Where is the biblical proof for a private prayer language in tongues?

[charsan]

Yet if it comes right down to it the idea of a private prayer language is no where in the Bible which presents a huge problem for those who think everything must be in the Bible. For those who use exegesis to read things into the Bible there is no problem

 

[Bible Highlighter]

There is some evidence that there are diverse kinds of tongues 1 Cor 12:10

We also read that

“ 1 Corinthians 14:2. 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.”

Here it says tongues is unto God and no man understands him.

Yet in Acts 2 we read, That this tongue event every man understood them in their own tongue.

Acts 2:4. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance...6. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language...8. And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born?”

So some distinction

Dear LoveofTruth:

First, I want to say, I love you, brother. So do not take my disagreement on this topic as a reflection of how I am against you or God in any way. My case here is merely to do what only the Word of God clearly says in honor to His Word by faith.

Second, I believe the Pentecost event and the admonition in 1 Corinthians 14 are the same miraculous gifting of the Spirit of speaking in real foreign languages. The only difference is that the Spirit gave those in the men (within the house) speaking in tongues (at Pentecost) the understanding of what was being spoken. Whereas in 1 Corinthians 14, the interpreter was to given the meaning of what the foreign tongue gifting meant.

What I am looking for is biblical proof for those who say they pray in a tongues language when no interpreter or person is present. Meaning, is it biblical for a person to pray in tongues behind closed doors? I just do not find any biblical evidence for this practice, brother. Some try to defend this practice by pointing to 1 Corinthians 14:28, but it does not clearly say that this is what is taking place, though. Paul's admonition about how we need to pray with the understanding (1 Corinthians 14:15), and how tongues are for unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22) leads me to believe that this is not talking about praying in tongues behind closed doors (or in the privacy of one's closet).

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I updated post #102 to include two verses. Please refresh the page to check them out.

Blessings to you all in the Lord today.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

No, YOU see nothing written like this. And im sure any effort to show you them will be summarily dismissed without consideration. I did post one answer to this in its own thread, but I'm not going to do that here because you won't consider it anyway

Why would not want to help me to see the truth of God's Word?
I have changed my beliefs before (on certain topics and certain portions of Scripture) based on what Scripture says by other believers online. I also stated that I could be wrong by a chance of 1%. I say this because I don't want to speak against God if I am wrong. So if you have biblical proof, I really would like to see it. In fact, it is why I created this thread.

 

[swordsman1]

To speak in tongues in private would be the misuse of a spiritual gift. All the gifts were meant to be used for the benefit of others:

1 Cor 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."​

That is why Paul was so critical of the Corinthians. They spoke in other tongues but without translation no one in the small congregation understood. They were only edifying themselves, when they should have been edifying the church.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Here is a short informative video on this topic
(If anyone is interested):

 

[fwGod]

But the point of the OP is asking for biblical evidence for private prayer in tongues done behind closed doors.

The title of the thread is "Where is the biblical proof for a private prayer language in tongues?"

It said nothing about "prayer behind closed doors".

I heard of this by others, and yet there is no real biblical proof for it. That is what I am talking about here in this thread. We need Scriptural evidence for such a spiritual practice that clearly involves some kind of working beyond our physical realm.

The words of Jesus in Mat.6:6 "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray."

 

[WESTOZZIE]

This is not biblical evidence in support for a private prayer done in tongues.

Oh, and please take note that I am always open to hearing what the Bible says. I have even changed my beliefs based on the light of what Scripture says. However, the problem you run into is that I know that you will not find such a clear verse or two to support a private prayer language in tongues.

Okay then.. What I am saying is important to the subject ---The main issue to me is that you are already closed off to the Baptism of the Spirit it seems. It's your loss...and also those to whom you are sent to. Tongues edify oneself. They build you up in your most holy faith, keeping you in the love of God.
Paul's statements that If I pray in a tongue my spirit prays, my understanding is unfruitful. 1cor14:14 is wonderous.

It is awesome to be driving your car, taking a shower, riding a bike, weeding the garden, and to pray in tongues, knowing that it is your spirit praying to the FAther - who is a Spirit by the way and He fully understands all that you are saying because it is not just YOU saying it....it is the HOLY SPIRIT joined with your spirit as ONE SPIRIT-1Cor 6:17

You and the Spirit of Jesus pray together in a language that you do not need to understand...and nobody else needs to understand it, especially the demonic realm. God understands it. Paul says so right at the start of 1 Cor 14

Howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries to God....

The hidden thing you speak is ONLY hidden, only a mystery to you...to your understanding...not God's! By praying with your spirit(as Paul defined tongues in 1co14:14)to God, you and the Holy Spirit(Who is joined to your spirit-1co6:17)you are praying our some hidden secret that is working all things together for good for you and maybe for others.
You don't have to worry about what your'e praying....just leave it with Father.

But it's this natural man that demands proof from God BEFORE it will surrender that hinders you.

my diary from a trip to India---https://condemnednomore.com/2009/07/17/evangelism-in-india/

 

[Bible Highlighter]

The title of the thread is "Where is the biblical proof for a private prayer language in tongues?"

It said nothing about "prayer behind closed doors".

The words of Jesus in Mat.6:6 "When thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray."

Like in the recent video I posted, it is understood by both Continuationists and Cessationists that prayer in tongues in private is in reference to praying in tongues behind closed doors vs. speaking in tongues publically to the edifying of the church via an interpreter. If you were unaware of this before, that's okay. I am now informing you of this truth or fact, my friend.

 

[fwGod]

Like in the recent video I posted, it is understood by both Continuationists and Cessationists that prayer in tongues in private is in reference to praying in tongues behind closed doors vs. speaking in tongues publically to the edifying of the church via an interpreter.
If you were unaware of this before, that's okay. I am now informing you of this truth or fact, my friend.

I know of it because I read what the apostle Paul taught of it.. the difference between private prayer in tongues, and the ministry use of speaking in tongues and prophesying. I've posted of it some number of weeks ago somewhere on this forum.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I know of it because I read what the apostle Paul taught of it.. the difference between private prayer in tongues, and the ministry use of speaking in tongues and prophesying. I've posted of it some number of weeks ago somewhere on this forum.

Okay. It sounds like we are on the same page on this particular point then, brother.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Show me in the Scripture where it says this was going to happen.

The reference you give to to Acts 2; Peter actually stated that the "last days" commenced with Pentecost. You skipped verse 16 which says "This is that which was spoken by the prophet Joel." in reference to them speaking foreign languages.

So if that was the case; why would the signs disappear and then come back?

Scripture talks about them vanishing away. It says nothing about them reemerging.

OT prophecy can have more than one fulfillment.

The conditions that gave rise to the believers needing this outpouring of the Spirit are re-emerging. The hour is late.

 

[His student]

The problem is that you think the groanings can be uttered or expressed in words, when the Scriptures say the exact opposite of that fact.

I thought you guys maintained that modern tongues as we believe are being displayed through an act of the Holy Spirit are not expressions of real words.

One guy even went so far as to call them "gobblely gook".

Look - You know all of the various scriptures which come into play on this subject. Don't ask others to provide what you already know.

The vast majority of those across the world who are trying their best to enter into these things of the Spirit which they find in the scriptures related to tongues, see these various passages as meaning pretty much the same as I do.

If you think that they mean something else and you enter in in some other way - then please tell us how you apply these various verses in your life and maybe millions will get in line with you.

If you don't have a better way of applying these things and you don't apply these things in your life - then leave those millions of Spirit filled believers who do alone.

Perhaps you think that there is some danger that we are in by misapplying them in some way. I assure you, according to the words of the Lord Jesus, that neither we nor you need worry about that.

The charismatic people of God in every culture and speaking every language where Christ is believed on for salvation and nourishment and leading from the Holy Spirit can get along just fine without your muck raking.

 

[His student]

To speak in tongues in private would be the misuse of a spiritual gift. All the gifts were meant to be used for the benefit of others:

1 Cor 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."​

That is why Paul was so critical of the Corinthians. They spoke in other tongues but without translation no one in the small congregation understood. They were only edifying themselves, when they should have been edifying the church.

You error - not rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

One who speaks in a tongue does edify himself just as he is instructed to do - building himself up in his most holy faith.

But we are all part of one body and when one is built up according to scriptural principles we are all built up.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

Okay then.. What I am saying is important to the subject ---The main issue to me is that you are already closed off to the Baptism of the Spirit it seems. It's your loss...and also those to whom you are sent to. Tongues edify oneself. They build you up in your most holy faith, keeping you in the love of God.
Paul's statements that If I pray in a tongue my spirit prays, my understanding is unfruitful. 1cor14:14 is wonderous.

It is awesome to be driving your car, taking a shower, riding a bike, weeding the garden, and to pray in tongues, knowing that it is your spirit praying to the FAther - who is a Spirit by the way and He fully understands all that you are saying because it is not just YOU saying it....it is the HOLY SPIRIT joined with your spirit as ONE SPIRIT-1Cor 6:17

You and the Spirit of Jesus pray together in a language that you do not need to understand...and nobody else needs to understand it, especially the demonic realm. God understands it. Paul says so right at the start of 1 Cor 14

Howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries to God....

The hidden thing you speak is ONLY hidden, only a mystery to you...to your understanding...not God's! By praying with your spirit(as Paul defined tongues in 1co14:14)to God, you and the Holy Spirit(Who is joined to your spirit-1co6:17)you are praying our some hidden secret that is working all things together for good for you and maybe for others.
You don't have to worry about what your'e praying....just leave it with Father.

But it's this natural man that demands proof from God BEFORE it will surrender that hinders you.

my diary from a trip to India---https://condemnednomore.com/2009/07/17/evangelism-in-india/

First, I want to say that just because we believe differently here, we should not be divided over our unity in sharing the gospel and in teaching righteous living (or instruction) by God's Word.

Second, I believe that the one baptism mentioned in Ephesians 4:5 is spirit baptism. It is the only baptism that matters. I believe this baptism is the receiving of the Spirit, which is generally done when a person first accepts Jesus Christ as their Savior and they seek forgiveness with Him, and they believe that His death, and resurrection on their behalf. I lean towards the view that water baptism was an Old Covenant ritual that carried over into the church until Paul revealed the true baptism (of which Jesus spoke about). While a person can water baptize today, it is not a requirement as a part of salvation.

Three, as for 1 Corinthians 14:1-2:

Well, when I read this passage, I read it as a part of the greater context of the whole chapter (1 Corinthians 14), and also read it in light of what came before (i.e. 1 Corinthians 12-13). Paul was criticizing the Corinthians for their misuse of the spiritual gift of tongues. Paul's whole point here is to show that the Corinthians needed to have an interpreter present so as to prophecy and edify the body of Christ. Here is just a sampling of Paul's criticism towards the Corinthians on this matter:

#1. If I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? (1 Corinthians 14:6).
#2. If I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me. (1 Corinthians 14:11).
#3. Forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. (1 Corinthians 14:12).
#4. Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. (1 Corinthians 14:13).
#5. For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful (1 Corinthians 14:14).
#6. 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. (1 Corinthians 14:15).
#7. 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? (1 Corinthians 14:16).
#8. For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. (1 Corinthians 14:17).
#9. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue (1 Corinthians 14:19).
#10. Tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not (1 Corinthians 14:22).
#11. If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? (1 Corinthians 14:23).
#12. Let all things be done unto edifying (1 Corinthians 14:26).
#13. But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God (1 Corinthians 14:28).
#14. God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints (1 Corinthians 14:33).​

In fact, for clarity, I think the NLT helps to clear up what is being said here in 1 Corinthians 14:1-2.

1 "Let love be your highest goal! But you should also desire the special abilities the Spirit gives—especially the ability to prophesy.
2 For if you have the ability to speak in tongues, you will be talking only to God, since people won’t be able to understand you. You will be speaking by the power of the Spirit, but it will all be mysterious.
3 But one who prophesies strengthens others, encourages them, and comforts them.
4 A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, but one who speaks a word of prophecy strengthens the entire church."
(1 Corinthians 14:1-4) (NLT).​

In other words, Paul is criticizing the Corinthians that if they speak in an unknown tongue alone without an interpreter, it would be only God who would truly understand what they are saying (i.e. Paul is criticising them). Paul says that if they speak in tongues alone without an interpreter, it would be as if they speak mysteries to people and it does not edify the body of the church.

 

[Carl Emerson]

Paul's whole point here is to show that the Corinthians needed to have an interpreter present so as to prophecy and edify the body of Christ.

With all due respect I can testify to three different tongues gifts.

One for interpretation.

One for personal edification.

One for spiritual rebuke.

You will demand - where is that in the bible.

I will reply the bible is not exhaustive on all topics and your analysis is myopic.

The verses you reference make sense when you realise that Paul was wanting to stop folks with the personal gift that does not have interpretation, from exercising this personal gift in a public setting and therefore bringing confusion...

Do it at home but not in the church...

This is a common error today in many congregations.

So it has nothing to do with having someone to interpret - the private tongue isn't for interpretation.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

I thought you guys

We are believers in Jesus Christ, and not just any ordinary "you guys."

maintained that modern tongues as we believe are being displayed through an act of the Holy Spirit are not expressions of real words.

One guy even went so far as to call them "gobblely gook".

Again, you are referring to a professing believer in Jesus, and not just some guy. Anyways, while I cannot vouch for every believer in Jesus here in what they say or think on the matter of Cessationism, I can say for myself that what I have seen and read about so far (in regards to tongues) is not evidence of any real language. In fact, they have had people who are linguists who studied to see if what these other believers in Christ were speaking a real language or not. Their conclusion is that it was not a real language. While they could be wrong, I lean towards the view that the miraculous gifts have ceased because we do not see believers healing 100% of the time and it remaining permanent like the early church was able to do. What Paul was able to do in his early ministry, he was not able to do in the latter part of his life. Even the two greatest miracle workers in the Bible (Moses and Elijah) were followed by a period of long silence in regards to miracles. These things lead me to believe things have changed in regards to the gifts, and God is no longer operating the miraculous gifts by any one man of God anymore. It would be consistent with the way God operates in Scripture.

Look - You know all of the various scriptures which come into play on this subject. Don't ask others to provide what you already know.

There are times when I have read a verse or passage a certain way, and I could not see it correctly because I had my own bias or view on it before. When somebody explained it to me in light of the context and cross references in a new way I did not see before, it opened up that verse or passage for me. I am being honest when I say that I am open (by a 1% chance) on the working of tongues today. I do believe that if such a thing were true, it would be really remote and uncommon. For most I have talked with on the issue of tongues is doing so not according to the rules of 1 Corinthians 14.

The vast majority of those across the world who are trying their best to enter into these things of the Spirit which they find in the scriptures related to tongues, see these various passages as meaning pretty much the same as I do.

If you think that they mean something else and you enter in in some other way - then please tell us how you apply these various verses in your life and maybe millions will get in line with you.

I don't think this is always the case. If somebody has an experience outside of God's Word, they sometimes seek to insert their experience or justify it by the Bible in some way (When it really doesn't).
They let experience take control of their interpretation of Scripture, when they should walk by faith in God's Word in what it says first and they should not walk by sight in an experience.

If you don't have a better way of applying these things and you don't apply these things in your life - then leave those millions of Spirit filled believers who do alone.

Perhaps you think that there is some danger that we are in by misapplying them in some way. I assure you, according to the words of the Lord Jesus, that neither we nor you need worry about that.

The charismatic people of God in every culture and speaking every language where Christ is believe on for salvation and nourishment and leading from the Holy Spirit can get along just fine without your muck raking.

The spiritual gifts were for the Jews as a sign. Especially tongues. The gift of tongues was primarily for the unbelieving Jew because they took a foreign tongue as a sign of judgment. Think... the Tower of Babel. Think... the Jewish Exile.

 

[Bible Highlighter]

With all due respect I can testify to three different tongues gifts.

One for interpretation.

One for personal edification.

One for spiritual rebuke.

You will demand - where is that in the bible.

I will reply the bible is not exhaustive on all topics and your analysis is myopic.

The verses you reference make sense when you realise that Paul was wanting to stop folks with the personal gift that does not have interpretation, from exercising this personal gift in a public setting and therefore bringing confusion...

Do it at home but not in the church...

This is a common error today in many congregations.

So it has nothing to do with having someone to interpret - the private tongue isn't for interpretation.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine so that the man of God may be perfect unto all good works.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Timothy 3:16-17).​

In other words, if Scripture is sufficient for doctrine, and instruction in righteousness to make the man of God (or woman of God) perfect unto ALL good works, what do I need anything else for?

What good are church traditions, added holy books, special visions, or anything else for that matter?
The thing is that I have evidences backing up the Bible as being divine in origin. I have no such proof for your experiences. For me: I would rather play it safe, then be sorry. I would rather be in line with what the Word says by faith then to go outside what it says. For the moment we go outside what the Bible says, it opens pandora's box to a whole mess of problems and errors.

 

[Carl Emerson]

The spiritual gifts were for the Jews as a sign. Especially tongues. The gift of tongues was primarily for the unbelieving Jew because they took a foreign tongue as a sign of judgment. Think... the Tower of Babel. Think... the Jewish Exile.

I think you are drawing long bow there... Tongues was common in Pauls non-jewish congregations.

 

[swordsman1]

You error - not rightly dividing the Word of Truth.

One who speaks in a tongue does edify himself just as he is instructed to do - building himself up in his most holy faith.

But we are all part of one body and when one is built up according to scriptural principles we are all built up.

Yes, the tongue speaker does edify himself but that is not good, because the purpose of having a spiritual gift is to benefit others - not for selfish purposes.

1 Cor 12:7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

1 Peter 4:10 "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms."​

Notice it says the gift itself is to benefit others, not as a side-effect of being edified yourself by the gift. How is anybody benefited from someone being edified in private by their own gift? It is a misuse of the gift.

It says "Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but ..." (1 Cor 14:4)

The "but" indicates a deficiency. The aim of gifts in the congregation is to edify the church and the only way that could be achieved via tongues was if the tongue was interpreted:

"...unless someone interprets, so that the church may be edified." (1 Cor 14:6)