Praying in tongues refers to the practice of speaking in an unknown language during prayer, as described in the New Testament of the Bible. It is considered a spiritual gift bestowed by the Holy Spirit to believers in Christ. Here is an overview of what the Bible teaches about praying in tongues:
The Gift of Tongues
Speaking in tongues first occurred in Acts 2 during the day of Pentecost, when the apostles were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in foreign languages they had not previously known. This enabled them to spread the gospel to people from diverse nations who were gathered in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-13).
In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul lists tongues as one of the spiritual gifts imparted by the Holy Spirit. He teaches that not all believers possess the same gifts, but the Holy Spirit distributes them according to His will for the common good of the church (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Two Types of Tongues
The New Testament describes two main types of tongues:
1. Speaking in foreign human languages, as the apostles did at Pentecost. This enabled them to share the gospel cross-culturally.
2. Speaking in a private prayer language that cannot be understood by others without interpretation. This type of tongues is meant for personal edification in one’s private devotion to God (1 Corinthians 14:2, 4).
Guidelines for the Gift of Tongues
Paul provides guidelines for proper use of the gift of tongues in 1 Corinthians 14:
– Tongues are meant to strengthen the faith of the believer, not to communicate with others (1 Corinthians 14:4)
– Without interpretation, tongues do not benefit the wider church and should be limited (1 Corinthians 14:5, 13, 27-28)
– Prophecy is preferred over uninterpreted tongues because it can instruct others (1 Corinthians 14:1-5)
– Everything in the church should be done for edification (1 Corinthians 14:26)
– Tongues must be used orderly, not in confusion (1 Corinthians 14:27, 33, 39-40)
The Purpose of Praying in Tongues
Based on Paul’s teachings, praying in tongues serves several spiritual purposes:
– Allows the believer to communicate with God at depths beyond normal human language (1 Corinthians 14:2)
– Builds up the faith of individual believers by the power of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 1:20)
– Allows the Spirit to intercede through us, often with “groans that words cannot express” (Romans 8:26-27)
– Can function as a sign to unbelievers when accompanied by interpretation (1 Corinthians 14:22)
Who Can Pray in Tongues?
Praying in tongues is available to all believers who desire the gift and are baptized in the Holy Spirit. Scripture records that:
– The apostles and earliest disciples prayed in tongues (Acts 2:1-4; 10:44-46; 19:1-6)
– The gift is available to all who believe (Mark 16:17; Acts 2:38-39)
– Not all believers exercise the gift, but all are encouraged to seek it (1 Corinthians 14:1, 5, 39)
– Entire congregations can receive the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues (Acts 10:44-46; 19:6)
How to Receive the Gift
For those desiring to pray in tongues, the Bible gives the following instructions:
– Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38-39)
– Earnestly desire and ask God for the gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:1, 13)
– In faith, yield your tongue to the Spirit’s control as you open your mouth to pray (Acts 2:4; 10:46)
– Begin speaking the language the Spirit provides, trusting Him to give the utterance (Acts 2:4; Romans 8:26-27)
The Holy Spirit enables different believers to pray in tongues in various ways. For some it is sudden and dramatic; for others, a gradual process. The expression will also vary. But praying in the Spirit always builds up and strengthens the believer’s intimacy with God.
Cautions About Tongues
The Bible does offer some cautions about the use of tongues:
– Not all tongue-speech comes from the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-3)
– The gift can be misused without love (1 Corinthians 13:1)
– Public use requires interpretation; otherwise, it should be limited (1 Corinthians 14:27-28)
– Understanding is better than uninterpreted tongues (1 Corinthians 14:19)
– The speaker’s mind should be engaged, not disconnected from the tongue (1 Corinthians 14:13-15)
– Everything should be done decently and in order (1 Corinthians 14:39-40)
Benefits of Praying in the Spirit
While guidelines are necessary, Paul is mainly seeking to encourage prayer in tongues, not discourage it. For the believer, the potential benefits include:
– Direct communication with God beyond language limitations
– Strengthened faith and spiritual edification
– Empowered prayer and intercession
– A greater measure of God’s power and presence
– Deeper intimacy in worshipping and praising God
– Revelation, insight, or spiritual mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2)
– Spiritual refreshing and rejuvenation (Isaiah 28:11-12)
Conclusion
Praying in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit that allows believers to communicate with God, build up their faith, and intercede in divine power beyond normal language constraints. It serves an important role for the church when used properly with order, understanding, and love. This gift is available to all Christians who desire spiritual growth and deeper intimacy with God. While exercising discernment, every believer is encouraged to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit and enjoy the benefits of praying in tongues.