Day 31. Welcome to Truth of the Spirit. I am your host, Patti Brunner. This is day 31 of “Daily Meditations for Lent” on Friday of week 4. We will share personal revelations given during Lent for you to discern and other contemplations to help you grow “in closeness to the Lord through truth, repentance, and the word of God moving into fullness within your heart.”
Today I want to share with you a vision I had while I was attending a Lenten Mission on the Friday of the 4th week of Lent. The mission was given by Father Stephen Barham at St. Raphael’s Church in Springdale, Arkansas. Fr. Barham was a tremendous preacher, teacher, and welcomed the Gifts of the Spirit especially the Gift of Healing. Individual prayer was given to anyone who chose it and most rested in the Spirit after receiving it. I had this vision while I was resting in the Spirit: I saw the Lord Jesus walk among the people. He wore a white robe and pushed up His sleeve as He bent down to touch and heal. As He came beside me, He sat on a large rock and had me sit at his feet that He might teach me. The Lord Jesus wanted me to know and to understand why I had the pains of the people at the healing time. He reminded me that in his agony and crucifixion He felt every infirmity and sin of the people. An overwhelming sorrow came over me as I realized the pain He felt. He told me He still bears each of the pains we have. And the reason I can feel them is that He abides in me! And so when I feel other’s pains it is because Jesus is in me in such fullness. During this vision I asked the Lord if I might also share their joy at their healing. He reminded me that there is much more sin and suffering in this world than there is joy. But when the Kingdom comes in the fullness there will be a fullness of joy and happiness and it will be forever.
A couple of years later during a retreat by Marilyn Smith on a Friday of the 4th week of Lent, the Lord gave me inner healing of some memories, past and present. As I prayed during quiet time I heard the Lord say this, “Patti, the disenchantment of a ‘perfect life’ hits you when you realize that there is no one who is perfect except Christ. All have weaknesses that cause others pain. Your own weaknesses have caused pain in your family that surfaces and you do not understand because the pain inflicted was totally unintentional. So too, many of the ones who have caused you pain are totally unaware of the effect certain actions have made on your life. As you realize the loop of hurt, and forgive, you are healed. As you ask for forgiveness you and they are healed. The complex effect of sin in the world causes pain. The more you seek the Will of the Lord in daily activities the less what you do will cause pain to others: Comforted by peace, refreshed by joy, strengthened by grace, loved by Love. And the broken is mended and the empty are filled and you are made whole. Where once two hearts beat – now there is one.”
I asked the Lord to teach me about fasting. The Lord told me to “say this to my children: When we are stuffed so full we cannot hold another morsel—whether a fine Thanksgiving meal or a 4th of July barbecue—all we want to do is push back from the table and nap. One of the first benefits of fasting is the raising of the appetite causing a search for something to fill the craving. As nature shows us in the natural, the supernatural works along with the same process.”
The Lord said, “How is fasting a prayer? Self-denial sharpens your senses by emptying self-gratification. Look to the scripture. Jesus fasted in the desert before beginning his public ministry. The Church calls for fasting in Lent for preparation to celebrate Easter. The Church calls for fasting to receive the Body and Blood of Jesus.” The Lord said, “Fast a while from that which distracts you.”
During Lent the Lord said, “Tell my people this: I am always with you! Fear not! Continue to pray, to love, to serve. Watch and be aware of those in need and help them overcome their distress. Share the peace that overcomes all understanding. Look at the Word of God in scripture. When Paul writes about the ‘Temple of the Holy Spirit’ realize that Christ, indeed, is within You. The difficulty in receiving the most Precious Body and Blood of Christ does not keep you from the presence of God. Magnify my Presence in your heart by prayer and love. Read the Magnificat prayer of Mary, Mother of Christ. You, too, have Christ within you! You, too, are a temple of the Most Holy Spirit.
The Lord taught me, “There are several signs to the world that the Holy Spirit dwells within you. People can easily turn to the fruit of the Holy Spirit to recognize the Presence of God. People are more surprised by truth when the supernatural charisms are manifested. Here is how you, as a Christian believer, can manifest the power and love to your family, your community and to the world:
The Lord said, “Spend a few minutes several times a day praying in Tongues. This gift not only manifests the actual presence of the Holy Spirit it is also a ‘gateway’ gift that activates various gifts of Prophecy, Word of Knowledge, and Word of Wisdom. Make note of what the Holy Spirit reveals with these Revelational Charisms then pray the suggestions and follow the actions to help others.”
The Lord then said to me, “As you compare the words released by Praying in Tongues with fellow Christians, God will affirm his words released to you. Ask the Lord to activate the gifts of Healing and Understanding in your heart so that you might be sensitive to the needs of those around you and then, through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit, bring healing—not just to disease but inner healing to those who suffer duress.
“Join with the Blessed Mother and pray her magnificent prayer of the Rosary. As you share your petition with her she will speak it to Me. I do not deny my Mother’s petitions.
“Do not be unaware of the ploys of the Evil One in the current climate of fear and pestilence. I have given the way to bind mute his harassment.” The Lord said, Listen to the proclamation of the Good News, the Gospel.”
This Lent, the Lord has more to tell us about opportunities to fast and pray. Listen to Him! This is Day 31. Remember: “If today you hear his voice, harden not your heart.” Easter is coming! “Prepare for it, ready your heart.” The transcript of this episode is available at PatriarchMinistries.com/301. Come back tomorrow for more. With the Holy Spirit there’s always more. Amen.
