Tongues
Speaking in tongues sounds so foolish and it is for that reason many Christians do not speak or pray in tongues. However, it activates a power that unfolds the secrets and mysteries that God has in His heart for each and every one of His children.
1. Praying in tongues is speaking to God
1 Corinthians 14:2 - But 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.
2. Praying in tongues is God speaking to you
Tongues is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is where God speaks to an individual or to a formal gathering by means of the gift of interpretation.
3. Praying in tongues builds you up
1 Corinthians 14:4 - He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.
Jude 20 - But you, beloved, building yourself up in your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is a wonderful benefit because it builds us up when we are down. Regardless of our present circumstances, we are empowered to rise above any despondency or discouragement.
4. Praying in tongues is a lifestyle
Ephesians 5:18 - And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled continually with the Spirit.
Speaking in tongues is a lifestyle that should be practiced often. It should be present in your daily devotions and prayer. It is definitely not a once-off experience but something that must be engaged in willfully and obediently every day. It should always form part of your daily prayer routine.
1 Corinthians 14:18 - I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.
5. Praying in tongues places you in God’s will
Romans 8:26 – 28 - Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called to His purpose.
6. Praying in tongues can be done in public
1 Corinthians 14:22 - Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to unbelievers…
7. Praying with the Spirit is not a sophisticated tongue
Tongues is not a sophisticated language and believers should not practice their tongue in order for it to become mature. Praying in tongues is always going to sound foolish, but it releases the power of God.
8. Praying with the Spirit is not gibberish
When you pray in tongues you are not speaking gibberish. Tongues are foolish to ordinary people but it is the power of God in your Christian walk. It may not sound like a language, but it is. It is a heavenly language that communicates with God.
9. Praying in tongues is not hypnotic
Speaking in tongues is not hypnotic and a person who is speaking in tongues or singing in tongues is not chanting.
When the Spirit of God comes on flesh, there can be fleshly or emotional outbursts. People may look like they are mesmerized, but they are not.
When you are speaking in tongues you are conscious and you know what is happening because you have not engaged your mind, but your spirit man.
10. Praying in tongues bypasses your mind
1 Corinthians 14:14 - For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.
11. Praying in tongues should not be forbidden
1 Corinthians 14:39 - Therefore, my brothers, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues.
12. Praying in tongues builds up your faith
Jude 20 - Building yourself up in your most holy faith praying in the Holy Spirit.
Christians sometimes struggle to exercise their faith. However, praying in tongues is a supernatural way to build up your faith.
13. Praying in tongues can be at any time any place
1 Timothy 2:8 - I desire therefore that the men pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.
14. Praying in tongues yields the tongue to God
James 3:8 - But no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
15. Praying in tongues places you in God’s presence
Revelation 4:1 - I was in the Spirit on the Lord's Day, and I heard behind me a loud voice, as of a trumpet. After these things I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven. And the first voice which I heard was like a trumpet speaking with me, saying, “Come up here, and I will show you things which must take place after this.
16. Praying in tongues is for the present day believer
Mark 16:17;20 - And these signs will follow them that believe. In my name they will cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues. And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word through the accompanying signs.
Acts 2:39 - For the promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off, as many as the Lord our God shall call to Himself.
17. Praying in tongues is an evidence of God’s power
Acts 1:8 - But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.
18. Praying in tongues ensures victory in the battle
Ephesians 6:18 - Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.
