Millions of Christians have received the gift of speaking in tongues. This is probably one of the most common spiritual gifts. According to Pew Research about 34% of Christians in Pentecostal denominations and nondenominational charismatic churches report speaking in tongues at least once weekly. Overall, however 80% of Christians overall report that they seldom or never speak or pray in tongues. Reference: https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2015/11/03/chapter-2-religious-practices-and-experiences/
Speaking in tongues is mentioned many times in the new testament:
Acts 2:1–13 – These verses describe what happened when the disciples received the Holy Spirit while waiting for the gift that Jesus told them they would receive. This was a dramatic events, “Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole shouse where they were sitting.”
Acts 10:44–48 – Speaking in tongues is often associated with an outpouring of the Holy Spirit… “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God.”
Acts 19:1–7 – Paul lays hands on disciples and “the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied.” Here speaking in tongues and prophesying occurred at the same time.
1 Corinthians 12:10, 28–30 – Paul classifies tongues as a gift and seems to imply that not all Christians speak in tongues, “Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret?”
1 Corinthians 14:2 – Speaking in tongues is a way of speaking to God… “Follow the way of love and eagerly desire gifts of the Spirit, especially prophecy. For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit.”
1 Corinthians 14:6 – The Corinthian Church was misunderstood tongues. Probably by speaking in tongues in public assemblies… “Now, brothers and sisters, if I come to you and speak in tongues, what good will I be to you, unless I bring you some revelation or knowledge or prophecy or word of instruction?”
1 Corinthians 14:15-17 – Speaking in tongues is a spiritual language… “So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.”
1 Corinthians 18, 19 – Speaking in tongues was something that Paul did frequently in his private prayer life… ” I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. 19 But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.”
What is the benefit of speaking in tongues?
- It is a way of expressing praise to God in a way that is inspired by the Holy Spirit.
- It allows the spirit to speak to God bypassing the mind. This has a way of bringing peace to an anxious mind.
How do you begin speaking in tongues? It is a spiritual gift that you ask God for. It often comes while in a worship setting or while praying with other believers. You will not be taken over, you will be using your own voice. You begin by vocalizing syllables as lyou sense the nudge to pray beyond your own native language. Don’t become frustrated. If the nudge does not come to you, then don’t force it.
Sample prayer… “Father, thank You for Jesus and for Your Spirit. I yield my heart, thoughts, and tongue to You. Please fill me afresh with the Holy Spirit. I receive every gift You want to give—including a prayer language. Help me worship You with my spirit and with understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.”