Prostration

‘The presence of the Lord can become so real and overwhelming that one falls prostrate at His feet. When Daniel saw his great vision, he said, “There remained no strength in me: for my comeliness was turned in me into corruption, and I retained no strength.” Daniel 10:8. When John saw his vision on the isle of Patmos, he also fell at the Lord’s feet as dead. Rev. 1:17. The Roman soldiers, when they saw the angel on the resurrection morning, “did shake, and became as dead men.” Matt. 28:4. In heaven, too, they fall before Him in holy reverence. Rev. 4:10. It is a spontaneous and perfectly natural reaction to the glory of the Almighty God. Receiving the glorious baptism of the Holy Spirit is an occasion when many fall prostrate under the power of God. Staid congregations still sing: “Oh, that with yonder sacred throng, we at His feet may fall; we’ll join the everlasting song, and crown Him Lord of all.” And, “At the name of Jesus, bowing, f alling prostrate at His feet; King of kings in heaven we’ll crown Him, when our journey is complete.” Why this pious expression and expectation, with no entry now into that experience which honors God and brings overwhelming glory to one’s soul?’

Source: Ralph M. Riggs, The Spirit Himself (1949), The Holy Spirit in the Church-Local, p. 185-186.