We live in a time when many believers desire to receive a prophetic word but hesitate when it comes to releasing one. I understand this struggle because I ran from my own prophetic calling. I witnessed the prophetic being distorted so many times that I didn’t want any part of it. However, that changed when the Lord appeared to me in a vision and instructed me to embrace my calling and restore balance to the prophetic.
In that divine encounter, He showed me how simple it is to release the prophetic—if we will just take the first step of faith.
Why We Must Embrace the Prophetic
The prophetic isn’t just about what we receive—it’s about what we release. The Apostle Paul writes,
“But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and comfort.”
1 Corinthians 14:3 (MEV)
Every day we hold back, someone else misses out on the edification, encouragement, and comfort they need to endure or break through. The prophetic calling is not for us to sit on. It’s an assignment—a mandate—to be part of God’s voice on the earth.
What Holds Us Back from Prophesying?
- Fear of getting it wrong
- Past wounds from distorted prophetic ministry
- Lack of confidence in hearing God
- Misunderstanding how prophecy works
But prophecy is in part.
“For we know in part and we prophesy in part.”
1 Corinthians 13:9 (NKJV)
God doesn’t expect perfection. He expects obedience.
The First Step: Stirring Up the Gift
Paul instructed Timothy:
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands.”
2 Timothy 1:6 (NKJV)
To stir up your prophetic gift:
- Pray in tongues. When we pray in the Spirit, we bypass our natural mind and connect with the mind of God. This sharpens our prophetic flow.
- Worship freely. Worship is the atmosphere of heaven. It cultivates spiritual sensitivity and unlocks divine revelation.
- Declare and decree. Speak out what you sense. The more you speak, the more He will give.
- Take the risk. You won’t know you’re right until you try. Faith is required to activate the prophetic.
Releasing the Word by Faith
Many believers wait until they have the entire word before they speak. But remember: prophecy is progressive. You may only receive the first few words or a phrase. When you speak what you have, God will release more.
The prophetic is not about having the perfect word—it’s about being faithful with the part you have. When you release the first part, the next part often follows. Trust the flow.
How Worship Activates the Prophetic
Worship doesn’t just bring comfort; it births revelation. As you worship in spirit and in truth, your spiritual ears open.
“But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth.”
John 4:23 (CJB)
In that moment of worship, God can speak a word of knowledge, a vision, a scripture, or an impression that is meant to be released. That word may heal someone’s emotions, confirm a decision, or break confusion.
How Tongues Clear the Channel
When we pray in tongues, we clear the clutter of the soul. Tongues deactivate the noise of our mind and activate the voice of the Spirit.
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries in the Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 14:2 (MEV)
This makes us a clearer vessel to receive and release the prophetic word of the Lord.
You Don’t Need the Whole Picture
Prophetic words are like puzzle pieces. When you release your part, it connects with others and builds a full picture. Don’t hold back because you’re waiting for a full download.
- Release what you see.
- Declare what you hear.
- Speak what you sense.
God will honor your obedience and give you more.
Your Prophetic Voice Has Purpose
Your voice matters. Someone is waiting for the word God wants to speak through you. The longer you delay, the longer they may remain discouraged, disoriented, or in bondage. The enemy wants to keep prophetic voices silent—but God is calling His people to rise and speak.
Train and Discern the Prophetic
As you walk in the prophetic, you will learn to discern:
- The difference between soulish thoughts and Spirit-led impressions
- When to release a word publicly or privately
- How to test a word against scripture and fruit
- What to do when a word doesn’t make immediate sense
Prophetic ministry is a journey, not a destination. It grows over time. It matures through obedience and intimacy.
Build a Lifestyle of Prophetic Activation
- Set aside daily worship time
- Journal what you sense the Spirit saying
- Join a prophetic community or mentorship
- Practice hearing and sharing words in safe environments
- Learn from seasoned prophetic leaders
- Speak in tongues regularly to stir the prophetic atmosphere.
- Write down dreams and visions, asking the Holy Spirit for interpretation.
- Use anointing oil to consecrate yourself before releasing words.
- Ask God for one word of encouragement for someone daily.
- Watch how the prophetic becomes natural and frequent.
- Stay rooted in scripture to align revelation with truth.
You can learn even more in my Powerful Prophetic Proclamations. These resources will help you discern God’s voice with clarity and release it with confidence. Order them at Kathy’s Website or find the anointing oil on Amazon to break strongholds before you prophesy.
Watch my YouTube teaching on this topic at https://www.youtube.com/@KathyDeGraw.
Begin by stirring up your spiritual gifts with our gift of a pdf from Kathy on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and Fire.
Ask yourself:
- What am I afraid of when it comes to releasing prophetic words?
- Am I seeking God for the sake of intimacy, or just information?
- How often do I worship freely without an agenda?
- Have I cultivated a consistent prayer life in the Holy Spirit?
- What hinders me from speaking the first few words God gives me?
- Who could be waiting for a word of encouragement I have yet to release?
The body of Christ is not complete without your voice. Take the first step, stir the gift, and let the Spirit of God prophesy through you.
