Understanding Prophecy Prophecy is a unique gift that involves hearing from the Lord and sharing His messages with others. While it is often associated with negative connotations such as fortune-telling or oracles, in a charism context, it is far from that. Prophecy is about being the mouthpiece through which God communicates His wisdom, encouragement, and knowledge to His people. It's a gift that enables individuals to speak with authority and insight, addressing the needs and concerns of others in a way they never could have known on their own. Dispelling Misconceptions One of the misconceptions about prophecy is that it requires a special ability to discern the source of messages. However, discernment, while related, is a separate charism. Not everyone with the gift of prophecy will possess discernment, and that does not invalidate their prophecies. Prophecy is about receiving a message from God and sharing it with others, while discernment is the ability to determine whether a message is truly from God or not. Experiencing Prophecy The way we receive messages from God can vary from person to person. It may come as an internal voice, similar to our own, or through strong feelings, sensations, or even fully-formed images. The key is to learn the language through which God speaks to us personally and grow in our understanding of His voice. Embracing the Charism If you suspect that you have this charism or are interested in exploring this gift, Many Parts Ministries offers a resource called the "Hearing God Speak" workshop. This workshop provides foundational teachings on the different ways God speaks and includes practical exercises to help you grow in this charism. Whether or not prophecy is your primary spiritual gift, hearing from the Lord in prayer is beneficial for personal growth and intimacy with Him. It is important to remember that the charism of prophecy is not something to fear. It is a normal and vital gift that God bestows upon His people, enabling them to be His messengers in the world. Through prophecy, we have the privilege of sharing God's voice with others, encouraging and guiding them on their journey of faith. Embrace this gift and allow the Holy Spirit to flow through you as you speak God's truth to those around you.