“For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.” 1 Corinthians 14:14 (NKJV).
Have you ever wanted to pray but found yourself out of words? Not because you didn’t care but because your heart was full, and words didn’t seem enough. This is where the gift of tongues comes in—not as something strange or inaccessible, but as a Spirit-given way to connect with God beyond what your natural mind can express.
Throughout Scripture, when believers were filled with the Holy Spirit, they spoke in tongues. Acts 2 shows this vividly at Pentecost. Similarly, in Acts 10 and 19, believers magnified God by speaking in unknown tongues, or what we call a prayer language. In both cases, tongues weren’t just a moment to remember but a sign of Spirit-filled living.In 1 Corinthians 14, Paul helps us understand the purpose of tongues as a spiritual gift that builds up the believer. ‘He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.’ – I Corinthians 14:4 (NKJV).However, when used in public gatherings, interpretation becomes important to strengthen the church. Without interpretation, a public message in tongues may remain a mystery to others and hinder mutual edification.
Paul aimed to guide the use of tongues in the church and not to restrict it. He said, “I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all” (1 Corinthians 4:18 NKJV), showing that he was not in any way against it. Rather, he emphasized order and clarity in the church.Tongues that bear messages for the church but given without interpretation can lead to confusion. With interpretation, they carry the same weight as prophecy—building up the body of Christ.Furthermore, for these gifts to operate, you must play a role. You must understand what Scripture teaches, desire the gifts sincerely, and be willing to submit to the Spirit’s prompting.As a believer, you should offer your heart, emotions, will, and voice for the Spirit to move through.
The key is simple: practice obedient availability with a genuine desire to please God.Often, it begins with a gentle nudge—a word or sound that feels unfamiliar. But as you yield, the flow deepens. The Spirit doesn’t overwhelm; He invites. He leads gently.Spiritual status is not denoted by one’s ability to speak in tongues—it’s about surrender. This involves allowing the Spirit to express what we cannot and drawing us into deeper fellowship with God. In the end, the focus is not just on receiving a gift but on walking closely with the Giver—building up ourselves and one another.
Dear believer, praying in tongues, is not for some select few in the body of Christ, it is for everybody.
Bible Reading Plan: Joshua 11-13; Acts 25:13-27