“Larry, let’s pray, okay?” says Honey almost every morning over the last thirteen years. “Who knows, maybe the Lord has a prophetic word for us today?”
Then, Honey and I seek the Lord specifically asking Him to speak to us through the prophetic gifts.
Does the Lord always speak to us? No, not always; but the percentage of times that He does speak is rather astounding.
Do we make mistakes? Yes, we do. Some of the mistakes are funny, and some are not. But then again, the accuracy has often been amazing, especially with knowing about family problems ahead of time, financial instructions, intercession, even deaths of relatives and so forth.
We write the prophetic words down which gives us an accountability system.
Now, most churches which allow prophetic words in their services do so as a part of the praise and worship time. The music dies down and then a prophecy or two may be spoken. But then, it’s back to the normal service schedule.
So, would churches be better off doing what Honey and I do? Specifically seeking the Lord for His now-input rather than having the same old-same old service. Or is a little prophecy more than enough? After all, there will be mistakes, some of them may even be major ones.
What do you think?
Swimming Upstream appears at this blog site on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. It’s a little of this and a little of that, all written to encourage and exhort believers in their Christian journeys.
Larry Who 
I think you ask a really good question. I haven’t experienced very many churches that had a good balance of using the prophetic, some use it too much, and many not at all. I do know that words of knowledge are great evangelistic tools, and I strongly believe that we should always be seeking God’s direction in everything. I don’t know if there is a “number” that you can assign to being too much or too little. I think, ultimately, that in all things we should follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. Then and only then will a church service or any other gathering have the “right amount.” The Holy Spirit gets quenched far too often.
What is a good balance? Does scripture give any hints on this issue?
Just to level the playing field a little bit, when Carol and I pray together, it has nothing to do with our callings. We’re just two believers seeking the Lord. Any couple (married or not) could do this.
And to be honest, it has taken me a long time getting used to our praying together. I like spending time by myself with the Lord; she likes praying together. (Wouldn’t you know God would do this to me, right?)
Honey seldom prophesies when we are together. Usually, she speaks in some wild tongues which kicks in one of my other gifts – interpretation.
So, after I give an interpretation, does this mean it’s all settled forever and ever? Not usually, as Carol will then give her opinion on whether or not my interpretation is accurate or not. Or she will have a quick prophetic dream.
All of this works much like how the Body is supposed to work together. Nothing is just accepted because some Grand Poobah said so, but rather because it has lined up with scripture and how the other person discerned it.
When we disagree, we will until a consensus is formed. Usually, one of us has to change. Over the years, I’d say it’s about 50-50 between us.
So what’s a good balance for prophecy in a church meeting?
Paul wrote this in 1 Corinthians 14:31…”You can all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be exhorted.”
Remember: this is the most messed-up church in the Bible when it comes to spiritual gifts. And yet, Paul exhorts them to all prophesy.
Can you imagine a church next Sunday breaking out of its normal ritual and allowing every member a chance to prophesy? The service would certainly be different, right? And yet, all would learn and be exhorted.
This post was a blessing. The interplay you have with your wife during prayer–tongues with inerpretation–but always held up to the Word–is great.
Solveig,
I could probably write a book on the interplay Carol and I have with our morning prayer sessions. It would be funny.