Prophetic Writing
Writing in the Spirit Type III & Activation
In this session, students will explore what it means to write in the spirit based on Writing in the Spirit Type III.
TYPE 3: Sitting and Seeking
Sitting and seeking is perhaps the most common approach to prophetic writing today. It simply indicates that the prophetic writer takes the necessary steps to intentionally create an atmosphere conducive for writing in the spirit, positions themselves to seek the Lord for a specific word or insight, and then to record his response or what is revealed. As a prophetic writer, I do this often in my walk with the Lord whether seeking insight concerning starting a chapter in my book, writing a prayer to the Lord in anticipation of a response or simply posturing myself for meditation in anticipation of receiving a word from the Lord.
The possibilities of interacting with the Lord as a writer are endless.
In my experiences mentoring others and walking out my own journey as a prophetic writer, I believe writing in the spirit by sitting and seeking is comprised of three easily recognizable methods of accessing the prophetic writing atmosphere. Those methods include:
- Being drawn by Holy Spirit into your prophetic writing atmosphere. There are times when I can literally sense that the Lord wants to speak to me through my pen. It's a gentle beckoning or pull to come and sit with Him win [sic] a time of prayer, meditation, note taking, study or personal reflection. As often as possible, I immediately respond, wanting to hold on to that moment as long as possible.
In moments like these, the writer may not hear the words immediately or know what is on the heart of God. Rather, the urgency is to enter His presence and maximize their time there – ready and with pen in hand. The most important thing to remember, as I see it, is that times like these are precious because it is the Lord drawing you into a private writing encounter. As a result, it is critically important that the writer is able to enter in swiftly. In my own life, I rarely know when these moments will occur so I keep pen and paper in nearly every room of the house in anticipation. This is one of the most profound ways in which Holy Spirit teaches the prophetic writer how to write in the Spirit.
- Scheduling time to write every day. There is something amazing about making a decision to spend time in the Lord's presence every day if possible to write. At one point in my life, I would sit in my prayer room and write love letters to the Lord or tell him about my day. I would share my frustrations and pain, as well as my joys and successes.
I faced this truth: There is always something to "write to God about" and it doesn't have to be super-spiritual. I've worked through numerous writing prompts in His presence as well, and was amazed at how easily Holy Spirit would begin to speak to my heart. Over time, the atmosphere in my prayer room became saturated with presence… and every time I stepped in I could sense the Spirit. Eventually, I could enter in and write with ease where there was once struggle.
As prophetic writers, you can nurture this kind of environment in your writing space – even if it is your car during your lunch breaks or apprehending moments in the early mornings. Serious prophetic writers are rejuvenated during these times as Holy Spirit ministers to them.
Additional Insight
It is important for prophetic writers to recognize that they can initiate their encounters with the Lord. We do not have to wait for a leading or an unction to exercise our gifting and callings. In fact, our Father enjoys being pursued and seeing us walk out our enjoyment with our gifts. There is so much freedom and spiritual growth in grasping this truth.
Religion would have us waiting on the Lord to do absolutely everything. But relationship speaks of Sonship – sons interacting with the Father they love. Remember, children long to use their gifts and paint masterpieces for their parents. If we embrace our childlike faith, we will remain in this place of wonder and expectation.
It's like a child deciding he or she wants to crawl into the arms of their parent for a while. In addition, it is okay to set the amount of time that works for you. Start out with 15 minutes and work your way toward an hour. Whatever you do, however, be consistent if you want to see results and an increase in your prophetic writing flow.
Your writing exercise is your activation
Based on what you have learned, your assignment throughout the remainder of this course (and beyond) is (1) to pay attention to those times the Lord draws you into His presence to write; (2) Respond by following his lead, (3) create your personal writing schedule in the Lord's presence (add this as goal on your Jumpstart Plan). Since you are already in this course, you count the time you spend working through these course assignments as "your scheduled time," and you can view your writing exercises as part of what you are focusing on.