When is it proper to move in the spiritual gifts, especially a word
of prophecy, word of knowledge or discerning of spirits?
1. The Holy Spirit mentors one through a process as we develop our
gifts. Because we are prone to error it is important that we have responsible
covering and mentoring through the process. While the Apostle Paul recognized
the importance to exercise the gifts, to ensure order he recognized
the biblical mandate that in the mouth of two or three mature witnesses
let every word be established. Covering needs to fall under mature discerning
ministry as we will discuss in the section following. This is Mature
Discernment. because one on one relational prayer ministry is
usually confidential and not open to customary protocols.
> While discerning of spirits is probably the most open gift
to the unseen, the gift discernment must be operated with proper wisdom.
One must understand that the Father does not wound the wounded. He is
in the business of healing and reconciliation.
When you are aware of a demoniac influence in a persons life, dont
presume that the person is demon possessed, rather that you are seeing
the forces at work to undermine them, their family or ministry so that
you can accurately pray.
b. The exercise of a word of knowledge also needs appropriate mentoring.
While everyone seems to lay claim to this gift, very few operate it
with any discernment what so ever. This gift needs oversight by others
mature in the gift.
Some Characteristics of a Word of Knowledge operating in prayer.
1. When there is a physical condition, one may take on the same symptoms
of the one they are praying for. This gives understanding how to prayer.
2. One may feel heat or a feeling of warm oil preceding from the hands
to the individual.
3. While in prayer before hand one may see the face of the individual
they will be praying for. This is to lift our faith, that the Spirit
of God is going to move on behalf.
4. One may begin to feel deep emotion toward an individual while praying
with them. pain, hurt, or other.
Sometime a sense of the Spirit of Gods love or mercy toward them.
5. When there is an issue of salvation, a generational curse, a tie
with the occult or unforgiveness, you may feel darkness or a blockade.
6. During your prayer time there may be a special
awareness of the presence of God over a particular issue during the
prayer time.
7. In a direct word of knowledge you may have an absurd thought. With
a second piece of information tied to it..
The person will say what you were thinking. That is a first witness.
Asking the individual about an affirmation of the second piece of information
and an affirmative answer, may be a witness to proceed. Remember the
Holy Spirit does not reveal ones whole life, It is a word of knowledge.
This word is given so that they can receive healing in the area that
you are praying for.