Prophetic Perceptions (Part I)

Prophetic Perceptions (Part I)
11/4/10

Perception is first defined in Webster’s New World dictionary as the act of perceiving-comprehending, understanding, apprehending. Second, it is defined as the result of perceiving; insight, knowledge, observation. Third, it is defined as the power to perceive; discernment, sagacity; acumen, judgment. It is interesting to study these different definitions and relate them to a study of prophetic prayer. Note that perception can be an act (verb), a result (noun) or a power to perceive (noun).
 
I look at these definitions and see that a prophetic prayer doesn’t happen on its own. We must act. We must put forth effort to perceive into the spiritual world. (act) Once we have done this, with Gods’ grace and love we will have learned something. (a result) We will gain insight or knowledge we need. The something is often a knowing about a situation or a sense that A or B is the right direction for our life. Finally, Webster’s defines perception as the power to perceive. This definition is at the heart of our discussion today. I tend to think of the gift an established, respected, prophet has-the power to perceive into a spiritual realm-as one of the offices listed in Corinthians (1 Cor.12: 28 NIV). I have been learning that it is not only those called to be prophets that actually have that power to perceive into the spiritual realm. We all do. I have been seeking that power in my life for some time. I never really thought about it as being power, but rather, a gift of the Holy Spirit. Let’s look at perception some more to better understand prophetic prayer.

Kim Clement, defines perception as the ability to have insight and foresight (Clement, 2005 pg. 63). Let’s look at the definitions of insight and foresight to better understand spiritual perception.
Insight is related to our field of vision. Vision, however, is not limited to physical seeing. Vision includes the ability to discern the true nature of a situation. It is an intuitive knowing of things hidden from physical sight. Paul prayed that the eyes of our understanding be enlightened (Eph. 1: 18 NIV) Insight is the ability to know certain things because you see into invisible spiritual realms. It is the result of having our understanding enlightened by the Lord.

Foresight is the ability to perceive and identify events before they occur. It is the discovery and distinguishing of the nature of events before they have come into existence. It is the ability to look forward in time. (Clement, 2005, pg.176) It is a new way of seeing and hearing from the Lord.

Our natural sight actually limits our ability to perceive in the spiritual realm. A person must let go of their dependence on physical sight to move into the realm of insight. This is a realm many people fear or distrust. Often people discount their prophetic gifts as part of an overactive imagination. However, what one must remember is God loves you! He will not play mind games with you. He will not use your mind to harm you or others. He is incapable of doing that for He is love. One way to know you are walking in the prophetic is the hope His message brings. There is no selfish or self-centered desire in prophetic visions. Those who pursue prophetic vision with an uncontrolled desire are not operating in the true gift of the prophetic. Rather, they are seeking answers based on carnal desires.

When you get spiritual insight, you are no longer controlled by your natural vision. You are living 2 Corinthians 4:18 where Paul addresses natural sight. “So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen, since what we see is temporary, and what we do not see is eternal.” An example of this from my own life is my current status as unemployed. In the world’s view, I am living a low-income life and desperately need employment. Through the prophetic prayers of friends I have been reassured this is not true. The Lord is employing me as I tend to my elderly parents and neighbors. I am busy learning more about the Lord and service to Him. My bills are paid and God has provided for all of my needs. I worry about the future when I start thinking like the world. I wonder how I will be able to help my daughter go to college or how I will fund a life after retirement. I find peace and truth when I live in the prophetic. God prophesies goodness to me. He shows me the way out of my troubles. God is good all the time!
(To Be Continued)