The Power of Prophetic Words
It’s all about affirmation and confirming things they know, or will know. The Lord’s the prophetic One, and as we ask, He gives us things.

The Power of Prophetic Words

by Adam Wittenberg
9/20/16 Training and Events

Many people come to Onething wanting to hear from God. It’s part of how we’re designed—hungry hear the voice of our Father.

Sometimes He speaks through a friend, a speaker, an altar minister. And sometimes in other ways.

Our Lord has much to say: Scripture tells us that the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy (Rev. 19:10), and Psalm 139:17–18 says God’s thoughts toward us are more numerous than the sands of the sea.

With this in mind, we have dedicated rooms at Onething for the giving of encouraging words to those that come.

“Our intent is that they get encouragement, exhortation, and edification,” says Ed Hackett, co-leader of IHOPKC’s Prophecy Department, referring to 1 Corinthians 14:3. “It’s representing what Jesus feels and thinks about that individual, and asking Jesus if He’d let us encourage them in this way. He wants to do that. He always does. That’s His testimony.”

God can speak through scriptures, phrases, images, and various thoughts that He gives.

It’s important to know that prophecy rooms are meant for affirmation and confirmation, not direction or correction. Team members are prohibited from speaking negative or condemning words, or directing people in areas like marriage, having children, or major life moves.

Even so, Jesus sometimes gives answers “unbeknownst to us,” Ed says. “It’s all about affirmation and confirming things they know or will know. The Lord’s the prophetic One. He knows, and as we ask, He gives us things.”

Some may fear going to the prophecy rooms because of sin in their lives that they don’t want revealed, but this isn’t the ministry’s purpose.

There have been testimonies of sin and addiction broken off of people through mere encouraging words which they receive for their area of struggle, without any hit of condemnation.

“Our intent is not to point out somebody’s sin or weakness, but to seek the Lord for a word or scripture to help them in their time of weakness,” Ed says, “to help them know He’s for them, He’s with them.”

Scripture also says that “we know in part and we prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), and so recipients are urged to test every word before the Lord.

Most of the time the ministers get it right, judging by the feedback they receive, but the most consistent reaction is the feeling of love.

“We want accuracy, but we want people to walk away feeling loved,” Ed says. “More times than not, that’s the testimony we hear: ‘I just felt so loved by God.’”

About 3,500 people received prophecy at Onething 2015, and 12,000 total during the year at IHOPKC. Here are some prophecy room testimonies:

“It was like God Himself came down upon me and talked to me Himself . . . that He loves me.”—Krista

“Very accurate, powerful, and encouraging. There is nothing that can compare with hearing what the Father has to say to me.”—Monica

“I like how they spoke about me. It makes me feel confident.”—Caleb (child)

“It was very encouraging and confirming of what the Lord is doing in my life. I’m extremely humbled and blessed by what was spoken over and into me.”—Jacob

“I felt really comfortable and safe, and the words were relevant to what I’m going through.”—Natalia

“It was VERY encouraging and confirming. I discovered many new things that I’m excited to ask God about.”—Amy

“I felt the longing of the Father for my heart through their voices.”—Kera

Prophetic ministry is offered to Onething 2016 attendees. Registration opens December 28 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

We invite you to experience Jesus at Onething. Join Mike Bickle, Allen Hood, Bill Johnson, Todd White, Matt Maher, Audrey Assad, Jonathan David and Melissa Helser, and 20,000 young adults in Kansas City, Dec. 28–31. Experience His presence and find your voice.

Adam Wittenberg

position

    A Detroit native who was raised in Vermont and Connecticut, Adam worked as a newspaper journalist until 2012, when he moved to Kansas City to complete the Intro to IHOPKC internship. Afterwards, he earned a four-year certificate in House of Prayer Leadership from IHOPU and is now on full-time staff in the Marketing department at IHOPKC. He also serves in the NightWatch (overnight prayer hours) and is active in evangelism. He, and his wife Stephany, have a vision to reach people everywhere with the good news of Jesus Christ.

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