It is a separate gift. Some think prophecy is today simply really good preaching, with unction (love that word!) but it’s not, though really good preaching can contain this gift of prophecy within it.
“To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.” 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
This is less about predicting future events (though it involves this) and more about speaking God’s heart and mind into situations.
This special message from God is in the language of the one speaking and the one hearing. It builds up and demands a response.
It is not reliant on human thought and reasoning.
We will discover that all may prophecy (14:1) but that does not mean all are prophets. The office is inseparable from the person whilst prophecy is given for the moment. The office comes second amongst Paul’s list and yet the gift is way down the list here in this list of Paul.
Prophecy will never speak against the Bible. It will always be loving.
Prophecies can and should be delivered in your normal voice. You won’t have to pretend a super spiritual voice. Just be you.
Prophecies can be corrected and should be. Prophecies can change atmospheres of a room and bring understanding to the confused. Prophecy lifts the downhearted and sheds light for the way forward. To have prophecy is to be a conduit for the comfort of God.
Holy Spirit I desire this gift. I earnestly seek this gift. Teach me how to use it. To the situations and people around me who long for a message of encouragement, speak through me. I desire for Jesus to be glorified. I align myself with your heart and mind towards people and eagerly expect you to give me your words that will build up and empower them. Amen
Missions Paul 