In 1 Cor. 14:1, Paul writes "Follow after charity, and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. " Encouraging all members of the church to desire the spiritual gifts, but especially the ability to prophesy.
The gift of prophesy is a spiritual gift that only God can control. He has the ability to impart spiritual gifts to people and we should desire. Prophesying is used for the purpose of God's glory and it isn't something everyone can just do. God has to enable this ability within church members.
I would suggest that those who are following after charity and genuinely desiring the spiritual gift of prophesy are more likely to receive this gift, per the simple text in 1 Cor. 14:1. I believe the kind of prayer that God wants to answer are those that are seeking after His glory. From that genuine state of heart we can request spiritual gifts.
Before I continue, I want to address a some points. Those with the gift of prophecy can receive messages from entities other than God, such as the devil, demons, and angels. This is why 1 Cor. 14:29 says " Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge." The reason for this is to root out any possible false doctrines, false gospels, or ungodly messages.
What Paul wrote in Gal. 1:8 was literal, "But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Paul stated point blank it's possible to receive a message from an angel. Furthermore, Paul also said that it's possible to receive messages from seducing spirits and demons in 1 Tim. 4:1 "Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;"
That is why it is best to be careful when prophesying. It is necessary to know the Bible well. The Spirit that speaks expressly in 1 Tim. 4:1 will not contradict the Bible. We cannot know what contradicts the Bible unless we know the Bible. Those who do not know the Bible can be easily deceived, led astray, confused, become a false prophet, and more.
A simple test for a prophet to confirm who they are talking to is mentioned in 1 John 4:3. "And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God..." A prophet can possibly pick up on a lot of sweet words, clever ideas, things that seem right and sound good, but ultimately are crafted to shipwreck a prophet's faith or break their spirit. A simple test is to literally ask "Do you confess that Jesus Christ came in the flesh?" if they deny it then you know who you're talking to.
2 Cor. 11:4 is also literal, "And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light." This is for the purpose of getting a foot in the door and gradually supplanting the truth with false doctrines and lies.
Above all, every Christian needs to seek after the literal guidance of God's Holy Spirit to help them understand the Bible, follow charity and desire spiritual gifts, especially prophesy.
1 Thess. 5:20 says "Despise not prophesyings." and it is as simple as that. No matter what anyone says, the Bible does not say the spiritual gifts have ceased. There is overwhelming evidence to actually continue to desire spiritual gifts and to even ask God for them directly.