“But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort.”
1 Corinthians 14:3
Prophecy often feels like one of the most mysterious spiritual gifts. Unlike gifts such as healing or evangelism, which are more easily understood, prophecy can seem daunting or even unattainable. For many, it’s hard to imagine hearing directly from God and sharing His message with others. Yet, prophecy is not only accessible but also profoundly practical. It’s about listening for God’s voice and courageously sharing His encouragement, comfort, or direction.
In my experience, prophecy manifests in three primary ways. The first is through direct words—not an audible voice, but the first thoughts or impressions that come into your mind during prayer or conversation. Often, these spontaneous words feel unplanned or surprising, yet they carry a sense of conviction. For instance, I once felt prompted to share with my sister-in-law the phrase “six months and one day.” Though I didn’t fully understand its meaning, I trusted God and shared it. Remarkably, six months and one day later, a significant milestone occurred for one of their children. The timing was literally spot on and brought incredible news and joy to their lives.
This experience taught me that prophecy requires both faith and obedience. Often, the first thought that comes to mind during prayer or reflection is a message from God meant to be shared. These thoughts may feel fleeting or even uncertain, but stepping out in faith to share them allows God to work through us. While some prophetic words may not have immediate clarity or results, the act of sharing them in humility invites God to use us as vessels for encouragement. It’s less about being absolutely certain and more about trusting that God can work through our willingness to speak.*
The second way prophecy can occur is through visuals or images. Sometimes, as I’m praying or speaking with someone, a vivid image will come to mind—a metaphor, a picture, or even a specific scenario. These images often carry layers of symbolism and meaning, acting like a parable or metaphor from God. When sharing visuals, I’ve learned to do so with humility, saying, “This is what I’m seeing, and I’m not sure what it means, but does this resonate with you?” The beauty of these impressions is that they often unlock understanding or bring reassurance in a way that words alone cannot. Sometimes, the recipient interprets the image differently than I do, finding a meaning deeply personal to their situation. These visuals remind us that God’s creativity is boundless and that He speaks in ways that resonate uniquely with each individual.
The third way is through patterns or persistent thoughts. Unlike the immediate nature of direct words or images, this often involves ongoing reflection and observation. A particular theme, idea, or scripture may repeatedly come to mind, almost as if it’s being highlighted by God. Over time, these recurring thoughts can crystallize into a message intended to encourage someone or bring clarity to a situation. For example, you might find yourself thinking consistently about a friend’s well-being, with a specific scripture or phrase resurfacing in your prayers. This process requires patience, discernment, and openness to the Spirit’s prompting. When these patterns are shared thoughtfully and prayerfully, they often reveal God’s heart in a way that speaks directly to the recipient’s need.
Here’s what I’ve learned: prophecy is less about getting it “right” and more about stepping out in faith. Share tentatively and prayerfully, and always weigh your words against scripture. As 1 Corinthians 14:3 reminds us, the purpose of prophecy is to strengthen, encourage, and comfort. If what you feel led to share aligns with God’s Word, is safe, and serves to build up, it’s worth sharing. Trust that God can use even your imperfect attempts to bless others.
This Advent season, I encourage you to ask God to speak to you. Whether through a word, an image, or a persistent thought, listen for His voice. Pray for the faith to share what you hear, trusting that God will take care of the rest. Prophecy is not about perfection—it’s about obedience, encouragement, and faith.
May we all grow in openness to this gift, using it to strengthen, encourage, and comfort one another as we anticipate the coming of Christ.
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Justin and Alethea Sheehan attend Grace Gathering East with their three children: Remington (5), Penelope (3), and Abrahm (1). The Sheehans are passionate about opening their home to others and glorifying God through service, innovation, and sharing prophetic words. They strive to foster a welcoming environment where people flourish.
