Human Development
Prophecy
Description:
Prophecy is considered theologically to be a gift to chosen individuals who are empowered to communicate the word of God and act as his spokesman. This may be a on a particular occasion as a gift of the Holy Spirit in specific circumstances; or a person may have the vocation of prophet on a permanent basis. The scriptures refer to both possibilities. In contemporary renewal movements the former case, congregational prophecy, is what is being experienced. The prophet may consciously or unconsciously be able to foresee the result of activities already set in motion. Certainly, in the sense of telling openly or proclaiming the word of God, prophecy may illuminate the past, the present or the future. The intent is to encourage or exhort, strengthen or console. It is not the same as inspired preaching or teaching, however, which are spiritual gifts there all the time. Prophecy only arises when there is inspiration to prophesy. This inspiration is referred to as [being in the spirit]; the prophet may not himself know the import of what he is saying.The individual may be unsure as to whether or not he is called to make a prophetic statement. Very often a thought arises on what to say which persists and nudges, but even so it should be considered, prayed over and then the right occasion waited for and not forced. When the appropriate moment arrives, the statement should be made with confidence. It is as important to know when to stop as when to start - simplicity is necessary and once inspiration fades elaboration should not be forced.