(Prophecy Series, Part 1)
So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and all are parts of one another. We have diverse gifts according to the grace that is given to us:
Romans 12:5,6 MEV
We have entered an era of the mouth. Our words will be vitally important throughout this decade. If we are going to be effective in spiritual warfare and overcome our enemies, we must use supernatural language. This is the language of prophecy, and it is a necessary warfare weapon. When we prophesy, we are releasing supernatural words into the atmosphere. Prophecy means hearing what God is speaking, and then arising in faith to speak forth those words.
Many people acknowledge hearing the voice of the Lord but are reluctant to speak what they hear. They need to trust the voice of God, and realize that what they are hearing is supernatural. When they speak forth the words they have heard, they are making known that which could not be known otherwise. In this era, we must not only hear the prophetic word in our own born-again spirit, we must also say what we hear. Accurate prophecy, declared faithfully and fearlessly, will be a key weapon in overcoming our enemies.
While speaking is the primary and most common means of expressing prophecy, there are other forms of prophetic expression. Here are 9 different expressions of prophecy.
- Spoken. This is often the most frequent manifestation of prophecy. Personal prophecy involves prophesying to another person. All believers can and must be activated to prophesy. Revelation 19:10 states: “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”
- Songs. Prophecy can be sung. Psalms is a book of prophetic songs sung by David, Asaph, Korah, Heman and other leaders. When our corporate gatherings allow Holy Spirit to arise during the worship time, the prophetic song is often sung. Prophetic songs are supernatural songs which reveal the heart and mind of God. Prophets who lead worship most often express prophecy during this time. Even in personal prophecy, the prophetic word can be sung over believers, the church, cities and nations. Musicians use their instruments to release powerful supernatural sounds to reveal the heart of God in that moment.
- Writing. The Bible is a prophetic book written by prophetic individuals who were directed by the Spirit of God. Other expressions of prophetic writing are books written by kingdom-minded men and women. Some writings extend beyond the genre of prophetic teaching and are expressed in the form of poetry and novels. The Final Quest (1996), by Rick Joyner, is an example of a prophetic novel.
- Prayer. All believers should develop the discipline of prayer. Prophetic prayer involves listening to the voice of God and praying what we hear. Issues are discerned prophetically and then released in prayer. Prophecy can be expressed during spiritual warfare, healing and deliverance prayer.
- Declarations. In this current era, prophetic declarations will be a key manifestation of prophecy. When we speak, we are in a genesis moment. We are creating. Job 22:28 is a key scripture for this era as we express prophecy by speaking forth and declaring the word of the Lord.
- Creative Artistry. The books of Ezekiel and Revelation are filled with descriptions of Heaven. Through the imagery in these descriptions, we can visualize what Heaven is like. Some believers with the natural gift of art express prophecy through the imagery of their paintings during corporate gatherings. For these gifted believers, their prophetic expression takes the form of art on canvas.
- Prophetic Dance. Movement can be prophetic expression. As worship goes forth, those who have the gift of dance express prophecy in movement. When Israel crossed the Red Sea, Miriam, who was a prophetess, led the tribes in singing and the movement of dance.
- Tongues and Interpretation. Powerful prophetic messages can be released when Holy Spirit is allowed to arise among believers. Some may speak in tongues, while others gifted with interpretation of tongues, interpret. Acts 19 and I Cor.14, provide insight and understanding of the function of these supernatural gifts among believers.
- Dreams and visions. Many prophetic expressions involve words, music, art and movement. However, dreams and visions can also be forms prophetic expression. Just as with verbal expressions of prophecy, God uses dream imagery to reveal His message. Numbers 12:6 states: “If there is a prophet among you, I the Lord will make myself known to him in a vision, I will speak to him in a dream.” As many stories in the Bible attest, God speaks to prophetic people in dreams and visions.
Prophecy is a supernatural gift given to the Body of Christ for edification, exhortation and comfort. This supernatural gift manifests in differing ways. When believers arise in faith and release prophecy in the manner they have been gifted to do, we overcome the enemy. Let us not neglect this important gift. It’s time to prophesy. Let’s go.
Dr. Venner Alston is the author of Next Level Spiritual Warfare: Advanced Strategies to Defeat the Enemy. Her book can be purchased on Amazon or wherever fine books are sold. Her second book, Prayers, Decrees and Confessions to Defeat the Enemy, can be purchased directly from her website: www.drvjalston.org. Order your copy today!
