Singing a Song of Hope

For many, the future looks uncertain. As the norms of the day trend in the direction of man’s understanding of right and wrong rather than God’s, many are experiencing feelings of anxiety, disappointment, and even fear.

While some may look to political leaders, philanthropic organizations, and military might to secure and improve our future, the Bible is clear that “unless the Lord protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good.” (Ps. 127:1, NLT).

Mike Bickle, founder and director of the International House of Prayer of Kansas City, recently spoke at the commencement ceremony for the International House of Prayer University about today’s troubling times.

“My heart is sobered by this hour in our nation and the nations of the world,” Mike Bickle said. “In such a time as this the Lord is raising up an entire generation of young people. This hour is sober, but this hour is also an exhilarating time to live.”

He reminded believers that we can find our confidence by trusting in the Lord and spoke about the need for prophetic singers who will sing His Word and shine His light onto a generation being drawn into darkness.

The term “prophetic singer” may not be commonly used in today’s vernacular just yet, but it’s one that has historic implications and refers to a profession from millennia past, to the time of King David’s rule over Israel and that nation’s continuous ministry in the Lord’s presence. Prophetic singers sing Scripture to the Lord, worshiping and praising Him for who He is and the great things He does, leading others in the worship of God.

While there is no longer just one central location where believers travel to encounter the Lord–because the Lord has now made His people His temple–the profession of ministering prophetically before the Lord in song is still needed and taught today.

Anna Blanc, a full-time worship leader at IHOPKC and an instructor at IHOPU, wrote the book Growing as a Prophetic Singer to help others walk a road that she acknowledges is both challenging and rewarding.

Anna refers to prophetic singers as ones who invite and welcome “the presence of God and the spirit of prophecy in worship. We long for the Lord’s presence and the spirit of prophecy that we may appropriately minister to His heart and the hearts of His people.” Prophetic singers may work at houses of prayer, lead worship Sunday mornings at church, lead small groups or worship nights, or even sing to the Lord in the secret place.

While the nations are raging, it may seem counterintuitive to sing to the Lord, worship Him, and sing His Word back to Him, but the Bible is clear on the power of God and His Word.

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”  (Heb. 4:12)

“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void,
but it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.” (Isa. 55:11)

Even as the earth is shaken by wars and rumors of war, famine, and pestilence, the scene around the throne of God is always one of worship and adoration, one of complete agreement with the Lord and His ways. Angels, the four living creatures, and the saints of God surround the throne worshiping Yahweh, gazing upon Him, and declaring His worthiness.

Prophetic singers enter this reality here on earth as they sing, study, and read the Word.

Anna points out that it’s important for prophetic singers who are leading worship to sing the Word with excellence, which involves being skilled and trained. However, even more important than vocal ability is being skilled in understanding Scripture and being in relationship with the Living Word, Jesus Christ.

“Especially for us called to minister before the Lord as singers, our occupation must primarily be one of beholding. We must mine the Scriptures to know Him more fully and thus love Him more deeply. We must take the time to linger on descriptions of His nature and attributes of His person, letting the Holy Spirit breathe upon our hearts the awe and devotion He is due. ”

With more than a decade of experience of singing before the Lord in a corporate setting, Anna writes a tool for everyone who feels called to the role of prophetic singer. She covers the basics of the profession, as she acknowledges her own experience traversing the highs and lows of a career and calling that require endurance and perseverance.

“There are many ministry assignments, callings, and positions to which the Lord will appoint His people for the sake of His kingdom, but the primary assignment for each person to whom He gives breath on the earth is to behold Him and adore Him,” she said. She goes on to say that “as believers who adore Jesus foremost, we are driven to cry out for justice upon the earth—that He may receive the praise of which He alone is worthy.”

To grow as a prophetic singer, or to learn more about the role of the prophetic singing from someone who’s walking the road, buy a copy of Growing as a Prophetic Singer by Anna Blanc today.

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Fia Curley

position

Fia Curley served on the NightWatch at IHOPKC for many years, participating in prayer, worship, and intercession from midnight to 6am. Currently attending college in New York, she enjoys blending her passion for prayer, worship, and journalism as she labors with the Lord to see His goodness revealed to families, government leaders, and immigrants from non-Christian nations.