Praying or Prophesying: Understanding the Difference
“Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonoureth his head.” (1 Corinthians 11:4, KJV)
While prayer and prophesying are closely related spiritual activities, they differ. In my experience, believers often pray when they should be prophesying. Understanding this distinction is crucial for effectively handling the challenges we face.
In 1 Corinthians 14, while teaching the Corinthians about speaking in tongues, Paul highlights the important difference between praying and prophesying.
Let’s start with prayer. At its core, prayer is coming before God with a request, often called the prayer of petition. For example, Paul says,
“For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2, KJV)
When we pray, we talk to God, presenting our needs and believing He hears us and will respond.
In contrast, prophetic utterances involve speaking God’s words to people or circumstances. Paul states,
“But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.” (1 Corinthians 14:3, KJV)
The key difference is that prophecy involves speaking to people or things, while prayer involves speaking to God. Here, I want to focus on a specific type of prophetic utterance: speaking God’s words with authority to command changes. Jesus teaches this:
“For verily I say unto you, That whosoever shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” (Mark 11:23, KJV)
A reputable ministry once questioned the teaching of speaking God’s words to things. They suggested Jesus was referring to prayer in Mark 11:23, citing verse 24, which mentions prayer. They even sent me Matthew Henry’s commentary, which supports this view. This illustrates how theological perspectives can influence our interpretation of Scripture. They were attempting to refute what they termed the “name it and claim it” movement. However, in this passage, Jesus spoke to a tree—He didn’t pray but spoke directly to it.
Understanding this distinction is important because some situations require prayer, while others require speaking with authority. Often, prayer and prophecy go hand in hand as we declare God’s word in an atmosphere of prayer.
Praying about something you should command to move will be ineffective. A typical example is dealing with demonic activity; it often requires us to command demons to leave. Praying and asking God to do what we are supposed to do ourselves with words of authority will leave us powerless in many situations.
Knowing when to pray and when to prophesy is crucial in daily life. The Spirit will often prompt us. When it’s time to pray, talk to God. But when it’s time to prophesy or speak God’s words over your marriage, finances, or health, etc, declare His words with authority.
Meditate
What is the difference between prayer and prophecy in your own words?
Apply the Word
God wants us to practice praying and prophesying and know when each is needed. Understanding this difference is just the beginning. Now, put it into practice: pray and prophesy today.
Pray
Ask the Spirit to help you grow in prophetic utterances, declaring God’s words over your life daily.
Recommended Read
- Two P’s to Change Any Situation– The Power of Prayer and Prophecy
- How to Prophesy to Dry Bones in Your Life
- Prophecy and Prophets in the New Testament
- Death and Life Are in the Power of the Tongue
- View all Deshen Daily Devotionals
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