Prophecy = declaring someone’s eternal (true) identity & purpose

Prophecy deals with the core issue of identity. Someone with the gift of prophecy often has a unique insight to speak life to an individual— generally to who that person is despite what we might see— by calling forth their destiny as a son or daughter of the King.

Prophecy functions different than word of knowledge, because the word of knowledge usually deals with a situation. Prophecy, on the other hand, deals with people.

Who they are-- not what they've done wrong

Early in the LifeLift study, we spend an entire chapter discussing Simon Peter’s transformation (chapter 2). When Jesus informed Peter that he was a “rock” (even though he wasn’t yet acting like it!), that was prophecy in action (see John 1:42). 

Prophecy is supernatural ability “to see” beyond the coal and call forth the diamond in someone. Furthermore, most prophets don’t even need to mention anything about the dirt they may see. And, someone with the gift of prophecy doesn’t get hung on who someone’s not; they just speak forth the destiny of who they really are. 

Paul reminds us that “the one who prophesies speaks to people for their upbuilding and encouragement and consolation” (1 Corinthians 14:3). Prophecy doesn’t seek to expose people’s secret sins, prophecy reveals redemption and ongoing salvation. 

An example— a personal one

For about five years, I co-lead a men’s weekend retreat. We called them Advance, as we encouraged, equipped, and empowered men to move forward in each area of their lives. Sunday morning was always a highlight. At the conclusion of our time together we had a “soft close” by breaking the men into groups and having a designated leader pray for and speak life over each of the attendees. Though some men were initially nervous at the idea of a stranger praying for them (it’s a secular event), we challenged them to trust us. This always became one of their favorite moments of the weekend, too— showing that prophecy, when ministered correctly, always empowers love and encouragement.

During our Seattle event a few years ago, Ryan walked up to me. I stood at the front of the room, as I’d just dismissed everyone to the prayer groups.

“I want you to pray for me,” he said.

I listened for the Father’s voice— to see what He might want me to say to Ryan. What was His word for my friend? I wanted to know and communicate that message to Ryan. 

After a few moments of silently praying, I replied, “No. I want you to pray for me?”

He stammered a moment. Then, he took a shot at it. It was a slow go at first, but then something broke, the floodgates opened, and he prayed like he’d never prayed before. 

As he said “Amen” I looked at him and smiled.

“What just happened?” he asked. “I’ve never been able to do that!”

“You see yourself as weak,” I told him. “But I— and all of these men here— see you as strong. The Father sees you as a spiritual bulldozer, a man who is going to plow the ground and clear a path for so many others who are walking behind you, men you can’t see right now, that are looking to you for guidance. You’re a leader. I see that. I believe in you.”

My friend Les, one of two other guys who hosts these events with me, concurred and offered Ryan a few similar words of encouragement.  Because of his background (he was an engineer), the words all made sense to him. And, whereas he came to me thinking he wanted generic prayer, he received something more specific. Les and I both spoke the heart of the Father over him.

The fruit is that 18 months later Ryan actually spoke at our event. He recalled his testimony of walking through bouts of depression, of leaning into some deep relationships with other men, and discovering this true identity. 

In his own words, “My life used to be like a dumpster fire, but now I’m on the right path. Any of you have an open invitation to contact me and talk with me anytime you need me.” 

It's not just about "speaking out"

Note: this is different than the created design of prophecy-- the natural tendency to "speak out." The design and the gift may work together, or they may function independently. 

See the links below for more on the design, as well as related gifts.

And, study Acts 2:37-40, Acts 7:51-53, Acts 26:24-29, 1 Corinthians 14:1-4, 1 Thessalonians 1:5.