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Prophetic worship. We’ve heard the phrase many times.
But what does it really mean?
– Is it lingering on the same song for 10 minutes?
– Is it making up your own spontaneous phrases?
– Is it groanings and utterings that no one can understand?
– Is it just being weird for weirdness’ sake?
Today we’re going to discuss the ins and outs of prophetic worship. What is it? How can you improve? Why is it important?
When I see young worship leaders today, they are almost entirely driven by talent and art.
Don’t get me wrong. I love art. I love incredible music.
But we need something more.
What Is Prophetic Worship?
Believe it or not, prophets prophesy. They look at a situation and they deliver God’s heart. They speak the mind of God.
We need more worship leaders like this – Worship leaders who are less in tune with their guitars and more in tune with what the Holy Spirit is saying.
Leaders who lead in the present reality and power of the Holy Spirit. It’s leadership from the inside out.
The people of God need more than incredible musicality.
Are you willing to go deeper?
Are you willing to listen to the Holy Spirit?
Are you completely freaked out at this point in the post?
Let me demystify a bit with some practice tips for improving your prophetic leadership. I guarantee that if you apply these tips, you’ll approach Sunday morning with fresh vision:
1. Ask the Right Questions
When you are preparing yourself for leading worship, don’t just ask questions related to the music. Ask like this:
- What theme is on God’s heart?
- What is God saying to His people?
- What do the people of God need to declare?
- Who is a part of my congregation?
Realize that you’re not just picking out songs. You are leading people to encounter God, hear his voice, and be transformed.
2. Practice the Spontaneous
While spontaneity doesn’t necessarily equal prophetic, it can play a huge role. A worship leader who is sensitive to the Holy Spirit can’t just perform a worship set because they are meeting with God in the moment.
They are helping people encounter the risen Christ. Whether or not they nail their guitar solo or strum with perfect precision isn’t what they’re thinking about.
Being spontaneous can be scary. It can also be done very poorly if you haven’t practiced it. I would recommend you practice every day, off the stage. While you’re in the shower, in your car, or in your quiet time, listen to the Holy Spirit. Make declarations. Sing your own phrases and melodies.
It may feel stupid at first but the more you do this off the stage, the more natural it will feel on stage. Don’t leave it to chance. Practice your spontaneous leadership.
3. Know Your Authority in Christ
Worship Leader, it’s important that you know the power of the Gospel. Inside and out. Backwards and forwards. If the Gospel is “old news” to you, you have no business leading worship. Because the authority we have in Christ is essential to worship.
That is what you are reminding your people of. That is what the Holy Spirit is awakening in God’s people. They don’t need to stay buried in depression, anxiety, and disappointment. They are children of King and need to declare that truth.
Knowing your authority as a believer will bring a fresh energy and intensity to how you lead worship.
4. Trust the Holy Spirit
Prepare like it all depends on you, but lead like it all depends on the Holy Spirit. Too often we leave out the Holy Spirit. We pay homage to him in our prayers but we trust more in our ability to lead than we do His ability to awaken the dead.
What if you implicitly trusted the Holy Spirit this weekend? What if you were relaxed, following His leadership? What if you knew beyond a shadow of doubt that He was moving? How would that influence your worship leading?
5. Engage Fully
Forget about how you look. Forget about how you sound. When it’s game time, pour your entire being into worship. The more vulnerable you can be the better worship leader you’ll become.
Don’t be afraid to cry when you’re overcome by the love of God. Don’t be afraid to kneel. Dance without shame. The best worship leaders put their private life of worship on display. They are authentic worshipers in front of people. No farce. No filter. Nothing is fake.
Don’t rely on your incredible vocals. Forget about your ability to arrange great songs. Forget about your songwriting skills. When it’s time to worship, forget everything but worship. Pour out your heart and engage yourself fully.
Your Homework
Your homework this week is to focus on what the Holy Spirit is doing in the moment. Think less about great worship song arrangements.
Focus less on tight musicality.
Instead, spend your best energies on baring your soul in the moment. Minister to the people in the moment. Take a risk. Share what God is saying.
P.S.
Got here from Twitter, Facebook, or a link from a friend? This is part 14 of a 20 part email course, called Next Level Worship Leading. You can sign up for yourself here.