The 12 Prophetic Disciplines

The 12 Prophetic Disciplines: Cultivating a Life Worthy of the Call

By Joshua Hamstra

Before the Practice, the Discipline

Before you prophesy, before you speak to nations or whisper encouragement to a friend, you must build the foundation — discipline. The prophetic life isn’t glamorous. It's gritty. It's waking at 3 AM with the weight of heaven on your heart. It’s visions, dreams, loneliness, tears, obedience, worship, waiting, and war.

Many desire the title “prophet” until they realize what it costs. But in this calling, there is a Heavenly reward—intimacy with the heart of God, transformation of lives, and revelation from heaven.

The Prophet's Journey Begins with a Call

I once ran from the gift. I asked God to take it away. But then came a word—from Vic Davis, an amazing prophet and man of God. The next day, God opened my eyes to the supernatural, and He never let me go from that day. From that moment forward, I knew: this gift wasn’t mine. It was His.

And maybe that’s where you are today. Called. Torn. Wondering how to balance work, family, chores, ministry—and still be a prophet?

The answer lies in this truth: discipline is the key.

The 12 Disciplines of the Prophet

1. A Close Walk with God

This is the lifeblood of the prophet. Without intimacy, there is no accuracy. Without relationship, there is no revelation. To walk closely with God is to remain anchored through ridicule, rejection, and silence. Don’t lose this gift—guard it with your life.

2. Obedience

Prophets must obey before they understand. Like Samual, Isaiah, Esther, and Mary, say, “Here I am.” Obedience strips away pride and aligns us with the heart and timing of God. It is the discipline that enables courage and purity in prophecy.

3. Worship

Worship transports us to the throne room. It’s where heaven meets earth. True prophets know how to enter the holy of holies and recognize the voice of God. Worship is not optional—it is essential, It is who we are, not just what we do.

4. Dependence & Provision

Like Elijah, prophets often live in dependence. God fed him through ravens, widows, and angels. Trust that He will provide—when you have nothing, and even when you have everything.

5. The Body of Christ

Prophets don’t operate in isolation. Though historically misunderstood, we are called to serve the body—not rebuke it from afar. Submit to leaders. Love the Church. Build relationships. You belong in the local Church!

6. Being Alone

There will be desert places. Embrace them. Jesus knew loneliness—in Gethsemane, before the Sanhedrin, on the cross. These seasons forge our strength and purify our hearing.

7. Prayer

Prophetic people must live in a continual state of prayer. Write what you hear. Meditate on it. Discern it. Prayer is not just something you do—it becomes who you are.

8. Being Human

You’re not perfect. You will make mistakes. Accept your humanity, and let God’s grace shine through your weakness. This keeps you humble and relatable. The discipline practice for this is to embrace your humanity, pick up your cross and follow Jesus every day of your life, in every season.

9. Endurance

There will be trials. Misunderstanding. Persecution. Endure it all. Don’t give up. The armor of God was made for the warrior prophet. Stand firm on the word of God, read it, and live it.

10. Servant Heart

Jesus washed feet. So must we. A prophet with pride is a danger. Cultivate humility. Desire no platform. Serve with joy.

11. The Heavenly Places

We are seated in heavenly realms with Christ. Learn to fight spiritual battles from your position of authority. Understand the realms of darkness, but operate from the light in Christ.

12. Preparing the Heart

Nothing about prophecy is casual. Prepare your heart through repentance, holiness, and the fear of the Lord. Spiritual sight comes from purity, discipline, and sacred devotion.

Are You Willing to Wait?

Prophets do not demand God’s voice—they wait for it. They live to please Him. Waiting is a discipline, too. It's an act of love.

Final Call: Will You Live the Disciplined Life?

This isn't for the faint of heart. It’s for those who burn with passion for His presence. For those willing to be misunderstood, stretched, poured out, and made new.

Are you ready to be a disciplined prophet—spiritually alert, humbly obedient, fiercely dependent, and fully alive in the heavenly realms?

He’s calling. Now it’s your turn to say, “Here I am. Send me.”