Praying in Tongues
Praying in tongues is one of the most powerful things we as believers can do. It is also the most misunderstood truth; my prayer is after you finish reading this newsletter you will have a greater understanding. To properly understand this truth, let us go to the first time we see people speaking in tongues. It was in Acts 2 on the day of Pentecost.
Acts 2:1-4, “When the Day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then there appeared to them divided tongues, as of fire, and one sat upon each of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
Speaking in tongues was a result of them being filled with Holy Spirit. And more importantly, it was the Holy Spirit who gave them utterance. The biggest misconception about speaking in tongues is we are speaking, and a lot of people end up speaking rubbish or gibberish. They end up repeating a phrase. Let’s reread verse 4 again: “…. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” Holy Spirit is the one who gave them utterance.
What is the purpose of Speaking in Tongues?
In 1 Corinthians 14, Holy Spirit through Paul talks about speaking in tongues at great lengths. It is important to understand the context of the book and chapter before reading through it. The context of this book and chapter is to the church. We won’t read all of 14 but we will look at certain verses, the main thing to remember is the instructions he gives is for a church setting. Most of what I am writing about is for your personal life, in your prayer closet.
1 Corinthians 14:2, “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
When you are praying in tongues you are praying directly to God. Remember who gives you the utterance? Holy Spirit! So, it is God Holy Spirit praying through you to God the Father. And Holy Spirit is praying perfect prayers. The reason why it is a mystery is because the Godhead knows a lot of things we do know.
v.4, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” (NKJV)
v.4, “4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church.” (NLT)
Remember the context of this book is to the church. When speaking in tongues, you are edifying yourself or strengthening yourself. Especially when God gives you a hard task to do, praying in tongues will build your faith. Jude 1:20, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit….” Praying in Holy Spirit or praying in tongues builds you up. As you are praying Holy Spirit reveals truths to you that buildup your faith.
Different kinds of tongues
1 Corinthians 14:22-25, “Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind? But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you.”
The more you pray in tongues you will realize that there will be certain times that you will be speaking a different tongue dialect if you will. And sometimes you will be speaking an actual language that is foreign to you. Remember it is Holy Spirit speaking through you. When you are speaking in other languages it is a sign for others in the church gathering. This is what Holy Spirit through Paul is talking about when He says that tongues are a sign for unbelievers. This is the kind of tongue that will happen in a church setting.
Acts 2:5-12, “And there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men, from every nation under heaven. And when this sound occurred, the multitude came together, and were confused, because everyone heard them speak in his own language. Then they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Look, are not all these who speak Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each in our own language in which we were born? Parthians and Medes and Elamites, those dwelling in Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya adjoining Cyrene, visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our own tongues the wonderful works of God.” So they were all amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “Whatever could this mean?”
The utterance that Holy Spirit gave the disciples was the different languages represented in the audience. The language was a mystery to the disciples but known to the audience.
Proper praying in tongues practice
1 Corinthians 14:13-15, “Therefore let him who speaks in a tongue pray that he may interpret. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.”
“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” Your spirit is the part of you that is praying. When you are praying in tongues you are praying mysteries to the Lord, you won’t know what you are saying unless God Holy Spirit reveals it to you. My personal practice is, as I am praying in tongues, I am either meditating on a verse that Holy Spirit gives me, or I am praying in English in my mind. There are times Holy Spirit will give me a picture but that does not happen regularly for me, but you might be different. I personally believe (not scriptural based but through my own experiences) when you are praying in tongues, and you are not engaging your mind in what is happening you do not get edified or strengthened.
Main take away:
Praying in tongues to me is just another sign of how much God loves us. He knows that praying can be hard sometimes and so He decided to do it with us. Matthew 26:40-41, “ Then He came to the disciples and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “What! Could you not watch with Me one hour? Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” Our spirit wants to engage with the Godhead, but our flesh will always want to do its own thing. Out of God’s love and mercy, He decided to pray with us so that He can help us overcome the flesh.
Praying in tongues, for me, has completely changed my prayer time. I pray that reading this has given you greater understanding about praying in tongues. For those who have been seeking this for a while and nothing has happened do not be ashamed or condemned, just trust in God’s love for you.
