Session 1 — What Is Prophecy?   

 Foundations, language, and misconceptions

   Key Texts:    Deuteronomy 18; Exodus 3

Session 2 — The Prophetic Call   

Vocation, resistance, and authority

   Key Texts: Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1; Exodus 3–4

   Creative Companion: Denise Levertov (guided poetic reflection)

Session 3 — Prophets and Power   

Kings, courts, and confrontation

   Key Texts: 1 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 12; 1 Kings 18

Session 4 — The Prophetic Books   

Poetry, vision, and symbolic action

   Key Texts: Isaiah 1; Amos 5; Ezekiel 1

Session 5 — The Human Cost of Prophecy   

Personality, emotion, and suffering

   Key Texts: Jeremiah 20; Jonah; Hosea 1–3

   Creative Companion: Literary and theological reflections on Jeremiah

Session 6 — Hearing Prophecy Then and Now   

Reception, discernment, and ministry

   Key Texts: Jeremiah 28; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58

Lesson Summary

This course on prophecy explores the nature, role, and impact of prophetic figures and messages through biblical texts and creative reflections. It is structured into six sessions:

• Session 1 — What Is Prophecy?
  Foundations, language, and common misconceptions about prophecy.
  Key Texts: Deuteronomy 18; Exodus 3
• Session 2 — The Prophetic Call
  Focus on the vocation, initial resistance, and authority of prophets.
  Key Texts: Isaiah 6; Jeremiah 1; Exodus 3–4
  Creative Companion: Guided poetic reflection with Denise Levertov
• Session 3 — Prophets and Power
  Exploration of interactions between prophets and kings, courts, and the confrontational nature of prophecy.
  Key Texts: 1 Samuel 8; 2 Samuel 12; 1 Kings 18
• Session 4 — The Prophetic Books
  Study of prophetic literature emphasizing poetry, visionary experiences, and symbolic actions.
  Key Texts: Isaiah 1; Amos 5; Ezekiel 1
• Session 5 — The Human Cost of Prophecy
  Analysis of the emotional, personality-related, and suffering aspects of being a prophet.
  Key Texts: Jeremiah 20; Jonah; Hosea 1–3
  Creative Companion: Literary and theological reflections on Jeremiah
• Session 6 — Hearing Prophecy Then and Now
  Discussion on how prophecy is received, discerned, and practiced in ministry today.
  Key Texts: Jeremiah 28; Micah 6:8; Isaiah 58