Church prophesy. Do you have the gift of prophecy but are unsure how or when to prophesy in church? We want to give you some basic guidelines on using your gift to bless the body of Christ. Keep in mind God uses everyone differently. What remains the same is that God wants to use prophecy in the church to build up, teach, and edify His church.
I am not talking about being a Prophet or Prophetess; these are an Office, not a gift. Everyone is not called to stand in the Office of the Prophet. Yet every believer can prophesy or operate in the gift of prophecy. Prophecy is one of the nine Gifts of the Holy Spirit.
It is the preaching or declaring the Word of God by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. It is given to the body of Christ to encourage, edify, and bring correction. If you have received Jesus Christ and are filled with the Holy Spirit, you can be used in the critical gift.
What does the Bible say about prophesying in the body? I Corinthians 13;26 – 33 states the following;
“How is it then, brethren? When ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, a doctrine, a tongue, a revelation, an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or, at the most, by three, and then, in turn, let one interpret.
But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. Let the first hold his peace if anything is revealed to another who sitteth by, for ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and be comforted. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets, for God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as it is in all churches of the saints.”
Everyone Can Prophesy in the Church
Paul said in I Corinthians 14:31 For you can all prophesy one by one so that all may learn and all may be exhorted. So it is clear that it is the will of God that you to edify the church in this manner. In the earlier part of this chapter, Paul tells the church to seek to encourage the church through the prophetic word.
I Corinthians 14:3-4 – But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, exhortation, and comfort. 4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. God has something to say, and he wants to say it through you! Are you willing?
Ask to Prophesy
Some may say it is an act of pride to want to prophesy. But in I Corinthians 14:39, the Apostle Paul admonished us to “seek” prophecy. What he says is to earnestly desire to prophesy and to forbid not to speak in tongues. So, it is scriptural to want to be used for the Lord in this manner. Tell God you want to be used to give a Word to the Church. Begin to pray for the service and the needs of the people there. He will do it!
Be a Person of Prayer
It is essential to cultivate a life of prayer. This is our communion with our Father. It is during the times of prayer that we learn the voice of God. You will learn to quiet your mind and become sensitive to the Spirit of God. This intimacy will help you know when God is speaking to you or wants to speak through you when He gives you a prophetic message.
Read the Word
Reading and studying God’s Word should be a part of every Christian’s life. The Bible will teach you God’s will and character of God. The Bible is our instruction for a life that is pleasing to Him. It is essential to read the Bible because when you prophesy, it is not according to your opinion but the Word of God.
I am not saying you have to be a Bible scholar, but you will prophesy according to the depth of your knowledge of Scripture. This will also be the measuring rod if you are saying it is from the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Be Open to the Holy Spirit
When God has a message for you to give, you will feel His presence very strongly. Often, if you are new to the gift of prophecy, you might try to ignore His presence, hoping it will go away. When God has a prophetic word for you to give, the Holy Spirit will not leave you alone but will press you until you are obedient. This is why it is necessary to yield to God; I will allow you to speak through me.” Ephesians 4:30.
A congregational prophecy is usually given during or at the end of worship. God will give you a space or a break in the service to give the prophecy. Usually, there is a quiet period at the end of a worship song, where everyone softly praises and thanks God. This is the time to prophesy while God’s people’s hearts are open to receiving His message. 1 Corinthians 14:31.
Step Out in Faith
Many times, fear comes in when you are to give a word. You will question yourself as to if it is the Lord speaking. It is good to make sure. As you develop this gift, you will get to a place where you know that the Lord wants to use you. Sometimes, you do not get the whole message at one time. You may get one or two words or a sentence of the message that God wants you to give. This is where you have to step out in faith. Begin to speak out those few words, and the rest will flow through you.