Is Your Prayer Language Fraudulent?

ByTheSpirit

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So I was wondering about this and before you just reply to my title, I ask you to humbly read my post.

I was curious about this because when I first started to pray in the Spirit I would have doubts, as I'm sure most do, if it was real or legitimate. I still do to be honest.

My question is, does the form or fashion of your prayer language really matter?

Scripture is clear that spiritual prayer is unintelligible to man, so any groans or sounds we make in faith-filled prayer, would that then classify as Spirit Filled prayer?

Mainly just to help those who may doubt, and thus by doubting not try.
 
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topher694

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Short answer is no, the form and fashion do not matter. I've heard a wide wide variety myself. Only twice was it "faked" and not from God and that was easy to discern. If you're sincere in your desire for it, it is not an issue.
 
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CharismaticLady

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Only those who have actually been filled with the Spirit can speak in tongues of the Spirit. I remember before that night that I truly repented of my awful sin nature that I found I couldn't control, I believed I was saved and "tried" speaking in tongues according to what I had witnessed from others. It always sounded choppy and hesitant. I doubted it too. But I was right. When I repented, I actually saw a vision, and God spoke to me, and I felt the anointing oil of the baptism of the Holy Spirit flow over me and removing my old nature and giving me a brand new nature of extreme power over sin. I was a brand new person over night. The next Sunday at church I "tried" speaking in tongues again, and it just flowed. It was like night and day between just me, and the power of the Spirit.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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Scripture is clear that spiritual prayer is unintelligible to man, so any groans or sounds we make in faith-filled prayer, would that then classify as Spirit Filled prayer?
Scripture is also clear that to pray without our understanding is not fruitful. "Groans", as described in scripture as "groanings" is speaking only about situations of persecution,incarceration, pain, etc. essentially a In the one verse, Romans 8:26, the Holy Spirit is silent, in the believer. It specifically states that the groaning's are not heard but deeply felt in a person who is sick and He intercedes for those who cannot pray, "can not be uttered" means silence.
I am a Charismatic who discerns using scripture.
Blessings
 
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CharismaticLady

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Scripture is also clear that to pray without our understanding is not fruitful. "Groans", as described in scripture as "groanings" is speaking only about situations of persecution,incarceration, pain, etc. In the one verse, Romans 8:26, the Holy Spirit is silent, in the believer. It specifically states that the groaning's are not heard but deeply felt in a person who is sick and He intercedes for those who can not pray, "can not be uttered" means silence.
I am a Charismatic who discerns using scripture.
Blessings

So does that mean you believe speaking in tongues is not spoken?

In what way do you believe you are Charismatic? Other gifts?
 
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Maria Billingsley

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So does that mean you believe speaking in tongues is not spoken?

In what way do you believe you are Charismatic? Other gifts?
Speaking in tongues is a spoken language unknown to the person speaking it. I believe in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is a Charismatic.
 
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topher694

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The gift is called "different kinds of tongues". It is a form of prayer.

There are different types of prayer (thanksgiving, petitions, intercession, ect...)
There are different circumstances to pray (privately, for another, corporately, ect...)
There are times where it is inappropriate to pray out loud (like interrupting a sermon)

It is no different with tongues. There are different types, circumstances and appropriateness based on the situation. This actually makes perfect sense if you stop and think about it. It also brings greater clarity to scriptures involving tongues.

The biggest issue I have seen is when someone has an understanding of one type but witnesses another type and assumes it is in error.
 
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CharismaticLady

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Speaking in tongues is a spoken language unknown to the person speaking it. I believe in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit. This is a Charismatic.

1 Corinthians 14:2 says it is also unknown to any man. I say this, not that you don't know, but for others that may believe the myth and false doctrine that tongues were for preaching to foreigners.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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1 Corinthians 14:2 says it is also unknown to any man. I say this, not that you don't know, but for others that may believe the myth and false doctrine that tongues were for preaching to foreigners.
One must read the entire chapter in order to understand what Paul was speaking about. One verse does not go into the full detail about what "unknown" actually means. I will leave it at that, as I do not want to get into a debate about tongues. It is unfruitful.
Blessings
 
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topher694

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One must read the entire chapter in order to understand what Paul was speaking about. One verse does not go into the full detail about what "unknown" actually means. I will leave it at that, as I do not want to get into a debate about tongues. It is unfruitful.
Blessings
You do realize we've all (most likely) read the entire chapter.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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You do realize we've all (most likely) read the entire chapter.
Most likely however , may not likely discern correctly IMO. But again, I don't want to debate tongues as it is unfruitful.
Blessings
 
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CharismaticLady

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One must read the entire chapter in order to understand what Paul was speaking about. One verse does not go into the full detail about what "unknown" actually means. I will leave it at that, as I do not want to get into a debate about tongues. It is unfruitful.
Blessings

It would only be unfruitful if one of us was a Cessationist. Paul doesn't make it completely clear, but there are two manifestations of tongues. The sign of Mark 16:16-18 given to all who believe and for their individual benefit to pray and praise God. And then the corporate gifts for the benefit of all in 1 Cor. 12, which are not given to all like the signs are.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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Paul doesn't make it completely clear
My point exactly. We should be more cautious when interpreting scripture especially concerning Paul as he speaks in a style can be hyperbolic as well as literal.
 
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CharismaticLady

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My point exactly. We should be more cautious when interpreting scripture especially concerning Paul as he speaks in a style can be hyperbolic as well as literal.
He's not the only one who doesn't make himself clear. For instance many chose 1 John 1:8 over 1 John 3:9 to relate to, but they are a contradiction. So only one can be correct as far as being a Christian. But Scripture will help interpret Scripture.
 
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Maria Billingsley

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He's not the only one who doesn't make himself clear. For instance many chose 1 John 1:8 over 1 John 3:9 to relate to, but they are a contradiction. So only one can be correct as far as being a Christian. But Scripture will help interpret Scripture.
Yes, I agree, we must interpret obscure passages with passages we understand.
 
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tturt

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Wonder why we think this about tongues? Usually we dont think like this in regards to salvation and other gifts.

I believe the enemy uses everything he can against it because he realizes more about it than we do. Sometimes I think we need to repent for listening and considering what the enemy says. That applies to me.
 
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tturt

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What an opportunity for our spirits to speak to God such as shown in I Cor 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."

And magnify Him "For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. ..." Actsc10;46
 
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ByTheSpirit

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I appreciate the responses thus far!

My question though seems to have gotten lost in the shuffle, or I'm just not very good at reading.

If I (or anyone) pray in any form that is unintellible, whether it be groans, whimpers, single syllable noises, or "blabbing" as Cessationists like to say, would that qualofy as a tongue, or at least prayer in the Spirit?

What I'm trying to nail down here is this: Does Spirit Filled Prayer (Private Tongues) have to sound like an actual language or can it be anything that comes out?

I struggled HEAVILY with this as a new Charismatic and honestly still can, though not nearly as bad. My hope is maybe someone here reads this and with the wisdom and encouragement we can provide help a struggling brother/sister advance in their Spirit Walk
 
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topher694

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What I'm trying to nail down here is this: Does Spirit Filled Prayer (Private Tongues) have to sound like an actual language or can it be anything that comes out?

I struggled HEAVILY with this as a new Charismatic and honestly still can, though not nearly as bad. My hope is maybe someone here reads this and with the wisdom and encouragement we can provide help a struggling brother/sister advance in their Spirit Walk
It can be anything that comes out as long as it is lead by the Spirit.

Be encouraged, this is not an uncommon struggle. I've taught on this for years and have even written a manual on it. You are not alone.
 
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ByTheSpirit

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as long as it is lead by the Spirit.

That's what I'm getting at though. How does a person know their sounds/words/whatever are Spirit led and not just some jibberish?

My struggle used to be more like telling myself my prayer language didn't sound like a language at all so I had to change it.
 
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