Conclusion to the "Prayer Meeting" Series

By Andy O'Neill, extraction and commentary by Eoin Ó Riain

This is the last of a series of articles on the gifts present in a Charismatic Prayer Meeting, based on the book The "Power of Charismatic Healing-A Personal Account" by Andy O'Neill.

"From this general study then, I drew two conclusions:

That a classical orthodox Charismatic Renewal prayer meeting must manifest seven basic indispensable elements, namely, the praising of God in words and in songs of praise, tongues, prophecy, Scripture, teaching, testimony and prayers of petition; and
Its members must be open to the power of the Holy Spirit and must confidently expect to see the gifts of the Spirit made manifest in their own lives.

I have witnessed these seven elements constantly at the Avila prayer meeting and the regular testimonies of its members confirm that the gifts of the Holy Spirit with signs and wonders are truly evident in their lives."

I would confirm this last remark from Andy as I continue to attend this meeting in Dublin (Ireland) every Wednesday.

Andy himself died last year, 1996, but was active in the healing ministry up to the day before he died.

The seven elements he outlined; Praise, Tongues, Prophecy, Scripture, Teaching, Testimony, and Petition are present in one form or another at all meetings, some without exception, some (like teaching) from time to time.

One feature which was not outlined specifically is the importance of silence. Especially after exuberant praise there is a period of intense and active silence. This is the time when the Lord ministers to our inmost being and it is usually broken by a word of prophecy or a Scripture sharing.

May the Holy Spirit continue to inspire our prayer meetings with these signs or charisms. May we all be with "one accord in constant prayer... with Mary the Mother of Jesus..." coming out from this "upper room" like Peter, crying in word and in deed "Save yourselves from this crooked age."

Let us also remember always the secret of our power, sharing with each other, breaking the bread and prayer.

Let us also always retain our sense of awe at the portents and signs that the Holy Spirit will work through and among us.

Amen.

Praise, honor and Glory be to the Triune God. Amen Extracted with permission from The Power of Charismatic Healing: A Personal Account by Andy O'Neill. Copyright 1985; ISBN 0 85342 749 6; Published by the Mercier Press, 5 French Church Street, Cork, Ireland. Telephone: +353 21 275040; Fax: +353 21 274969;

EMail Address: books@mercier.ie