The aim of the Charismatic Renewal if to help people experience the grace and gifts of the Holy Spirit given to us at Baptism and Confirmation.This experience is known as the “Baptism in the Holy Spirit.”This spiritual awakening enables us to have a deep personal relationship with the Father, Son, and Holy Sprit.It produces a hunger for scripture and The Eucharist and a deeper prayer life.The Renewal also encourages God’s children to use the gifts of the Holy Spirit in proclaiming the Gospel to others.
A CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING IS A WEEKLY GATHERING OF CHRISTIANS who give praise, thanks, and honor to God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.We gather in community to worship God as the Holy Spirit moves us, and to encourage and support each other in faith.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF A CHARISMATIC PRAYER MEETING?Opening prayer; songs and words of praise and worship; expression of word gifts (Word of Knowledge, Word of Wisdom, Prophecy, Tongues, and Interpretation of Tongues); inspired scripture reading; teachings; testimony/sharing, intercessory prayer; healing prayer; social time. (read 1 Cor. 14:26-33).
IS THE CHARISMATIC RENEWAL APPROVED BY THE CATHOLICCHURCH?In an address to the Inter-national Conference for Charismatic Leaders, Pope John Paul II said, “The Catholic Charismatic Renewal has helped may Christians to rediscover the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in their lives, in the life of the church and in the world, and this rediscovery has awakened in them a faith in Christ filled with joy, a great love of the church and a generous dedication to her evangelizing mission.”(Chariscenter USA Newsletter January 1999).
WHAT IS THE BIBLICAL BASIS FOR THE SPIRITUAL GIFTS (CHARISMS) WE SEEK AND EXERCISE?Charismatic Gifts 1 Corinthians 12, 13, 14; Word of Knowledge, prophecy 2 Peter 1:20-21; Discernment of Spirits; Tongues (Acts 2:4) Interpretation of Tongues; Healing (Acts 4:12-16); Miracles (Acts 2:43)
WHY DO PEOPLE RAISE THEIR HANDS AND PRAISE OUT LOUD AT THE MEETINGS? St. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:8 “In every place, then, I want people to lift up their hands reverently in prayer.” (Jerusalem Bible)Raising our hands is a symbol of our surrender to God.Psalm 134:2-“Lift up your hands towards the Sanctuary and Bless the Lord.”Psalms 117, 135 and many others tell us to Praise the Lord.So, we lift our hands and offer verbal praise in obedience to the Word of god.Singing in tongues is another form of praising the Lord you may hear at the meeting.
DO I HAVE TO PARTICIPATE IN THESE ACTIVITIES?NO!Everyone expresses praise and thanksgiving in different ways.Some people will exercise the gift of praising God in tongues, others will praise him in their natural language, others will listen quietly.Everyone is encouraged to remain open to the Holy Spirit as they pray.
HOW LONG DO CHARMISMATIC PRAYER MEETINGS LAST?Approximately 1 ½ hours.