When Giving a Prophetic Word
Revelation ➤ Interpretation ➤ Application
Break Down A Prophetic Word Into These Three Categories
Revelation ➤ Interpretation ➤ Application
A. Revelation
What God said (the spiritual raw data)
The revelation part of a prophetic word is the initial, unprocessed "raw data" received spontaneously from God.
B. Interpretation
What it means (general sense)
The interpretation part of a prophetic word is where you process the initial revelation from God to understand His message. Ask God for greater insight and clarity about what He is showing you regarding yourself, another person, or a group. To help clarify, ask God for a Bible story, passage, or verse that highlights or brings understanding to the revelation.
C. Application
What we do about it, in a particular context; How we package it for delivery to a specific individual or group (specific sense)
The application part of a prophetic word involves deciding how to act on it in a specific context and how to deliver it to an individual or group. The processed message must be filtered through Biblical and positive criteria for effective delivery and reception. Since people are different, the same truth may need to be applied differently to benefit each listener. The Holy Spirit must guide each step of the process to truly bless others. Use these filters for your word:
Does it strengthen, encourage, and comfort? Does it edify the person (build them up)? Does it point towards God’s healing, restoration, and wholeness, for their lives? Does it draw people closer to God? (1st Corinthians 14:3)
Does it lead to faith, hope, and love? Does it call people toward the God of the impossible, where anything is possible for him/her who believes? Does it impart the love of the Father’s Heart? Does it hope in God? (1st Corinthians 13:13)
Does it lead to qualities that are true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy? Does it honor and exalt the character of Jesus? Does it call people to develop the character of Jesus? (Philippians 4:8)
Purpose of the Three Filters in the Application Stage
Guard against hurting the tender or guarded heart of the receiver - People are more likely to resist correction or having their sins pointed out, especially from someone they don't know well or have no relationship with. They are more receptive to positive, uplifting words delivered in love. For example, in Judges 6:12, an angel addressed Gideon, who felt defeated and was hiding, not by pointing out his flaws but by calling him a "mighty man of valor." This approach empowered Gideon to perform brave and mighty actions that set his people free from oppression. Instead of pointing out problems, the angel spoke a simple, affirming word from God’s heart, showing how God views the person.
Protect the revelation you've received from being distorted by your own brokenness—such as prejudices, biases, hurts, envy, superiority complex, inferiority complex, lack of understanding of God’s ways, or resistance to embracing God’s heart for the person. Instead, process it through the heart of our loving Father to preserve its purity and integrity.
Preserve The Integrity Of The Initial Revelation Received
Keep your word concise, focusing on capturing the heart of God's message.
Avoid giving advice and then calling it a prophetic word.
Ensure your word remains prophetic rather than sounding like preaching or teaching.
Make sure the word is understandable; complexity hinders its effectiveness.
Beware of flattery, which signals immaturity and detracts from genuine revelation.
Stick to what you received from God; resist the temptation to add or embellish.
Be sensitive to the person's temperament; avoid delivering overly intense messages.
Deliver the word with the appropriate tone that reflects how you felt God's prompting, ensuring the recipient receives it with its full impact.
Let supernatural revelation guide your prophetic words, not natural senses.
Avoid trying to impress others; focus on ministering to the individual.
Be cautious with more personal, sensitive revelations when you lack a relationship with the person; some words should be shared privately.
Distinction should be made between prophetic words and prayers for emotional healing or deliverance, ensuring you have the recipient's explicit consent and understanding beforehand. It's important to seek their agreement and approval before proceeding.