How to Prophesy: An In-Depth Guide to Prophesying Effectively

Part 3 of 3 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 16 minute read

In Part 1 of this series, we laid the foundation: understanding what prophecy truly is, its divine purpose, and how the supernatural flow operates. In Part 2, we acquired the biblical tools to test and discern prophetic words. Now, in this final installment, we bring everything together as you learn how to prophesy.

This isn't merely theoretical knowledge; it's practical equipping for ministry. By the end of this article, you'll have the confidence and understanding to be used by God as a prophetic vessel.

Building Faith Through Prayer: The Foundation for the Gift of Prophecy

As you're learning how to prophesy, pray privately in tongues to build up your faith (Jude 20). Then, when you are with fellow believers and sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to prophesy, you'll be empowered to step out in faith and the inspired words will more easily 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. A prepared word lacks God's prophetic anointing.

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).

Remember from Part 1 that genuine prophecy is never premeditated. It flows supernaturally from the Holy Spirit as you speak. This is why faith is so essential; you're trusting God to give you the words in the very moment you need them

Paul urges, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season…" (2 Timothy 4:2). It's the same advice when prophesying. Be ready. You don't wait to "feel" inspired. Since the Holy Spirit is within you, you have the gift and inspiration to prophesy the moment He prompts you.

Step out confidently when you sense the Holy Spirit's prompting. The prophetic word will carry a timely blessing for someone, and being ready to speak when prompted ensures the blessing is delivered at the right moment.

Understanding the Divine Flow: How to Prophesy Word by Word

It's helpful to picture a common tissue box when learning how to prophesy. Each time you PULL a tissue, up pops another. Prophesying is similar in action, since the prophecy is uttered one word or phrase at a time, as it's received 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. PULL: "My people, know that I love you."
2. PULL: "My goodness and mercy surround you."
3. PULL: "Place your trust in Me, and I will not disappoint."
4. PULL: "Know that…"

Continue speaking until you sense there are no more words or 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.

If this feels overwhelming, take heart. Every mature prophet started exactly where you are now, learning to trust God one word at a time. The tissue box illustration above isn't just a teaching tool; it's a picture of how God faithfully provides. He will never leave you standing in silence when He's called you to speak.

The Mechanics of Prophetic Delivery: A Deeper Understanding

While studying the Old Testament, I discovered an extraordinary prophecy that reveals the method of prophetic speaking. Although its original context was meant to rebuke those who rejected the prophet's message, this passage provides valuable insights into how prophecy works.

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 distill 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 at a time.

Expect your words to come slowly when you're learning how to 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.

Finding Your Prophetic Voice

Throughout this series, we've emphasized that prophecy is supernatural; it originates with God, not with us. Yet, God chooses to speak through our unique personalities, experiences, and even our natural speaking patterns. This beautiful partnership between the divine and human is what makes each prophetic voice distinct.

Always be yourself. Don't attempt to model your prophesying after anyone else while you're learning how to prophesy. Allow your own personality to shine through the prophetic delivery.

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

You might hear some who follow the Old Testament practice of prefacing the prophetic word with "Thus saith the Lord"; however, the fact that you're prophesying the message in the first person indicates that it's from the Lord.

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.

Delivering Pure Prophetic Messages Without Alteration

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

There will be some prophecies you likely wouldn't have given if you could have known their content beforehand. This is a key aspect of understanding how to prophesy with purity. In the midst of prophesying, you may find yourself thinking, "What am I saying?" as the message might sound unusual or beyond your natural knowledge.

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

The Role of Self-Control in Responsible Prophetic Ministry

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 should always be in control of what we say or don't say or how we say it. Never be casual about prophesying or, for that matter, when operating any gift of the Spirit. 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 to edify the Body of Christ (the Church, all believers), 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.

How to Prophesy in Church Settings: Knowing the Right Timing and Protocol

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 when to hold back. Above all, you must never interrupt the flow of a meeting and 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.

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.

If the congregation and its leadership haven't embraced the gifts of the Spirit, respect their position. Remember that God works through established authority, and He will open doors in His timing. Never take it personally; it's the Holy Spirit who's being silenced.

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

When the Holy Spirit is flowing, leaders need to be sensitive and allow the gifts of the Spirit to manifest. The most effective services allow space for both prepared messages and the spontaneous moving of the Holy Spirit, creating a balanced environment where all can be blessed.

There might be times when the Holy Spirit prompts you to lay your hands on an individual to prophesy. The laying on of hands 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 as your own 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.

Maintaining Order: Biblical Guidelines for Prophesying

Learning how to prophesy is one thing, but learning WHEN to prophesy in meetings 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 people 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.

Discerning Revelation and Responding Appropriately

Paul says, "If anything is REVEALED to another who sits by, let the first keep silent" (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 prompting of the Holy Spirit or 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 concerning the prophecy (that it's being spoken out of turn over top of another, or that it's not inspired by the Holy Spirit, or that it's running overtime), then the one prophesying is to submit to leadership and become silent, allowing another to share their gifting.

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.

This is where the discernment skills we developed in Part 2 become invaluable. When you understand how genuine prophecy operates — phrase by phrase, supernaturally inspired — you can graciously help others understand the difference between true prophetic confirmation and well-meaning but misguided responses.

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

Ministering to Individuals Through Personal Prophecy

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. They 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.

Allow the Holy Spirit to guide you to those needing a prophetic word rather than seeking someone out and offering to prophesy. This discernment is crucial for those learning how to prophesy effectively. Timing is important, and not everybody has a heart to receive. Follow the Holy Spirit's direction by waiting for His prompting. He knows who will be receptive.

Never prophesy in exchange for something of value, whether it's to appear spiritual, to encourage a donation, to earn someone's favor, or to please a friend. True prophecy flows from pure motives. Only prophesy when you are prompted to by the Holy Spirit.

Once you become proficient at 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. Above all, prophecy is not used for divination!

A Word of Caution: The Truth About Prophesying to Yourself

While prophecy is primarily meant for edifying others, self-prophecy requires extra discernment and should be approached with caution. It's all too easy to be biased and add words, twisting the message to our advantage. That said, 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 Holy 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 self-prophecy. However, we are edified through prophecies delivered by other believers; that's why all can prophesy (1 Corinthians 14:31), so we can in turn prophesy and edify others.

Prophesying with Spiritual Insight: Looking Beyond Appearances

When prophesying to groups or to an individual, don't become distracted by 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.

It all comes down to choice! Are we willing for the Holy Spirit to guide us in learning 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.

Learning from Mistakes: What to Do When You Miss It

Even mature prophets occasionally miss it, so don't be discouraged if a prophecy doesn't resonate or is gently corrected by leadership. If you realize mid-prophecy that you've stepped out in your own enthusiasm instead of the Holy Spirit's prompting, simply stop, acknowledge it graciously, and sit down. There's no shame in this; it's part of the learning process.

If someone approaches you afterward to say the prophesied word didn't bear witness with their spirit, receive their feedback humbly and thank them for their honesty. Use these moments as opportunities to refine your sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice.

Remember, God is more interested in your willingness to be used than your perfection. First Corinthians 13:9 reminds us, "For we know in part and we prophesy in part." Growth comes through practice, correction, and continued dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Don't let fear of missing it keep you from stepping out when genuinely prompted, just maintain a teachable heart and stay accountable to mature believers who can help you discern the difference between the Spirit's leading and your own thoughts.

Embracing Your Prophetic Calling

While the Holy Spirit has made the gift of prophecy available to every believer, there are observable levels of prophecy depending on the believer's experience and calling.

As a beginner, your prophecies will be general in nature, serving to offer edification, exhortation, and comfort to the Body of Christ. The Holy Spirit rarely prompts beginners to deliver personal prophecies, and directive prophecies are not for novices.

Build your faith by prophesying as often as the Holy Spirit prompts you within the safety of your believers' group, while remaining open to correction. As you and your fellow believers practice the gifts, the Body of Christ becomes stronger and more encouraged. The journey of learning how to prophesy is progressive, and each believer develops at their own pace under the Holy Spirit's guidance. What matters most is faithfulness, not perfection.

With experience and confirmation from others that your prophecies are Spirit-inspired, the Holy Spirit will entrust you with prophetic words that are deeper and at times directive. Allow your prophesying to mature under His guidance.

Completing Your Prophetic Journey

You've now journeyed through a complete biblical framework for the gift of prophecy. In Part 1, you discovered what prophecy truly is: God's supernatural message of edification, exhortation, and comfort delivered through yielded vessels. In Part 2, you gained the discernment tools to test every prophetic word against Scripture and the witness of the Spirit. And now, in Part 3, you've received practical guidance for stepping out and prophesying yourself.

But knowing how to prophesy alone isn't the goal. James reminds us to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only" (James 1:22). The gift of prophecy is meant to be exercised by believers, not merely studied.

So here's my encouragement to you: Start by prophesying as the Holy Spirit leads in the safety of a small prayer group, where mature believers can offer loving feedback. In time, as your confidence grows, you may find yourself prophesying in larger gatherings, bringing God's timely words to His people.

Remember, Paul didn't say "desire earnestly to understand prophecy"; he said "desire earnestly to prophesy" (1 Corinthians 14:1). The desire itself is from God. If you feel that stirring in your spirit, it's the Holy Spirit inviting you into this beautiful ministry.

Go forth as a faithful vessel, carrying God's words of life to fellow believers and a world that desperately needs to hear His voice. The same Spirit who inspired the prophets of old now dwells in you. Step out in faith, and He will meet you there.

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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 walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don…

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you — a fellow believer — build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God. Let's discover together what God has in store for you.