At the beginning of this series we identified 5 links in the process of prophecy:
1. We receive a revelation from the Holy Spirit
2. We assess the revelation and how to best communicate it in a prophetic message
3. We then deliver the prophecy to the person or group God is speaking to
4. The recipient(s) of the prophecy assess the message
5. The recipient(s) of the prophecy respond to the prophecy.
In the last two posts we have discussed how to receive a prophetic revelation, as well as how to assess its meaning and determine whether or not it is from the Holy Spirit.
At this stage, you believe you have received a message from God for a person, group or church that you have been praying for. It is time to deliver the prophecy God has given you.
For the purposes of this discussion, I am going to assume that you are delivering the prophecy using words, whether spoken, written or in song.
During delivery, you are framing your revelation from God (picture, word, scripture, impression, or feeling) with words
There are two ways that you can do this:
- Describe the revelation
- Unfold the revelation
1. Describe the Revelation
Describing the revelation is sharing the impression as you receive it, without elaboration. You may choose to simply describe the picture or vision, pass on the word or impression, or share the Bible verse or story that has come to mind.
The advantages of sharing a prophetic revelation just as you received it are:
- It is easier when you are beginning in prophecy
- The revelation runs less danger of being tainted by your own opinion about what it means
- The revelation may have special significance for the person that you are unaware of
- It aids the recipient in remembering the prophecy, especially if the revelation was a picture, verse or Bible story.
Simply describing a revelation also has limitations:
- The person may not have the Biblical knowledge to understand any symbolism in your revelation
- There may be more insight about the revelation that you have received, or could receive, but are not sharing
- This method does not require a high level of faith
- If you always use this method, you will limit your growth in the gift of prophecy.
2. Unfolding the Revelation
Another way you can share a revelation is to use the impression you received to launch into a more detailed prophecy.
When you unfold a revelation, you are bringing an interpretation of the revelation, and enlarging upon it, as the Holy Spirit illuminates it to you. By faith, you are also allowing the Spirit to direct the flow of your expression.
As you grow in prophetic ministry, you will find more revelation comes to mind as you are prophesying, enabling you to share an extended prophecy. You are assessing the new revelation during the process of prophesying.
The advantages of this kind of prophetic ministry are:
- It enables the recipient to receive a greater clarification of the prophetic word
- The impact and impartation of the prophecy increases due to the higher level of faith and boldness required to deliver this kind of prophetic message
- It suits maturing prophetic ministry.
Some cautions about unfolding revelation in this way are:
- At this stage, if not careful, you are prone to filter God’s word with your own ideas, judgements, history and experience (especially if the recipient of the prophecy is known to you)
- If you step into this kind of prophecy when you are not ready, the prophecy can go awry!
I believe that it is usually best—if you feel confident enough to do so—to both describe and unfold the revelation you have received. For example, you may say, ‘I had a picture of… and I believe the Lord is saying…’
This way, the recipient receives the benefits of both the initial revelation and the extension of the prophecy.
I have seen mature prophets deliver prophecies in this way that have had a high impact on the recipient.
When beginning in prophecy it is best to start with simple sharing and work up to stronger prophecy as you grow in experience and wisdom, taking small steps forward at a time. This is where growing your prophetic gift in the safe community of a church is valuable.
Some Other Thoughts About Delivering a Prophecy:
It is vital that we use wisdom as to the means, context, place, manner, and timing of delivering a prophecy. I’ve often heard it said that the church carpark is the wrong place to bring a prophecy!
- Verbalising a prophecy is only one way in which it can be delivered. Other ways you can share a prophecy include in writing, through prophetic song, prophetic art, multi-media and through symbolic action. Ensure that you are gifted in the media that you decide to use!
- Deliver the word clearly. If the message is delivered in an unclear or ambiguous manner, it will obscure its meaning. Also remember that what is clear to you may not be clear to someone else and that you may need to adapt your approach at times;
- Delivery also involves how you bring the message. It includes your style, the tone of your voice and your attitude as you give it (if you write a prophecy, this includes your writing style).Your attitude and manner of speech should reflect the heart of God towards the recipient;
- Be sure to share the prophecy in a way that gives them room to weigh up whether the message is from God, and receive or release the word
In the next post, I will be discussing two very important aspects of delivering a prophecy that creates a safe environment for both giver and receiver.
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See also:
How to Exercise Your Prophetic Gift Pt 3: How Can You Tell Your Revelaton Is From God
How to Develop Your Prophetic Gift Pt 1: Where to Begin
How To Share A Prophecy With Someone Who Is Not A Christian
© Helen Calder Enliven Publishing