You formed my innermost being,
shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside,
and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.
I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!
Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking.
Psalm 139:13-14 TPT
Spiritual formation is “a process of being formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others.”
Invitation to a Journey, M. Robert Mulholland Jr.
A strong foundation is essential for those who seek to grow in prophetic ministry. Spiritual formation—the process of being “formed in the image of Christ for the sake of others“—is the key to developing the character needed to sustain the right heart before both God and man for the long term. Spiritual formation also aids in hearing God more clearly, discerning His voice accurately, and living out His will with confidence. Whether you’re just starting to explore prophetic ministry or seeking to deepen your ability to hear from God, spiritual formation is essential for building the right foundation.
What is Spiritual Formation?
Spiritual formation is the intentional process of being shaped by God into the image of Christ. Just as a potter shapes clay, God transforms our hearts, minds, and actions. It involves deepening our relationship with God, aligning our will with His, and becoming more like Jesus in every aspect of our lives. Spiritual formation is a lifelong journey, and it’s fundamental to growing in any ministry gift, including prophecy.
When spirituality is viewed as a journey, spiritual formation is:
“an increasingly faithful response to the One whose purpose shapes our path, whose grace redeems our detours, whose power liberates us from crippling bondages of the prior journey and whose transforming presence meets us at each turn in the road. In other words, holistic spirituality is a pilgrimage of deepening responsiveness to God’s control of our life and being.”
Invitation to a Journey
Spiritual formation is being “shaped by God toward wholeness.” God is the potter and we are the clay. He is the initiator of our growth toward wholeness. Wholeness restores us to displaying the image of God, just as we were formed in the beginning (Genesis 1:26-27). Although we have all been mired by the effects of the fall, Jesus restored the way for us to be “transformed into his image with an ever-increasing glory” (2 Corinthians 3:18 NIV).
Why is Spiritual Formation Important for Prophetic Ministry?
Clarity in Hearing God’s Voice
Spiritual formation helps tune your heart and mind to hear God’s voice more clearly. As you grow in intimacy with God, you become more sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading, which is essential for prophetic ministry.
Discernment and Accuracy
In prophetic ministry, discernment is vital. Spiritual formation grounds you in God’s Word, character, and will, helping you accurately discern His voice and deliver messages that align with Scripture and His nature.
Character and Integrity
Prophetic ministry is not just about receiving and delivering words from God; it’s about reflecting God’s character. Spiritual formation shapes your heart to align with God’s love, humility, and grace, ensuring that your ministry is motivated by His heart, not your own desires.
Protection Against Deception
Without a solid foundation in spiritual formation, it’s easy to be led astray by personal emotions or external influences. A deep relationship with God and a mature understanding of Scripture provide guardrails to keep prophetic words aligned with His truth.
Empathy and Compassion
Prophetic ministry often involves speaking into the lives of others, and spiritual formation nurtures a heart of compassion and understanding. As you grow in Christ-like love, you’ll minister with greater sensitivity and care for those you serve.
How to Build a Strong Foundation
Cultivate a Deep Prayer Life
Prayer is foundational in spiritual formation and prophetic ministry. Develop a regular habit of prayer, seeking God’s presence, asking for His guidance, and listening for His voice. Prayer helps sharpen your spiritual senses and positions you to receive prophetic words with clarity.
Immerse Yourself in Scripture
God speaks to us through His Word. The more you spend time in Scripture, the more you’ll recognize His voice when He speaks. Scripture also serves as the standard by which all prophetic words must be tested (1 Thessalonians 5:20-21).
Develop Regular Spiritual Practices
To build a strong foundation for prophetic ministry, cultivate spiritual practices that you find helpful in your connection with the Lord. Possibilities include time spent with the Lord in worship, silence, prayer walking, journaling, creative expression, or other practices that help you cultivate connection with the Lord.
Cultivate Emotional and Spiritual Discernment
Growing in emotional intelligence and spiritual discernment is crucial for prophetic ministry. Pay attention to your emotions and how God might be speaking through them. Frustration, peace, joy, or sorrow can all be invitations to hear God’s heart more clearly.
Maintain Healthy Relationships
Prophetic ministry should never be done in isolation. Seek out mentors and community who can provide guidance, accountability, and wisdom. Spiritual formation is meant to take place in the context of community, where you can grow, test, and refine your prophetic gifts.
Serve Others with Love
True prophetic ministry always flows from a heart of love and service. As you grow in spiritual formation, cultivate a humble heart that desires to serve others, not for recognition but to reflect God’s love and truth.
Seek the Holy Spirit’s Leading
The Holy Spirit is the source of all prophetic gifting. Invite the Holy Spirit into every part of your spiritual formation journey, asking for His guidance, wisdom, and empowerment. Trust that as you grow in your relationship with the Spirit, your prophetic gift will deepen as well.
Conclusion
A strong foundation in spiritual formation is essential for anyone seeking to grow in prophetic ministry. By engaging in a lifelong journey of deepening your relationship with God, immersing yourself in His Word, and cultivating a heart of humility and discernment, you will be better equipped to hear from God and minister to others effectively. Spiritual formation creates a foundation for your prophetic ministry to remain rooted in humility, love, and integrity, protecting you from error and guiding you toward greater alignment with the character of Jesus.
If you desire to hear God more clearly and grow in your prophetic gift and ministry, start by intentionally engaging with practices that cultivate spiritual formation. It will not only help you grow as a prophetic voice but also transform you into a vessel of God’s love, grace, and truth for the world.
Want to learn more about spiritual formation? Check out Invitation to a Journey: A Road Map for Spiritual Formation by Robert M. Mulholland Jr. The book will further equip you for the journey.
If you would find spiritual companionship valuable along your formational journey, you may be interested in Spiritual Direction.