Hey, everybody. I need to know one more thing about speaking in tongues for those who have already: What does it feel like? Because although I'm a silent prayer, sometimes I silently mouth words, and a few weeks ago I thought that I may have been speaking in tongues. It didn't feel like I expected it to (like your tongue feeling light and fluttering on its own); it felt the opposite.... like it was a ton of steel and was difficult to move but moved at the same time. If it is, I honestly thought it was uncomfortable. Not because it made me feel uncomfortable but it.....didn't feel relaxed. And I also didn't care for it because I like to understand what I'm saying in a conversation with God and with it happening every ten seconds, it seems like a burden more than anything. Not a burden, but you know what I mean?
I was healed from emotional pain caused by a so-called sister in Christ overnight some months before I received the gift of tongues (and therefore being filled with the Spirit). In those several months I was on a spiritual high as the weight of that pain had lifted and I was enthusiastic to read the bible and pray for anyone and everyone and be excited about God again.
I tried to speak in tongues and I always felt I was on the edge of doing so but I knew I didn't. At the same time although I was praying for it I was also fearful of what it might be like. But as I read many testimonies and books and got a better picture of it I realised that it was nothing to be afraid of - you weren't out of control, you didn't need to be in an emotionlized frenzy, and it was not to be shunned.
So by the time I did receive the gift I had a peace about it. Although I didn't understand the point of it at first, I came to realise that tongues is a new language given to praise God, pray for others when our own words are at an end, and to edify one's own spirit that we may be ready to bless others.
When I speak, it's in some ways like singing - Paul says his spirit prays, but his mind is not fruitful; one utters mysteries that no-one understands unless one interprets. So when I do speak in tongues my mind is not working out what to say - my mouth opens and syllables flow out. I tangibly feel that my own human spirit is being built up and strengthened spiritually and emotionally. There are times when I am spiritually drained and exhausted and a moment in silence praying in tongues will refresh me spiritually.
The Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak. There are times even when i pray in tongues I will not always feel as refreshed because my physical body has not been looked after. Our bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit. I find that when I have eaten too much or have not honoured my body then it does affect me spiritually. When I have fasted a little or kept myself pure then praying in tongues is more effective. This is just what I'm discovering from experience.
I feel a sense of peace when I pray and God's presence is with me. I feel I need to let out something, like some praise that needs to be articulated and at times I burst out laughing after a period of time in tongues praying. Other times I start singing songs, sometimes even in tongues (which is a very free expression of praise).
This is all done in my times alone with God. I have not as yet been prompted to give a tongues message in the church.
I don't know about your situation. But the sense of burden you have... you need to ask God where it's coming from. Is it a burden to confess sin? Pray for others? Or is it a spirit of oppression that is trying to deceive you? If it causes you to be fearful, then I'd probably suspect that it is not of God. God doesn't cause us to be slaves of fear (see Romans 8:15-16), but he is loving, gentle and his Spirit produces the kind of fruits you see in Galatians 5:22-23.
I'd advise you to examine your heart and confess any sin, any past hurt or anything that might be a stumbling block between you and God. And then ask God to purify and cleanse you of those things in the name of Jesus. And then ask him to fill you will the fullness of his presence, to fill you with the Holy Spirit. Or you can do this with a good friend.
Hope that helps!
blessings,
