Over the course of my studies in scribal ministry, I’ve noticed that there are numerous misconceptions about prophetic writing. While I’ve written about some of these in the past, I am adding a few more to our on-going list. I pray that they bless you and bring further clarity to understanding “prophetic writing” which is just one of the gifts of the prophetic scribe. Also, check out this five minute infographic: Am I a prophetic writer?
1. Myth: I’m a prophetic writer so I can write anything. Not necessarily! Some prophetic writers are only appointed in a “specific area” of prophetic writing. For example, writing prophecy, writing poetry, monologues or exhortation by urgency and command. Outside of this, the anointing lifts. There are some “prophetic writers” who are called only to one specific area. This doesn’t mean they won’t write other things, but it does mean that they do not “specialize” in all kinds of writing. Over the years, I’ve met many prophetic writers who write amazing poetry and songs, but they are unskilled as “prophetic” novelists, essayists, script writers, etc. There is absolutely no “prophetic release” in those writing. Even writing their own testimonies is a challenge in the craft and assistance is needed to break through.
2. Myth: Prophetic writing is about being a good writer. NO! What makes a prophetic writer a “prophetic” writer is that the they are COMMANDED OR URGED by the Spirit to place a prophetic message in written form. This is what makes the gift unique. The “act and command” to write as the primary vehicle to deliver the message is what makes a “prophetic writer” a “prophetic writer.” Being called to “deliver” the message in this format does not guarantee that a person is a good writer. Training may be required — even in the creative arena.
3. Myth: My prophetic writing is fine just the way God releases it. Not necessarily! I know this personally. Just like the uttered prophetic word, every piece of prophetic writing is subject to prophetic standards of judgment – regardless of its creative or non-creative form. In addition, writing is often filtered through the “scribe’s” skill level and understanding of the genre. While the release can still be effective, there is a professional aspect that is still relevant. Remember, the “prophetic writers” of the scripture were fully trained in their craft. Habakkuk, for example, used a literary form that was considered “genius” for his time. Scholars have spent exhaustive hours studying his technique for writing oracles.
4. Myth: My message is for everyone. Well, mostly no. Every prophetic message has a target audience with certain souls assigned to it. Very few prophetic messages are for everyone. As much as I love scribal ministry, not every Believer of Christ is destined to understand The Scribal Anointing as it has been given to me. I believe many of us write for our tribe — present and future. We write for the spiritual establishment of a thing into the atmosphere — especially when we are consistent, diligent and write across decades into a specific area. It works like “stored up prayer” waiting for a heavy rain.
5. Myth: Poetry writing is a special anointing. Ummm… no. Writing in poetic form was a standard for the Biblical writers. Scholars state that 75 percent of the Hebrew Bible is poetry in its original language. Poets are simply doing what has always been done – releasing the poetry on God’s heart. In addition, more than half of the New Covenant has formal writing styles based completely on academic writing techniques of the times in which those writers lived. And… some of those letters follow specific genre styles. How awesome is that!
6. Myth: There is no real basis for novel writing in the Bible. Wrong. Fiction and non-fiction is present through the art of Biblical storytelling. The Bible is chock-full of what prophetic writers understand to be “fiction and non-fiction, biographies, narratives, essays, speech writing, etc.” While we refer to fiction as “parables” in our scribal communities and some discourses as rhetoric, they exist. In addition, we hear of stories being passed down from generation to generation; and have notes or references in scripture to other books or scribal activities that clearly existed – although we do not have access to them today.
