This may help you develop a better understanding of it complete with Scriptural references. From the Catholic Center for Charismatic Renewal:
http://cccrsa.net/charismaticcenter/what-is-the-gift-of-tongues/
Backing up again to this article, I have several issues/questions.
The first deals with prophesy and the authority of the Church. From the article:
They also pray in tongues during prayer meetings and (if the congregation approves of the practice) during church services like a (Charismatic Mass). In such gatherings, also the third or prophetically dimension of tongues frequently comes into play. Someone who believes that the Holy Spirit is urging him/her will speak aloud for several seconds in tongues. A hush descends upon the group as they then pray and wait for the interpretation, which usually follows within a few minutes.
Such messages are considered to be from God only after the community exercises discernment or spiritual judgment on them. In any case, they are strictly subordinated to the inspired Scriptures, with which they must always agree. They do not bring new revelations not found in the Bible but are more in the line of words of correction, consolation, encouragement and exhortation for the group.
(emphasis mine0
This is not how we determine Truth in the Catholic Church. Any messages received should also be strictly subordinated not just to the Sacred Scriptures, but Sacred Tradition and the 2000 year teaching magisterium of the Church. If the messages are not in line with these three things they need to be dismissed.
The article also mentions, but doesn't describe baptism by the Holy Spirit
The gift of tongues and the baptism in the Holy Spirit are not experiences to rush into.
I thought we we baptized by the Holy Spirit at our baptisms, and this gift was stirred up again at our confirmations. At least that how it worked for me. Although the article didn't go into the specifics of what baptism by the Holy Spirit entails I fear that if it is presented as a separate event, at least in my mind, it indicates my baptism and confirmation weren't good enough and I'm required to seek out this supernatural event.
I'm under the impression that desiring supernatural experiences is a spiritually dangerous path to follow. This is why I don't understand why so many people would be asking for the gifts of tongues. Shouldn't we be happy with the gifts we already have?
In that same vein, the article says the gift of tongues is for people who have problems finding words for their prayers. I don't require a lot of words for my prayers, and as Fr. Rohr says on contemplative prayer, how can you hear the Father if your mind is full of words, no matter what the language?
If I do need to find words for my prayers all I need to do is quiet down and listen to my heart and this comes out:
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thank you.
Thanks to everyone who's added to this thread and for your peaceful spirits. This has really been an interesting read, and my perceptions have been changed. I can see how, for some people, this kind of prayer might be very beneficial.