Review

Synergy is defined as the interaction of two or more agents or forces so that their combined effect is greater than the sum of their individual effects. Arguably the greatest synergistic connection in all of creation comes when worship is combined with the intercession of God's people.

It is no coincidence that preceding the powerful visitation and intervention of God's power described in the Revelation of John, the beloved disciple of our Lord records the most awesome worship experience described in scripture - an experience that is begun by the synergistic combination of worship and prayer:

And as he took the scroll, the four living beings and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp, and they held gold bowls filled with incense - the prayers of God's people! And they sang a new song with these words: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were killed, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. And you have caused them to become God's Kingdom and his priests. And they will reign on the earth.' …'And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They also sang: 'Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.' (Revelation 5:8-10,13 NLT)

A visitation of God's power, presence and glory preceded by the abandoned worship and prayer of his people is the theme of Terry MacAlmon's third release of live worship from the World Prayer Center, aptly named Visit Us.

Immediately seizing the heart of the listener/participant with the stirring instrumental 'Prelude', Terry leads us on a soul's desperate journey to experience an outpouring of the glory of our Father's presence. This pilgrimage takes us through nine songs of worship (all but one written by Terry himself), each profoundly deep expressions of desire yet all simple enough to be utilized in a local church worship service or small group worship. This is also a great CD to use for personal times of prayer and meditation, as I found myself quickly drawn into that attitude of heart each time I played the CD.

I found that the live recording production greatly facilitated the experience, as it allows the listener to clearly hear (not in a distracting manner, but in a way that draws you in) the heartfelt singing and praying of those present in the congregation at the live recording.

Ameliorated by his skillful keyboard playing, Terry's leading seamlessly guides the worshipper/prayer through songs of both fervent prayer and intimate worship.

The former category (fervent prayer) contains songs like the title track 'Visit Us', 'Come Holy Spirit' and 'How Long', a song which is sure to become a favorite of those purchasing this CD. 'How Long' begins, and is highlighted throughout, with the splendid acoustic guitar work of Terry Taylor, and also features the passionate and stirring vocals of Shannon Wexelberg. This track is a worshipper's ardent cry to become more like Jesus, confessing that although He is 'calling me to be all Your own', we 'struggle to surrender to Your throne', asking Him to 'give me a grace oh God to die that I might live in You'.

The latter category (intimate worship) is composed of tracks like 'There is One' and a fresh and moving rendition of the classic German hymn 'Fairest Lord Jesus'. Although I grew up singing this hymn as a young boy in church, I found my heart captivated afresh with the beauty of my Lord Jesus as I worshipped with those gathered in the World Prayer Center sanctuary. The voice of the live congregation so clearly heard on this song serves to draw the listener into the shared worship experience.

Completing the synergism by bringing both categories of fervent prayer and intimate worship together is one of the most beautiful songs on the album, and most likely my favorite, 'Captivate My Heart'. Gracefully begun by the calming voice of the talented vocalist Shauna Chanda, Terry and the congregation soon join in an entreaty of God to 'captivate my heart, make it all Your own; melt away my every longing till I'm Yours alone'.

You and I may not be able to join Terry in one of the weekly 'Lunch with the Lord' worship services held at 12:00 Noon each Wednesday in the main sanctuary of the World Prayer Center, but we can join in the cry of other like-minded Christ followers for God to once again 'Visit Us'.

Our prayer, as Terry writes in the title track, is this:

Let the wind begin to blow, let the rain begin to fall Spirit of Almighty God, touch us one and all and Visit us, Jesus, visit us.

Review by Ric Spargo