EMPTY — RECEIVE — RELEASE — TEST
We’re going to practice both chapters together.
STEP ONE — EMPTY
Sit quietly for 60 seconds.
Don’t construct a prophetic sentence.
Don’t decide what you’re going to say.
Release the need to sound impressive.
Quiet yourself.
STEP TWO — RECEIVE
Ask the Holy Spirit for one brief word that will strengthen, encourage or comfort your partner.
Don’t build a sermon around it.
Receive.
STEP THREE — RELEASE
Speak for no more than 30 seconds.
Keep your language humble.
Don’t add things God didn’t give you.
Don’t add dates.
Don’t assign somebody a title.
Don’t direct medical decisions.
Don’t tell someone whom to marry.
Don’t tell someone to move across the country.
Just release what you received.
STEP FOUR — TEST IT
The person receiving asks:
Does this agree with Scripture?
Does this strengthen, encourage or comfort?
Does it produce righteousness, peace or joy?
Does this sound like the character of Jesus?
STEP FIVE — CHECK YOUR OWN FOUNDATION
Now the person who gave the word asks privately:
Why did I say what I said?
Was I trying to help?
Was I trying to impress?
Was I trying to control?
Was I trying to prove I could hear?
Was I desperate to be accurate?
What motive was underneath my visible delivery?