defiantly ahead. I turned to leave him to his refusal, but I felt an invisible wall block my exit. I asked again, “Do you want to make Jesus your Lord?”
Cold silence followed. He glared from tubes and machines into blank space. After a long while, his lower lip trembled and he nodded, yes. I knew the Holy Spirit had just cracked a tough nut.
I witness the same convicting power of worship in energetic African services and staid American churches. Whether we’re in a cathedral, under savanna trees, or in a hospital room, when we truly worship God shows up, and when God shows up, people go limp in repentance.
I need more repentance power in my life. I want to move through my days aware of my weakness and overcome by God. This is where the kingdom business is transacted. I shed self-absorbed doubt and welcome God’s intervention. A wave mounts, crashes over my heart, and leaves me a dripping heap, but washed and new.
Prayer: Holy Spirit, reduce me with your power and make me bold for you.