Twelve Reasons You Should Speak in Tongues!
Reason One; Speaking in Tongues improves your prayer life!
Speaking in Tongues brings with it an improved prayer life. I would encourage all Christians to spend some quality time praying in tongues on a daily basis. Speaking in Tongues has been referred to as a hotline to Heaven. It is an intimate communication with the Creator of the universe. It is spirit to Spirit communication with our Heavenly Father. Through praying in tongues, you by-pass your mind and your understanding and are instantly in contact with God. When we pray in tongues, nobody but God understands what we are praying.
"For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful." (I Cor.14:2,14)
Again, this is referring to the prayer language of tongues. When you speak in tongues, you are speaking directly to God and are praying things that you don't understand. But you can rest assured that you are praying the perfect will of God. This passage tells us that we are praying mysteries. It is certainly a mystery to us, but it is not a mystery to God. He is hearing the innermost craving of our spirit-being, as we pray His perfect will. When we pray in tongues, our spirit is in instant supernatural communion with the Holy Spirit.
Just because you know how to pray, doesn't mean you know what you should pray for as you ought to. You may know a lot about the subject of prayer and consider yourself as having a very effective prayer life. However effective your prayer life is, it will undoubtedly become even more effective when you spend more quality time praying in tongues. Praying in Tongues improves your prayer life because when you pray in tongues you are praying His perfect will. When your spirit prays through this gift from the Holy Spirit, you will always pray in line with God's perfect will. It really doesn't matter that your mind doesn't understand those spiritual mysteries that are coming out of your mouth. You can know that your spirit, by the Holy Spirit, is praying the perfect will of God.
All of us have had times when we simply didn't know what to pray, this is exemplified in a current popular Christian song that prays, "Give me words to speak. Don't let my spirit sleep. Cause I can't think of anything worth saying. Give me words to speak. Don't let my spirit sleep." Yes, all of us have times when we cannot find the words to offer up to God to express our heart and soul. Thank God for the ability to pray in the spirit, to pray in tongues, and to touch the heart of God beyond our comprehension.
Reason Two: Speaking in Tongues Edifies Your own Soul!
Speaking in Tongues edifies and strengthen your soul. Your soul is different than your spirit, although sometimes they are seen in similar ways in Scripture. In fact, apart form Scripture and the Holy Spirit, it is probably impossible to tell the difference. The writer to the Hebrews says that, "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spirit." (He.4:12). Spirit is the word that is used to refer to the real you, the very life of your being, and the spiritual side of who you are. Soul is the word that is used to refer to your mind, will, emotions, and inner feelings. The word self is usually referring to the soul.
"He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself (his soul)...." (I Cor.14:4)
So when you speak in tongues, you are edifying your soul. That means that when you speak in tongues, you are edifying your mind, strengthening mental faculties and memory. When you speak in tongues, you are edifying your will, getting it more in line with God's will. When you speak in tongues, you are edifying your emotions and inner-feelings, getting them in line with God's emotions and feelings. Praying in tongues also allows you to develop to your optimum performance in nearly every one of your natural abilities. The spiritual enhancement that is given to your soul through praying in tongues is invaluable.
Some people somehow see this as a selfish thing. They imply that you should seek to edify the whole church and not just yourself. Although there is a lot of truth in that thought, how can we effectively edify others if we ourselves are not edified? Have you ever sought to get guidance from someone who is confused? Have you ever sought to get comfort from someone who is depressed? Through praying in tongues, we can build ourselves up in spiritual strength and edification, so that we can effectively minister God's grace to those around us.
It is good to edify yourself. You need to edify yourself. It is a way of charging your spiritual battery, so to speak. The God's Word Translation puts it this way, "When a person speaks in another language, he helps himself grow.". The Tyndale New Testament says, "He that speaketh with tongues, profiteth himself.". The Weymouth New Testament says, "He that speaks in an unknown tongue does good to himself.". It would be good for you to daily strengthen your spirit through your prayer language. Take advantage of this important benefit to praying in tongues.
We all need the spiritual edification that we can receive from praying in the spirit. Thank God for this supernatural means of building ourselves up spiritually. This wonderful means of edification for the human spirit and soul is available for every believer, simply by receiving the Holy Spirit Baptism with the initial sign of speaking in tongues. If your spiritual battery is running down, I encourage you to charge yourself up through praying in the spirit, by praying in tongues.
Reason Three: God desires that You Speak in Tongues!
What other reason do you need. God desires for you to speak in tongues! Speak in tongues because God wants you to. Speaking in tongues is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Perhaps you have been wondering what the will of God is for you. Well, for one thing, this is it. It is God's will for you to Speak in Tongues. Perhaps you have been wondering what you need to do to please your Heavenly Father. Speaking in Tongues is one way to please Him, because He tells us here that this is His will for you. You should have the attitude that, "I don't care how foolish it sounds. I don't care how silly it looks. I want to speak in tongues because it pleases God. I am doing this out of obedience to Him".
"I would that ye all spake with tongues." (I Cor.14:5)
Now, I am aware of the two main arguments against this verse the way I am using it. First, people will want you to be aware that this was Paul speaking, in his letter to the over-zealous Corinthian Church. But all Scripture is given by the inspiration of God (II Tm.3:16). We call this is the Word of God, not the word of Paul. God is telling us that He desires that each of us speak with tongues. Let's look at this verse in this way: "I (God) would (wish) that ye all spake with tongues.".
So the next problem people may want to point out is the words that follow in this verse, "I would that ye all spake with tongues; but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying." Many people will tell you that in the context, we are being taught that tongues is unimportant, but prophesying is what God really wants us to do. But regardless of what the balance of the verse says, we shouldn't ignore the fact that He says that He desires that we all speak in tongues.
What God is telling us here is that He does desire for each of us to speak with tongues, but within the church setting, He prefers that we prophesy. Prophecy is of greater need and importance within the church congregation, unless the Gift of Tongues is accompanied with the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues. But again, that doesn't change the fact that He said He desires that you do speak in tongues. This a very important aspect of your prayer life. It is important that you find yourself in His perfect will in your prayer life. Paul was very convinced of this himself and declared that he prayed in tongues more than all of the Corinthians.
Obedience to the perfect will of God is what Christianity is really all about. "Fear God and keep His commandments" (Ecc.12:13).
Reason Four: You Give Thanks Well When You Speak in Tongues!
Speaking in Tongues is a way to give thanks well. It is a way of giving high praises unto Him. It is expressing thanksgiving unto our Heavenly Father. God really wants us to praise and honor Him. Tongues is one of many ways to do that. Praise and worship is very important to the heart and mind of God. Tongues is a form of praise and worship from our heart to His. He wants us to praise and worship Him. He wants us to offer up thanksgiving and an attitude of gratitude. If you run out of words to express your thankful heart, spend some time praising Him in tongues.
"For thou verily giveth thanks well." (I Cor.14:17)
Looking at the context, it is very clear that He is talking about Speaking in Tongues. There are numerous ways to express your love and adoration to God. Each of them are very valuable and pleasing to the Lord. But as you are singing praise or voicing thanks, it is perfectly acceptable to break out into praising Him in tongues. This is a way to "let the High Praises of God be in (your) mouth." (Ps.149:6). It is certainly a form of high praise unto Him. Fill your mouth with high praise through worshiping in tongues. It is ultimate praise and infinite worship. This is a wonderful reason for Speaking in Tongues.
Reason Five: Speaking in Tongues is a Supernatural Rest and Refreshing!
Anyone who has spent some quality time Speaking in Tongues knows that it is a wonderful and supernatural rest and refreshing that God has given to those who are filled with His Spirit. There is a Scriptural basis for this. Paul tells the Corinthians, "In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people."(I Cor.14:21). Paul was quoting from Isaiah a prophecy about Speaking in Tongues and a couple of it's purposes.
"For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing'." (Isa.28:11-12).
He's talking about Speaking in Tongues here and He says that it is a supernatural rest and refreshing. Jesus is our Sabbath, and one way to rest in Him is through Speaking in Tongues regularly. I believe that this is what Jesus was referring to when He spoke about "Rivers of Living Water" flowing from the midst of those who receive His Spirit (John 4, 7). I think this is a perfect description of the refreshing that comes from Speaking in Tongues. This is that rest and refreshing that Isaiah prophesied about.
If there is frustration, anxiety, or turmoil in your life, spend quality time Speaking in Tongues. If there are challenges and temptations that you are facing, Speak in Tongues frequently. If you find yourself depressed or confused, Speak in Tongues often. This is the rest. This is the refreshing. Spend quality time soaking in His presence through Speaking in Tongues and you will, no doubt, find yourself refreshed and supernaturally rested. This is a tremendous reason for Speaking in Tongues.
Reason Six: Tongue Talking Makes God's Word Come More Alive to You!
This sixth reason for Speaking in Tongues is found in the same context as the fifth reason. Speaking in Tongues makes the Word of God come alive to us. I know this to be true from personal experience. After receiving the began to Speak in Tongues and did so on a regular basis, God's Word opened up to me in a brand new and living way. That is understandable when we realize that Jesus told His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be our teacher who would reveal things to us and lead us into all truth. Backing up to verse nine, let's read this passage again.
Whom shall He teach knowledge? and whom shall He make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will He speak to this people. To whom He said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken. (Is.28:9-13).
This passage begins by asking who will God teach knowledge and cause to understand doctrine. Then the prophecy answers this by stating that those who are no longer spiritual babies should be able to learn and understand His doctrine. But this knowledge and understanding is received a little at a time, precept upon precept, line upon line, here a little and there a little. Then He mentions that speaking in tongues is one way that He is going to accomplish this. Then it goes on to imply that those who reject Speaking in Tongues, though the Word of God will come to them, they will fall backward, be broken, be snared, and be taken away from God's full plan and purpose for their lives.
Before I received the Holy Spirit Baptism, I tried to study the Bible, but failed to get much of anything out of it. I became frustrated at my inability to comprehend many stories and basic teachings of Scripture. But after I received the Holy Spirit Baptism I noticed a radical change in my ability to comprehend Scripture. It was as if the Word of God came alive to me and I began spending several hours at a time in in-depth detailed study of the Bible. It was like a light had come on from within my understanding and many things made sense to me that previously did not make sense at all. God is true to His Word!
This idea is also confirmed through the teachings of Jesus on the Holy Spirit. He tells us that the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth. He tells us that the Spirit of Truth will guide us into all truth. He will show us things to come. He will bring things to our remembrance. He will broaden our understanding on many levels. I once knew an Assembly of God pastor who told a Free Methodist pastor, "the only difference between your church an mine is that we speak in tongues." I thought, "is that the only thing the Holy Spirit is given to us for?" Along with the speaking in tongues should be many great revelations and illuminations and insights into the Word of God because this Spirit of Truth is guiding our church on a higher level and broadening our understanding.
This is an awesome reason for wanting to speak in tongues regularly.
Reason Seven: Tongues is a Supernatural Sign to Unbelievers!
Going back to what Paul was telling the Church at Corinth, He also mentions that Speaking in Tongues is a supernatural sign to unbelievers. What does He mean by that? IF nothing else, when they hear you speaking in Tongues, they are going to realize that there is something different about you. Either they are going to think you are completely crazy, or they're going to realize that something truly supernatural is going on here. We can pray that God will open up their spiritual understanding so that they don't "fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken" (Is.28:13).
"Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not." (I Cor.14:22).
It seems that Speaking in Tongues is partially for the purpose of engaging their attention, and it does. Hopefully, they are going to pause long enough to contemplate the reality of the Divine Presence of the Almighty Creator in that place. Hopefully, their attention will be arrested long enough to truly hear what the Spirit of God is saying to the church. Don't just assume that people are going to think you are crazy, and what does it matter if they do. Perhaps they've already come to that conclusion long ago. Just trust God's Word that He is using your Speaking in Tongues as a sign to them that believe not.
Reason Eight: Tongues helps You Remain Conscience of His Presence!
An eighth reason for Speaking in Tongues daily is that it keeps you conscience of His indwelling presence. Practicing His presence continually is a strong biblical principle. Remember the command that Paul gave to the Thessalonians to "Pray without ceasing" (I Th.5:17)? How else is it even possible to obey this command? Thank God for the ability to pray in tongues! Through praying in tongues, we can be in constant communion with God every moment and every second of the day. So don't just pray in tongues daily, pray in tongues several times throughout the day. Pray in tongues continually.
Perhaps this is the thought that Paul was trying to convey to the Corinthians also when He told them to pray within themselves to God in tongues. In other words, in the church, you shouldn't speak out load in tongues unless there is an interpreter. But you can continue to pray within your own spirit to God, staying in supernatural communion with Him. If you believe that your speaking in tongues will not be interpreted, you should just pray silently in tongues, instead of speaking out load in tongues.
If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. (I Cor.14:27-28)
Praying in the spirit quietly doesn't necessarily mean it has to be a whisper. But I think Paul is trying to contrast the difference between the two Gifts of Tongues. The Charismatic Gift of Tongues is intended for the Church congregation and requires the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues to accompany it. The Sign Gift of Tongues is for the purpose of speaking supernaturally to God, and should be at a lower volume. Speak quietly within yourself to God. This is something that can and should be done frequently throughout the day, and will enable you to remain continually aware of His indwelling presence.
Reason Nine: Praying in Tongues Builds up Your Faith!
A ninth reason given to us from God's Word for the need to speak in tongues is that it will build up our faith. Those who know me know that the faith message is a center theme of my life and my teachings. That is because it is a premier center theme of the Holy Bible, especially of the New Testament. God desires that we approach Him in faith. In fact, faith is of immense importance when approaching the throne of God. Faith is the key ingredient that makes your prayers effective. We see in Scripture that praying in tongues is one way to strengthen and build up your faith.
"But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 20).
The primary objection that I've heard from people about the claim that this verse teaches us that your faith is built up when you speak in tongues, is that paying in the Holy Ghost is not the same as praying in tongues. But I believe it is. My belief is partially based on what Paul told the Corinthians. Paul clearly was talking about praying in tongues when he referred to "praying in the spirit". It is abundantly clear that Praying in the Holy Ghost is a reference to praying in the spirit, which is a reference to praying in tongues.
"For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? (I Cor.14:14-16)
Do you see that? Paul makes a clear distinction between praying with your spirit as opposed to praying with your mind. In verse fourteen, he tells us that when we are praying in tongues, we are praying in the spirit. Then every time after that when he refers to praying in the spirit, he is referring to praying in tongues. He makes is clear in verse fifteen by stating that your understanding is unfruitful and in verse sixteen by stating that others don't understand what is being said either. If the mind doesn't understand, but the spirit is profiting, it is logical to refer to it as praying in the spirit.
He says that sometimes I'll pray with the spirit and other times I'll pray with my understanding. He says that sometimes I'll sing in the spirit and other times I'll sing with my understanding. He says that sometimes I'll bless God with my spirit and other times I'll bless Him with my understanding. It is clear that praying in the spirit refers to praying without understanding, in other word, in tongues. It is spirit to Spirit communication with the Holy Ghost. And according to Jude, it strengthens your faith.
That's good to know because many of our churches today emphasize the importance of walking by faith. We want our faith to grow and to be built up. Four times in Scripture we find the statement that "the just shall live by faith". The faith-walk should be the daily lifestyle for Spirit-filled Christians. Paul tells the Romans that we are to grow from faith to faith (Rm.1:17). The writer to the Hebrews tells us that it is impossible to please God with out faith (He.11:6). So to know that speaking in tongues causes your faith to grow and be built up gives us a great reason for engaging in this practice daily.
Reason Ten: Praying in Tongues Strengthens our Ability to Love!
The tenth reason you should daily speak in tongues is that it strengthens your ability to walk in love. We already saw that the twentieth verse of the Epistle of Jude was referring to speaking in tongues. Maintaining that thought of praying in the spirit, he continues to mention another benefit for engaging in this practice. Praying in the spirit is way to maintain the love-walk in our lives. Speaking in tongues will help you walk in love with God and with His people. God is love. As we draw closer to Him, it is only logical that this key characteristic of His would begin to manifest in our lives. I believe that Speaking in Tongues speeds up the process.
".praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God." (Jude 20b-21a)
Love is developed as we spend quality time with God praying in the Spirit. Not only love, but all the fruit of the spirit should be maturing in our lives as we spend quality time with Him in prayer and in tongues. As you are speaking in tongues, you are becoming more sensitive to the Holy Spirit. As you draw nearer to Him, His personality begins to saturate your being and begins to manifest in a real way. As you pray in the spirit you are drawing nearer to Him and drawing nearer to the very heart of God Himself. You'll find yourself responding to people more with compassion, gentleness, and understanding. God is love. As children of God, it should be a primary characteristic that people see in us also. Growing in love and the other fruit of the spirit is a great reason for speaking in tongues daily.
Reason Eleven: Tongues Speaking Helps us to Yield to the Holy Spirit!
The eleventh reason you should speak in tongues is that it helps you to yield to the Holy Spirit. I think all people who spend a lot of time praying in the spirit are aware of this. But what is the scriptural basis for such a statement? The third chapter of James talks about the importance of controlling the tongues. James says that if we could tame our tongue, we'd be perfect. It sounds pretty easy, doesn't it? But then He goes on to say that it is impossible for us to control our tongues. The key is, we cannot control our tongue, but the Holy Spirit can. We cannot tame our tongue, but if we simply learn to yield it to the Spirit of God, it will pave the way for our perfection.
"For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body" (Jas.3:2).
So, we see that yielding your tongue to God is the first step to yielding your entire body to God. What I want to submit to you, is that if you yield your tongue to the Spirit of God, it is the first step toward yielding your entire being to Him. Though speaking in tongues, you are yielding your tongue to God, and it is the first step to yielding your entire body to Him. At least during the time that you're speaking in tongues, your tongue is yielded to the Spirit of God. Therefore, speaking in tongues helps us to yield more fully to God in other areas of our lives.
Just as putting a bridle in the mouth of a horse enables us to control the whole horse. When we Christian bridle our tongues, God is enabled to control every aspect of our beings. If you could get your tongue under control, you can get your entire life under control also. Learning to yield to the Holy Spirit is a central theme of much of Paul's writings. He urges us to not operate by the flesh, but to learn to walk in the Spirit. So a real good reason for speaking in tongues regularly is that it helps us to yield all other aspects of our lives to God.
Reason Twelve: Tongues is a First Step into the Supernatural Realm! (Acts)
The twelfth reason that we have for Speaking in Tongues is that Speaking in Tongues is a first step into the Supernatural Realm. This is seen throughout the entire Book of Acts quit regularly and vividly. As we read through the Book of Acts, we see that people received the Holy Spirit Baptism, then they spoke with tongues. After Speaking in Tongues, usually many other supernatural things would take place also. But nearly always we're shown that Speaking in Tongues was the first step into that supernatural realm. This was true then, and it is still true now.
Most of our Pentecostal and Charismatic churches encourage the Gifts of the Holy Spirit to be in operation within their services. We strongly desire that God pour out His Spirit in a great supernatural way. Supernatural demonstrations and manifestations are preached and encouraged continually in many congregations. Speaking in Tongues is the first step into that supernatural realm. Speaking in Tongues is supernatural, so pray regularly in tongues. When you are Speaking in Tongues, you are operating in the supernatural realm. Before long, you'll find that the Holy Spirit is prompting you to step out into some other supernatural manifestations of the Spirit.
