In 1987 a Christian friend thought my new faith was too weak and I needed the gift of speaking in tongues. So from Norwich, UK I spoke to her mother in Virginia, USA. After a while she said, "When you wake up tomorrow morning, kneel on the floor and speak in tongues." I slept well that night, and on waking knelt on the floor and spoke in tongues just as she said.
"He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself." 1 Corinthians 14.4. The point of speaking in tongues is to strengthen my own faith. I am built up and it is yet another way I can build myself up. I tend to pray in tongues privately every morning but I often feel I don'tspeak in tongues enough.
After speaking in tongues, I expect the interpretation of tongues to be given to my mind. A scripture verse may pop into my mind, or the Holy Spirit indicates I should pray with my mind more or think or certain apt scriptures come to mind. He gives me guidance. It can help me endure in praying.
If I run out of words when praying or can't think of what to pray for I start speaking in tongues. If there are people nearby, I speak under my breath so they can't hear. They might think I'm weird.
At home in private I speak in tongues out loud in a normal speaking volume, and when outdoors I do similar and making sure nobody else hears me. Always I expect the interpretation of tongues and am given it.
"For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit." 1 Corinthians 14.2 When I am speaking in tongues I am speaking to God, not to man. It is a useful gift, a bit like carrying something like a Bible in another form with you wherever you go. Because the Bible also edifies you when you read it.
Or something extra to worship, praise and say thanks to God, all of which can free you in faith, build you up and make you face God. It is an entirely different tool, or weapon.
Paul spoke in tongues a lot and exclaimed " I thank God I speak in tongues more than you all." 1 Corinthians 14.18. So if he deemed it so necessary to speak in tongues quite a bit, then maybe we should.
I have Christian friends who speak in tongues and Christian friends who do not. Yet both sets are strong in their faith. I am not saying you have to have the gift, but if you do then you should use it. If you don't there are many other ways of growing in faith.
Michael Hume. Christian since 1987. Believe the Bible in original form is true, and in a daily personal relationship with Jesus. A freelance writer. Copyright belongs to author.
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