Explore How to Prophesy

How to prophesy is on the minds of many believers as they desire to please God by stepping out in faith and exercising the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Prophesying is a powerful way to edify the church and deliver God's messages to His people. When you prophesy, you are speaking words inspired by the Holy Spirit, bringing edification, encouragement, and comfort to those who hear.

How to Prophesy Accurately

Part 4 of 4 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 13 minute read

As you're learning how to prophesy, pray privately in tongues to build up your faith (Jude 1:20). Then, when you are with fellow believers and sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to prophesy, you'll be able to step out in faith and the inspired words will flow from your mouth.

You will know the prophecy is inspired by the Holy Spirit and not something you're making up. That's the difference between someone who lacks understanding of the gift and memorizes Bible verses for material to draw on.

Scripture says, "Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Peter 1:20, 21).

A made-up prophesy might sound inspired to an uninformed ear, but it's delivered naturally, not supernaturally. Because it's a prepared word delivered in the flesh, it lacks God's supernatural prophetic anointing, and it fails to edify those who hear it.

Understanding How to Prophesy

Picture a PEZ^® candy dispenser.¹ Each time you PRESS its head, out pops another candy from its mouth. Prophesying is similar in action, since the prophetic word is uttered one word or phrase at a time, as it's spoken by faith.

Expect the Holy Spirit to start you with a word or phrase. Speak it, and another phrase will be given. Speak it, and another phrase will be given, and so on.

For example…

1. PRESS: "My people, know that I love you."
2. PRESS: "My goodness and mercy surround you."
3. PRESS: "Place your trust in Me, and I will not disappoint."
4. PRESS: "Know that…"

Continue speaking until you sense there's no more phrases to be added. Then, you'll know it's time to stop. If you continue prophesying beyond the Spirit's prompting, you'll find yourself tripping over your words and repeating yourself as your mind tries to compensate.

The Meaning of Prattle

I came across a remarkable prophecy in The Old Testament that accurately describes how to prophesy. While in context it directs a rebuke at people who were not wanting to hear the prophet's words, it offers us insight into the process of prophesying.

The Prophet Micah prophesies, "'Do not PRATTLE,' you say to those who prophesy. So they shall not prophesy to you; …" (Micah 2:6, emphasis added).

The Hebrew word נָטַף (nâṭap̱) translated as PRATTLE means to distil gradually; by implication, to fall in drops, to speak by inspiration. The process of distillation, to "fall in drops" perfectly describes prophesying, the speaking of one inspired word or phrase or sentence at a time.

Expect your words to come slowly when you first prophesy. You may find yourself pausing between the phrases, as they are composed on your tongue, but your delivery will improve as you gain confidence through experience.

Be True to Yourself

Always be yourself. Don't attempt to model your prophesying after anyone else. Allow your own personality to shine through the prophetic delivery.

Speak clearly without mumbling and loud enough for everyone in the room to hear. Speak confidently in the first person; for example, "My people, I love you with an everlasting love."

Remember, you are speaking a prophetic word directly from God to people, only you won't know what the prophecy is until you've finished prophesying it nor will they.

Some believers are more fluent than others who prophesy simply because some are naturally more fluent in everyday speaking and that reveals itself. However, it's the inspired message that's important, and you can prophesy just as well as the more fluent person.

Be careful not to pressure yourself when prophesying, as it's not the speed of delivery or how many words are spoken that's important; it's whether the prophetic message is inspired by the Holy Spirit and carrying His anointing.

How to Prophesy to the Church

Paul instructs, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. …" (2 Timothy 4:2). Though Paul is speaking of preaching, it's the same advice with prophesying. You don't wait to "feel" inspired. The Holy Spirit is within you; you have the gift and inspiration to prophesy the moment He prompts you.

When the Holy Spirit prompts you to prophesy, simply know it's time. Don't expect to always "feel" something. You will come to know His prompting. Never wait for a lightening bolt from Heaven or you'll never prophesy!

We read in Scripture, "Whenever you come together, EACH OF YOU has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification" (1 Corinthians 14:26, emphasis added).

Given experience, you'll know when to step out and prophesy, and when to hold back. Above all, you must never interrupt the flow of a meeting or speak over someone who's already sharing. Wait for an opening before jumping in. If there's no clear opening, then ask God to create one, or remain quiet.

It's easier to prophesy in meetings that allow quiet times for the gifts to manifest, as formal structured meetings tend to quench the flow of the Holy Spirit.

If the church or its leadership does not permit the gifts of the Spirit, then do NOT prophesy. Never go against the established authority! Do not take it personal; it's the Holy Spirit who's being silenced.

When the Holy Spirit is flowing, leaders need to be sensitive and allow the gifts of the Spirit to manifest. No speaker should ever monopolize the service and prevent the flow of the Holy Spirit!

Although you can prophesy in almost every meeting, never monopolize. Encourage other believers by allowing opportunities for them to share. Blessings are missed when people are hindered from moving in the Spirit.

How to Prophesy to Individuals

A personal prophecy can touch the heart bringing comfort and assurance that God sees the person's need when nobody else is aware. A creative prophetic word can impart an anointing that brings profound change.

God knows exactly what someone needs when we don't. Someone may need assurance that God loves them, or they may need confirmation that they're following the right path. Let God deliver what's needed by prophesying His word to them as the Holy Spirit prompts.

NEVER seek out anyone to offer a prophetic word. Timing is important, and not everybody has a heart to receive. Follow the Holy Spirit's direction and wait for His prompting. He knows who will be receptive.

NEVER prophesy in exchange for something of value, whether it's to appear spiritual, to earn someone's favor, or to a please a friend. Ask God for a word of wisdom and only prophesy when you're prompted by the Holy Spirit.

Once you become proficient in prophesying, you may find people coming to you seeking a word from God. On rare occasions you might sense the Holy Spirit's prompting to prophesy; if so, then go ahead. Otherwise, politely refuse.

Why would God refuse a prophetic word to someone? We won't know God's reasons unless he gives us a word of knowledge. Maybe they are depending too much on prophecies and not deepening their own relationship with God.

Some believers attend meeting after meeting anxiously hoping for a prophetic word instead of learning to hear God's voice for themselves. Prophecy is not used for divination!

How to Prophesy to Yourself

Self prophecies are NOT recommended. It's all too easy to be biased and add words, twisting the message to our advantage. There may be times of great need when God gives us a prophetic word through our own mouths, but it's very rare.

The Book of Acts recounts how Peter had fallen into a trance on the housetop and had seen a vision, and that a voice had spoken to him out of the vision (Acts 10: 9-23). Later…

"While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, 'Behold, three men are seeking you. Arise therefore, go down and go with them, doubting nothing; for I have sent them'" (Acts 10:19, 20).

This was a different voice from the voice of the vision, and Peter might have heard the Spirit's words in his spirit. However, since "the Spirit said to him," it's also possible that he may have prophesied the words to himself.

Regardless, we are told to edify ourselves by speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:4), not through prophecy. We are edified through prophecies delivered by other believers; that's why ALL can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31).

Speak Only the Holy Spirit's Words

Be careful to prophesy the words given by the Holy Spirit without embellishment. It's a blessing that the prophetic words are birthed on our tongue, and we don't know what we're about to prophesy.

There'll be some prophecies you likely wouldn't have given if you could have known their content beforehand. In the midst of prophesying, you may find yourself thinking, "What am I saying?"

Sometimes the prophecy will address a topic that someone is preparing to teach on, confirming the teaching that's to come. And sometimes the prophecy will answer questions that someone had before or during the meeting.

Ignore the Outward Appearances

When prophesying to large groups or to an individual, don't become distracted by the outward appearances. Smiles are often worn by individuals to mask their deep hurt. Someone might appear joyful and full of the Spirit, and all the while they're feeling defeated and in need of God's comfort and confirmation.

Large groups can be especially intimidating when you're someone who's not used to public speaking, and often people's acceptance of the prophecy can be difficult to discern. The best advice is to be obedient to the Holy Spirit and focus on prophesying.

People in recognized leadership roles also have needs, so don't fear their faces. Be open to what God might have for them. If the word you deliver is inspired by God, they will gladly receive it and be appreciative.

Laying on Hands When Prophesying

When you lay your hands on somebody to prophesy, it not only imparts an anointing, but it indicates beyond doubt to whom the prophecy is for. It will not apply to someone across the room, despite what some might think.

You cannot lay claim to someone else's prophecy simply because it appeals to you. God brings the word that He has chosen for the person or persons He has chosen it for. He doesn't make mistakes.

Proper Order When Prophesying

Learning how to prophesy is one thing, but learning WHEN to speak is another. Paul says, "You can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged" (1 Corinthians 14:31).

One by one includes men, women, and young people, but each must prophesy in turn to avoid the confusion of people speaking over one another.

Paul recommends, "Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge" (1 Corinthians 14:29). The two or three prophets could be prophesying to the group or to certain individuals within the group.

Why two or three? Paul isn't expressing a limit, saying there cannot be more than three prophesying, depending on the leading of the Holy Spirit. However, after three prophecies, what God wanted said has most likely been said, and the messages can become repetitive.

Also, limiting to three prophecies permits other believers the opportunity to respond to the Spirit's promptings to share other gifts of the Spirit for the edification of the Church.

If Anything Is Revealed

Paul says, "If anything is REVEALED to another who sits by, let the first keep silent. For you can all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be encouraged (1 Corinthians 14:30, 31, emphasis added).

The use of the word REVEALED indicates this verse hasn't to do with prophesying. Paul is likely referring to the manifestation of one of the REVELATION gifts: word of knowledge, word of wisdom, or discernment of spirits.

For instance, if the Holy Spirit REVEALS an issue with the prophecy or that it's being spoken out of turn over top of another, or that it's running overtime, then the one prophesying is to submit and become silent, allowing another to prophesy.  

You may hear someone say, "I had that same prophetic word." No, that's not possible! Prophecy is spoken phrase-by-phrase as it's inspired by the Holy Spirit, so they could not have known what the prophetic message was unless they had first spoken it.

Very likely they had received a word of REVELATION from God that the prophecy was meant for them, and they should keep silent to avoid confusing others.

You Are Always in Control

Paul reminds, "The spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints" (1 Corinthians 14:32, 33).

We are always in full control of what we say or don't say or how we say it. Never be casual about prophesying or when operating any gift of the Spirit for that matter. People have been hurt and led astray by invalid words supposedly from God but actually coming from the biased mind of an individual.

We can choose to be obedient to the Holy Spirit's prompting and prophesy an inspired word for the Body of Christ, or we can choose not to. The Holy Spirit doesn't force us to do anything against our will nor will He force us to do anything that will bring a reproach on Him.

It all comes down to choice! Are we willing for the Holy Spirit to teach us how to prophesy? If our answer is yes, then "Let us prophesy in proportion to our faith" (Romans 12:6), and so bless the Body of Christ.

Endnote

¹ PEZ^® is a registered trademark of PEZ Candy, Inc.

End of This 4-Part Series

If you missed it, Part 1: The Gift of Prophecy.

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website, and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don, and my prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.

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