The Encounter with God meeting was held in the morning of 24 May at the Cathedral of Miracles and in all Universal Churches around the world, marking the conclusion of the Fast of Daniel with the great Day of Pentecost.
On this occasion, Bishop Edir Macedo, his wife, Ester Bezerra, together with other bishops, pastors and their wives, gathered in the Upper Room in Jerusalem to cry out to God. Universal Churches worldwide joined in the moment through a live broadcast.
The Upper Room is the place where the disciples of the Lord Jesus received the Holy Spirit, as written in Acts 2:1-4.
The Fast of Daniel, which took place from 3 to 24 May, prepared participants for Pentecost. During this period, they dedicated themselves to drawing closer to God.
Bishop Edir Macedo began his message by recalling the Day of Pentecost following the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. He emphasised that the Holy Spirit did not come upon perfect or flawless people, but upon men and women who were willing, repentant and thirsty for the presence of God.
He also highlighted the biblical promise that “those who sow in tears will return with joy”, carrying their harvest. For this reason, he encouraged people to trust and remain in faith before demanding the fulfilment of God’s promises.
“The Holy Spirit is the One who will fill your mouth with smiles and joy, and He will change your life,” said Bishop Macedo.
Bishop Macedo also explained that the Holy Spirit does not come only so that a person may speak in tongues, but to transform them into a living witness of the Lord Jesus.
During the prayer, Bishop Macedo, together with other bishops and pastors, cried out before a world map representing all peoples and nations.
He interceded for everyone taking part in the meeting around the world, regardless of religion, nationality or social background.
The cry out also highlighted that only the Holy Spirit can spiritually revive a person and make them a witness to the greatness of God.
During the seeking of the Holy Spirit, Bishop Macedo reminded that the Holy Spirit comes upon those who surrender themselves completely to God. When a person gives up their own will to do God’s will, they create room within themselves to receive the Holy Spirit.
The Bishop explained that the true sign of God’s presence in a person is their inner transformation, which reflects in their character, attitudes and daily testimony.
Thousands of people around the world received the baptism with the Holy Spirit on this special day.
At the end of the cry out, Bishop Macedo taught that the Holy Spirit gives courage, faith, conviction and boldness to fulfil the will of God.
He recalled that before receiving the Holy Spirit, the disciples had a limited vision. However, after Pentecost, they began to see God’s purpose for all humanity.
