How Heaven Invades Earth

The atmosphere of a place is transformed when the Spirit of God shows up. It was the last day the middle team from Holland Christian would be serving at the Ocean View Care Center  I had just arrived with a lunch for the teachers and entered into the office as I witnessed prayers being spoken over the director by a few of the team. It was a holy moment as tears flooded down her face and you could feel an overwhelming peace in the room.

Next these uninhibited middle school students along with a leader offered each classroom teacher a time to prayed for in the care center court yard. I watched in awe as these anointed students cried out to the Father on behalf of each teacher. Once again the tears flowed like a river.

Little did anyone in our group know that there was a government worker on campus, quietly testing students in the court yard. Over the last 4 years we have gotten to know this lady, who has been advocating for the care center children as so many come from difficult backgrounds.  She is from a Muslim background and works for a well know Muslim education organization.

As she observed what was going on and the emotional response of the teachers being prayed for she asked the director what was going on. She then proceeded to ask, “Would they pray over me? ” The director replied, “Of course!” Principal, Tom Strikwerda and Oceans leader Mike Verkaik readily agreed, and attentively listened as she shared some of the battles she was facing.

As they prayed a dam of emotions broke as they interceded for her. After the team departed she spoke with the director with more tears as she explained how as they laid hands on her she felt this powerful warmth come over her entire body like fire. She had never experienced anything like it before.

What brings the glory of God’s presence to earth? Prayer! What happened that Friday at the care center was an invasion of the Holy Spirit coming in a tangible way as the Father’s children prayed simple prayers of faith. Prayer is the gift given to us by the Father with a direct line to His heart to change the spiritual atmosphere even in the most difficult of places.

It may start as one spiritual drop of water from heaven but before long it becomes a healing river of God’s grace that floods through broken souls in need of a Father’s love. I was reminded that day of how powerful prayer is and how so many people are longing to encounter God’s loving presence.

Jesus demonstrated and taught His disciples how prayer was the tool used to bring His Father’s Kingdom to earth overcoming the deepest darkness. They followed His example and and carried His Spirit into the darkest places-transforming the atmosphere with His life changing love.

Right now wherever you may be reading this know you have been given the gift of prayer. Such prayers are a way to the Father’s presence even in the most difficult places. These prayers can bring forth a change in the atmosphere by His powerful love.

“Until now you’ve not been bold enough to ask the Father for a single thing in My name, but now you can ask, and keep on asking Him! And you can be sure that you’ll receive what you ask for, and your joy will have no limits!”   John 16:24