Doing what comes supernaturally (by Peter H Lawrence)

(Amazon UK link)

I thought I had re-read Peter Lawrence’s book ‘The hot line’ relatively recently. Apparently it was over four years ago. I had put another of his books,’Doing what comes supernaturally’ on my to-read shelf of Christian books, but had not picked it up until earlier in the month. I last read it in May 2010.

Some of this book covers the same principles as in ‘The hot line’, and has similar anecdotes. But whereas the earlier book was a generic account of how Peter discovered the ministry in the Holy Spirit, this book is more of a teaching guide for others interested in trying it out.

Peter Lawrence was an Anglican minister, and his practices remained firmly in the structure of Anglican services (albeit increasingly flexible in the 21st century). I had forgotten, until I reread this, that in the 1980s, when most of this took place, his lay reader was Roger Jones, someone I have met several times. 

The opening chapter describes the author on a plane, on his way to Malawi. He has a relaxed writing style, and in just a few paragraphs gives us some glimpses of the very different culture and environment. Yet when he met with some clergymen and their wives, they were all willing to have him pray, ‘Come, Holy Spirit’, and experience what God might do. 

He then goes on to outline his practice - what he teaches people in conferences, and in his own church. He prays this simple prayer, then keeps quiet and waits to see what God will do. And sometimes the results are dramatic. People are overcome with feelings of love, or conviction of what they have done wrong. Some achieve a sense of guidance for the future, some leave with a knowledge of being a child of God. And sometimes people are healed, though he only mentions relatively minor incidents in his ministry.

The book follows the same kind of pattern in subsequent chapters. There are some anecdotes, or descriptions of places where the author was asked to share his message. He gives a few examples of experiences of people he prayed for, and then some more practical advice. 

Everything he says, from the teaching point of view, is referenced in Scripture, which he clearly takes very seriously. He mentions criticism he received, and even some people leaving his church, although it kept growing as others around heard the message.

Peter Lawrence makes it clear that this style of ministry can be used anywhere and by anyone: in house groups, for instance, and in churches of all denominations from Roman Catholic through to Pentecostal. He acknowledges that there are some problems that can arise, so it’s good to have someone experienced with anyone new to this kind of thing. And the guidelines he gives, while flexible, make a lot of sense.

What he never explains is why so many people fall down. He does describe one incident where he was convinced that people were being pushed, only to realise that the person leading didn’t even put hands gently on people before they crumpled to the ground. And he knows, from his own experience, that this often happens - that, or shaking, or twitching of some kind. I don’t know why that would happen. 

I have to admit I’m writing this from something of a detached perspective. I absolutely believe this can happen, and am quite sure the incidents described in this book are true. But I tend to avoid meetings of this kind, preferring more peaceful services or discussion, and don’t think I’d like to fall down or display any other of the ‘symptoms’ described. 

Still, it’s a very interesting and thought-provoking book, one which I would recommend to anyone who leads any kind of Christian group, who is pondering this kind of thing. It might also be of interest to people wondering about the biblical basis for some of the widespread charismatic practices. The teaching all seems sound, and the anecdotes are well-written and varied, even mildly amusing in places.

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