The Gift of Prophecy is simply this – a gift of the Holy Spirit which connects us to the voice of the Father in order that He can share His plans, intentions and heart concerning others through us.  Sometimes, this gift is used to give a message of direction, edification and encouragement to a group of believers in an assembly, but, most often, prophecy is used by the Father to give someone a message straight from His heart specifically to them..  Whether it is a seasoned Christian who has served God for decades or an unbeliever who is not sure that God even exists, everyone is profoundly affected when they hear a Holy Ghost empowered prophecy from their Heavenly Father who speaks to them personally, often revealing details that no one knows except them and the Lord.   I’ve personally seen prophetic words from the Lord spark countless healings and miracles and literally change destinies as the love of God is poured out as the Father speaks His desire to heal them or change their life in a specific way.  It’s one thing to know in your head that God loves you and wants to heal you or change something in your life.  But, it’s totally another thing to actually hear the Father tell you this personally and then immediately experience the power and presence of God to accomplish what He has just spoken.  As the Body of Christ reaches out to engage a world that is lost, hopeless, sick and without direction, they need more than “positive thinking” and a generic message of hope.  Through the gift of prophecy, you can share the Father’s heart of love and compassion with a world that doesn’t really know who He is and enable them to start a journey of intimacy with God that will totally transform their life. 

In Ephesians 4: 11 – 15, the Apostle Paul describes the mandate that New Testament Prophets have been given along with the rest of the five-fold ministry to equip (furnish the tools) and edify (build up) the Body of Christ in such a way that they grow up “in Him” so they are no longer subject to the whims of every new fad out there.  But, instead they can mature and develop into sons and daughters of God that will reveal the kingdom of God in every aspect and mentor others in their spiritual development.  Since prophecy allows us access to the heart and voice of God just as if He is speaking in an audible voice, it can be a valuable tool that can help to unlock his plans and destinies for others who are seeking direction in their life.  I was deeply impacted by a statement made by Prophet Joe Corry of Ireland as he ministered.  He said, “When God gave me the ministry of a prophet, I asked Him not to show me everyone’s “junk” – just show me their destiny in you and let me share that with them.  If I can share with them their destiny and they see the tremendous things you want to do with their life, they will find a way to get rid of all their “junk.”