“For God may speak in one way, or in another, yet man does not perceive it. In a dream, in a vision of the night…”
(Job 33:14-15)
There are different types of dreams: prophetic, revelatory, instructive, informative, and corrective. Each type is a unique way in which God communicates with us. Dreams can guide us, warn us, prepare us, or draw us closer to Him.
1. Prophetic Dreams
Prophetic dreams reveal future events and prepare us for what lies ahead.
“…and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
(John 16:13b)
The Holy Spirit may reveal what’s to come through dreams, visions, God’s Word, a still small voice, the audible voice of God, an inward witness, or the gift of prophecy.
“I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things not yet done…”
(Isaiah 46:9b–10a)
These dreams might reveal open doors and closed ones. But don’t be disheartened when doors close—praise God in all situations, and He will open new paths for you.
Prophetic dreams often encourage us to wait with a thankful heart until their fulfillment.
“Once Joseph had a dream… ‘Listen to this dream that I dreamed…'”
(Genesis 37:5-7)
Warning dreams come as acts of mercy, showing us the changes we need to make.
“…But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him… Now then, return the man’s wife…”
(Genesis 20:1–7)
Jacob’s father-in-law was warned by God:
“…but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Take heed that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.'”
(Genesis 31:29)
Even St. Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, received warning dreams:
“…after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee.”
(Matthew 2:22)
Sometimes, God shows us people or situations in dreams so we can pray for them.
I once dreamt of a Sister in the Divine Retreat Centre being repeatedly hit by waves, overwhelmed by water coming out of her ears, nose, and mouth. Suddenly, a girl ran to her and helped her up.
When I woke, the Holy Spirit led me to this verse:
“Then from his mouth the serpent poured water like a river after the woman, to sweep her away with the flood.”
(Revelation 12:15)
This dream revealed that Satan, the accuser, was planning to bring her down—but someone’s faithful prayers would rescue her.
In another dream, I saw the face of a President and felt strongly that I needed to pray for him. Later, I learned that there had been many assassination attempts on him, but he survived. Though he’s no longer in office, God’s protection was evident.
Dreams like these reveal the enemy’s plans so we can battle in prayer until we receive a spiritual breakthrough—when deep peace enters our hearts, confirming victory.
4. Instructional Dreams
These dreams provide direct guidance or instruction.
“I once had a dream… all the goats that leap on the flock were striped, speckled, and mottled…”
(Genesis 31:10-13)
While writing my first book, I received dreams showing the parts I had left out. As I followed the instruction in the dream and added them, the book was complete.
5. Revelatory Dreams
These dreams deepen our knowledge of God and His nature.
“And he dreamed that there was a ladder set up on the earth… And the LORD stood beside him and said, ‘I am the LORD, the God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac…'”
(Genesis 28:12–15)
Jacob had never encountered God personally until this dream. When he woke, he was filled with awe and reverence.
6. Impartation Dreams
These dreams release grace, healing, deliverance, and consolation—even as we sleep.
“He provides for His beloved during sleep.”
(Psalm 127:2)
In 2 Maccabees 15:11–16, we read how Judas Maccabeus received a dream in which the prophet Jeremiah gave him a golden sword to fight the enemy. Such dreams strengthen and empower us spiritually.
In Closing
Dreams are a divine channel through which God speaks, corrects, guides, and strengthens us. When interpreted with discernment and grounded in prayer and Scripture, dreams become a powerful part of our spiritual journey.
So, the next time you wake up remembering a dream—pause. Ask the Holy Spirit what He might be saying to you. Write it down. Pray about it. And trust that God is leading you through the language of dreams.
