Some may think that this gift to
prophesy means mainly to predict. That is to make a supernatural prediction of events.
It is not mainly that here though. It is to SPEAK for the Lord.
It is to speak forth on behalf of the Lord Jesus, on behalf of God.
You have to use your regenerated spirit and you have to use your mouth.
"Pursue love, and desire EARNESTLY spiritual gifts, but ESPECIALLY that you may PROPHESY. (v.1)
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God; for no one hears, but in his spirit he speaks mysteries. (v.2)
But he who prophesies speaks building up and encouragement and consolation to men." (v.3)
To
prophesy is mainly to SPEAK edifying, consulating, encouraging, uplifting, building up, faith producing and faith enhancing words conveying God to people.
Prophesy does not exclude the miraculous. But it is not mainly miraculous prediction by edifying and building up speaking for God for men and women's spiritual benefit.
Paul say this gift should be desired earnestly rather than dismissed as useless "mouth worship".