Ways to Develop Prophetic Musicianship

The term “prophetic musician” simply describes a musician who, operating in the spirit of prophecy, testifies of Jesus. Because prophecy is simply the testimony of Jesus, it can be coupled with many different mediums. Preachers preach the testimony of Jesus; teachers teach it. Singers sing the testimony of Jesus; painters paint it. All these mediums can prophesy about who Jesus is and edify the Church.

“[T]he testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” (Rev. 19:10)

Examples in Scripture

The Bible has some amazing accounts of prophetic musicians who cast out demons and won military battles through melodies and songs.

Young David played his harp and caused King Saul to be set free from a terrorizing spirit: "And so it was, whenever the spirit from God was upon Saul, that David would take a harp and play it with his hand. Then Saul would become refreshed and well, and the distressing spirit would depart from him.” (1 Sam. 16:23)

And in Chronicles, singers delivered Israel from armies: “And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying: “Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever.”

Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. For the people of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly kill and destroy them. And when they had made an end of the inhabitants of Seir, they helped to destroy one another.” (2 Chron. 20:21-23)

How to cultivate a prophetic spirit:

A prophetic spirit doesn’t come in an instant. It must be intentionally cultivated. Here a few things you can do to help cultivate a prophetic spirit:

1. Be a servant. This is such a huge part of playing on a worship team. Serving others must be a primary focus in our musicianship. What can I play to help bring out the best in the other team members? What can I not play? Servanthood and meekness go hand in hand. Meekness is power under control which is ultimately governed by a spirit of servanthood.
2. Pray and read the Word. It sounds simple — and that’s because it is. Prayer is simply talking with God. In order to prophesy who God is we must first know God. An intentional time when we seek to know God will inevitably develop a spirit of prophecy in us — though cultivating a prophetic spirit must not be the reason to pray and read the Word.
3. Live the Sermon on the Mount lifestyle. I think the biggest hindrance to musicians walking in the spirit of prophecy is pride. We’ve all felt tingle of pride welling up, that was so cool. You sounded so amazing playing that melody. The Sermon on the Mount lifestyle is Christianity 101. It emphasizes humility, meekness, purity and servanthood.

You may have noticed that none of these tips have anything to do with music. While practice and developing your musical talent is important, it is not the end-all. Jesus is the end-all, always. Being a prophetic musician focuses on Jesus and how we can better exalt Him above ourselves.