Still can't speak in tongues, very discouraged...

[Reazzurro90]

Hey guys...I've just been wondering, that since I have been praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for a long time, and have even had hands laid on me in prayer so I could speak in tongues...The only thing came up was Italian, my native tongue (the others thought it was tongues but that's another story). Then a week or so ago the youth was called up to lay hands on some people and pray for their afflictions. While we were praying, these words came up "Yeshua Hamashia," and "tamech." I already know that the two words mean "Jesus is Messiah" in Hebrew, and I think that tamech was just a result of my obsession on speaking in tongues, so I know that I didn't achieve anything. But is there anything I'm doing wrong? Anything else I should be doing?

 

[Godslilgurlalways]

I am going to email you okay

 

[Presbyterian Continuist]

We had a conversation some weeks ago about this, and you are certainly convinced that it is the will of God for you to speak in tongues. If you have gone through the steps of asking and receiving the Holy Spirit into your life, then you certainly have the ability to speak in tongues.

The difficulty is in getting the flow going. I think that there is a problem that exists with people who speak a number of different natural languages. Their natural mind gets in the way of being able to exercise tongues. Everytime they try to exercise tongues, their mind is either full of the language they have learned, or their natural mind is arguing against it.

One of the biggest blocks is the thought that because they are making up words they have never learned that they are 'faking it'. They are somehow waiting for something to come up from within without them having to put effort into making the sounds and syllables.

I believe that you have to start making up the words in faith. It is faith that is the key. After a while of halting sounds and syllables, fluency comes through and each word is joined together in a stream of language. Once you have achieved fluency, you are speaking too rapidly to be making up the words yourself. The very fluency of the language shows that the Holy Spirit is inspiring the words and you are just speaking them as they come to you. But to get to that point, you have to start it off by making the sounds and syllables yourself, and to persevere until the language is coming fluently. This takes work and effort on your part. If you have faith that you have the ability to speak in tongues, then you exercise your faith by working on making up the language until it flows fluently.

A person who is 'faking it' knows that he is faking it. He knows that he is just making it up for the purpose of making it up. A person who believes that he has the ability to speak in tongues, gets it going by making up the sounds and syllables in faith, persevering until fluency comes. When fluency comes, then the outcome of his faith is seen.

Speaking in tongues is not a magical process. It comes through personal effort and faith.

 

[Reazzurro90]

I believe that you have to start making up the words in faith. It is faith that is the key. After a while of halting sounds and syllables, fluency comes through and each word is joined together in a stream of language. Once you have achieved fluency, you are speaking too rapidly to be making up the words yourself. The very fluency of the language shows that the Holy Spirit is inspiring the words and you are just speaking them as they come to you. But to get to that point, you have to start it off by making the sounds and syllables yourself, and to persevere until the language is coming fluently. This takes work and effort on your part. If you have faith that you have the ability to speak in tongues, then you exercise your faith by working on making up the language until it flows fluently.

But in all honesty I'm terrified, because it sounds way too easy to just try and make up words. These are words that are real and true, and spoken in heaven, it seems as if it should come from the Holy Spirit, not by my own self thinking them up during worship. All these confusing things hit me, silly things like "just let it flow" or "just do it", and it all leaves me perplexed and with nothing. I guess we'll see during worship this morning, which I need to go to in about fifteen minutes.

A person who is 'faking it' knows that he is faking it. He knows that he is just making it up for the purpose of making it up. A person who believes that he has the ability to speak in tongues, gets it going by making up the sounds and syllables in faith, persevering until fluency comes. When fluency comes, then the outcome of his faith is seen.

I suppose so. And, I suppose that God will know the reality of it all, and that if I am really making up words, that God won't rebuke or condemn me for it.

Speaking in tongues is not a magical process. It comes through personal effort and faith.

I may sound like a broken record, but, I suppose you're right.

 

[irenemcg]

Praise the Lord, praise him from the depths of your heart. Surrender yourself to the Holy Spirit, don't think about tongues as being all important, let your thoughts be on worshiping Jesus. Your relationship with the Lord is what matters. Tongues often start like a baby language, seek Jesus, more of Jesus, more of the Hoy Spirit's presence in your life. Tongues should flow. BTW,Do you have the gift of prophecy?

 

[GodDreamer]

Hey hun, if it helps any, i prayed and prayed for nine months straight to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the Gift of Tongues.....just continue to press on...and most importantly, remember God's perfect timing. God bless sweetie!

 

[KleinerApfel]

I like Irene's advice, about seeking Him more and more in worship, and it reminded me of an incident that was a blessing to me recently.
(You know, Oscarr how much I always value your advice in this too, but just for now Irene is highlighting where I am at!)

We were meeting together, just four ladies wanting to know the Lord more, and one had brought her 2 year old son along.

As we shared scriptures he rested against his mother's back, singing softly.
Softly, slowly repeating the words "Mum-eee, Mum-eee, Mum-eee", and then after a minute or so switching to "Dad-eee, Dad-eee, Dad-eee."

It was so simple a love-song, giving me a profound picture of true worship.

That's all it is - that is all God wants of you, and me; heartfelt, unashamed and unhindered expressions of our love and trust in Him.
The language is totally immaterial. He will understand the sighs, the laughter, the tears, the silent adoration, and He will be so blessed.

As you pour your heart out to the Lord, He will bless you, He will "rejoice over you with singing" as it says in Zephania. You may not "hear" these songs, but trust that He does rejoice over you so much because He sees how you long to worship from the bottom of your heart.

Maybe in time that urge from deep in your soul will cause you to break forth in new sounds, and you will no longer question yourself so harshly.

Whether or not this happens in the near future, enjoy worshipping the Lord in whatever way releases you, and know that he is pleased.

God bless you, love Sue

 

[SavedByGrace3]

Hey guys...I've just been wondering, that since I have been praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for a long time, and have even had hands laid on me in prayer so I could speak in tongues...The only thing came up was Italian, my native tongue (the others thought it was tongues but that's another story). Then a week or so ago the youth was called up to lay hands on some people and pray for their afflictions. While we were praying, these words came up "Yeshua Hamashia," and "tamech." I already know that the two words mean "Jesus is Messiah" in Hebrew, and I think that tamech was just a result of my obsession on speaking in tongues, so I know that I didn't achieve anything. But is there anything I'm doing wrong? Anything else I should be doing?

1. Stop saying you cannot do what He said you can do. He said speaking in new tongues is a sign that follows all those who believe. When we contradict Him and His word, what do we expect? Faith means trusting Him and holding His words up above all. He said you do, so start believing and saying you do.
2. If you ever asked to receive the Holy Spirit, then He gave the Holy Spirit to you. No discussion. All who as recieve. you have the Holy Spirit now. Start thanking Him for giving you the Holy Spirit.

These are the first steps. Until we walk in the light of the word... there is nothing He can do for us.

 

[Questioning Christian]

Hey guys...I've just been wondering, that since I have been praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for a long time, and have even had hands laid on me in prayer so I could speak in tongues ... But is there anything I'm doing wrong? Anything else I should be doing?

Listen, I did not speak in tongues the first time I was prayed for. The preacher wanted me to speak with tongues, but I did not. I wanted it, but did not speak. There were only minimal sounds, like a baby struggling to make words. Several months later, I was in my car driving, and said, "Lord, how long am I going to talk baby talk?" And the words just began to flow out of me.

The filling of the Holy Spirit, and the speaking in tongues, are not restricted to a church or to having people around you. God can and will do things how He chooses.

So thank Him that you have this desire, and relax as I did for all those months. I knew that I was trusting God, and so there you go.

You know, on this subject, I have been in the Charismatic churches for 15 years, and I have never fallen out or been slain in the Spirit. I have been always perfectly conscious and awake and have never fallen under the power.

But I am totally relaxed, and I don't feel a bit strange about it. I actually find it interesting that a lot more people fall out when there is carpet than when you are on a concrete floor.

I don't let that bother me. The Lord can do what He wants. He has no problem with me never falling out. So, neither do I.

 

[Reazzurro90]

The filling of the Holy Spirit, and the speaking in tongues, are not restricted to a church or to having people around you. God can and will do things how He chooses.

So thank Him that you have this desire, and relax as I did for all those months. I knew that I was trusting God, and so there you go.

I know it's not restricted to a specific place in church. And I know it is all in God's timing. But I cannot seem to relax on the subject, because in church I'll always be focused on it. I do trust God, there's no one else worth trusting.

You know, on this subject, I have been in the Charismatic churches for 15 years, and I have never fallen out or been slain in the Spirit. I have been always perfectly conscious and awake and have never fallen under the power.

I never knew that you're supposed to lose consciousness when you're slain in the Spirit. I know you're struck by the Spirit, but overwhelmed enough to lose consciousness? Either way, may the Lord lead you to it.

 

[KleinerApfel]

I never knew that you're supposed to lose consciousness when you're slain in the Spirit. I know you're struck by the Spirit, but overwhelmed enough to lose consciousness? Either way, may the Lord lead you to it.

When it happened to me I was conscious throughout. I have heard others say they saw or heard something, experienced a change of consciousness or perception, visions etc., so I don't think there is any "supposed to" about it either way.

(Oh, and dear brother QC - you might be interested to know the carpet was indeed beautifully soft! LOL! )


I hope you can relax about this soon Reazzurro,
God bless you, love Sue

 

[TGBTG]

I feel that there "sometimes" is a problem with people dwelling on speaking in tongues. I feel sometimes people think they are measured by how much and how well they speak in tongues, or if they even do. I believe very stongly in tongues, but it is not my main focus, I want to be clean before God, I want to do what God has me to do with what I have been given, I want to witness to someone and the power of God come over them so strong they break and I can pray them though. If your main focus is on God, not the things of the world, and you are doing what God would have you to do, "You Will" recieve the gifts of the spirit.

I have to admit, I preaching to myself also.

 

[Reazzurro90]

I hope you can relax about this soon Reazzurro,
God bless you, love Sue

Me too, me too. Thank you, Sue,

 

[septemberskies]

Because you desire the Lord, He will fill you up with the Holy Spirit. Continue to pray for Baptism of the Holy Spirit and He will give it to you. Don't be discouraged. I pray off and on for months on whether the doctrine of speaking in tongues was true and just one night last year He gave it to me.

 

[RevKidd]

Hey guys...I've just been wondering, that since I have been praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for a long time, and have even had hands laid on me in prayer so I could speak in tongues...The only thing came up was Italian, my native tongue (the others thought it was tongues but that's another story). Then a week or so ago the youth was called up to lay hands on some people and pray for their afflictions. While we were praying, these words came up "Yeshua Hamashia," and "tamech." I already know that the two words mean "Jesus is Messiah" in Hebrew, and I think that tamech was just a result of my obsession on speaking in tongues, so I know that I didn't achieve anything. But is there anything I'm doing wrong? Anything else I should be doing?

1 Corinthians 12 says...

1) There are 9 Gifts of the Spirit, not just one.
2) The Holy Spirit Decides which gifts we operate in, not us.
3) Ourselves, being in the body of Christ must operate and excersize gifts that edify the body of Christ. Just like our body has many parts, so should the church have many members excersizing and operating in all the gifts not just tongues.
4) That not everyone is to speak in tongues or prophecy etc...
5) And that we should desire the best gift to use (Not what mainstream pentecostals think, say, preach, or teach)

So based on 1 Corinthians I would pray that the Holy Spirit provide you with one of the 9 gifts. And that might not be tongues. It could be Prophesy, teaching, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, knowledge, tongues or interpretation. If fact, you probably are leaning toward one of these gifts, but you supress it because for some reason, you may feel, that tongues is the pinnicle of spirituality. When in fact, Paul teaches differently.

My advise is to read 1 Corinthians 12 - 14. Then pray and earnestly desire the best gifts...

God bless

 

[RevKidd]

Because you desire the Lord, He will fill you up with the Holy Spirit. Continue to pray for Baptism of the Holy Spirit and He will give it to you. Don't be discouraged. I pray off and on for months on whether the doctrine of speaking in tongues was true and just one night last year He gave it to me.

He is a believer, he already filled with it. He just needs to have confidence that the Holy Spirit will use him in the right ways...

See my previous post.

 

[MadHermit]

Hey guys...I've just been wondering, that since I have been praying for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit for a long time, and have even had hands laid on me in prayer so I could speak in tongues...

Out of curiosity, why do you want to speak in tongues?

 

[onelamb]

ARE TONGUES AVAILABLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS?

In 1 Corinthians 12:30, Paul asks the hypothetical question "Do all speak in tongues?" This has led some to the conclusion that tongues as a whole are only for a select few Christians.

There are three different manifestations of tongues. The context of Paul's above mentioned statement is a discussion of the gifts of the Holy Spirit, tongues being one of them. He is giving instruction for the proper use of the gifts in a church service. When Paul speaks of tongues in this setting, he is referring to the ministry gift of tongues, which, as previously stated, is only one of the three, and is only given by the Holy Spirit in certain situations. This type of tongues is a sign to unbelievers. However, we read other instances in Scripture where people spoke in tongues, and no unbelievers were present (see Acts 10:46; 19:6, as well as note 1 below), giving further proof that this is not the exclusive purpose for tongues.

As for the other two manifestations of tongues, however, there are a number of Scriptures that clearly teach that they are for all Christians:

• 1. Jesus said "These signs shall follow THEM THAT BELIEVE...." one of them being "they shall speak with new tongues." (Mark 16:17)
  
  2. At the initial outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost, ALL spoke with tongues. (Acts 2:4)
  
  3. Throughout the Book of Acts, there is a consistent pattern of tongues being the initial evidence when someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit. See Acts 2:1-4;Acts 10:44-46;Acts 19:2-7. (more on this next question.)
  
  4. Paul desired all Christians to speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:5)
  
  5. The exhortations to "Pray in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18 )and "in the Holy Ghost" (Jude 20,) terms synonymous with praying in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14-16,) are directed to all Christians.

I compare it to this :All Christians are to have faith (Mark 11:22; Ephesians 2:8,) but some have a special GIFT of faith (1 Corinthians 12:9.) All Christians are to be merciful (Matthew 5:7; Luke 6:36,) but some have a special ministry gift of mercy (Romans 12:8.) Likewise,the wonderful experience of praying in tongues is available to all Christians, but some have a special public ministry gift of tongues.



For futher comparison, here is a chart summarizing and contrasting the different aspects of tongues:

Public Gift of Tongues


Spoken with interpretation to the church (Equal to prophecy-1 Corinthians 14:5)
To be interpreted (1 Corinthians 14:5)
Edifies the church (when interpreted-1 Corinthians 14:4-5)
A sign to unbelievers (1 Corinthians 14:22
Not given to all believers (1 Cor. 12:30)


Personal Prayer Language


Spoken privately to God (1 Corinthians 14:2)

No interpretation necessary (1 Corinthians 14:28)

Edifies the individual believer (1 Corinthians 14:4)
Can be manifested when no unbelievers are present (Acts 10:46; 19:6)

Should be desired and practiced by all Christians (Mark 16:17; 1 Corinthians 14:5; Ephesians 6:18; Jude 20 ).







II.WHAT IS THE CONNECTION BETWEEN TONGUES AND THE BAPTISM IN THE HOLY SPIRIT?

The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a supernatural empowerment from God into the Christian's life. It can happen at the moment a person is first saved, but as the following verses point out, it is normatively an event subsequent to salvation. Since the baptism is a supernatural experience, it would stand to reason that it would by accompanied by a supernatural sign or evidence. Looking at the Biblical pattern, we see that this sign is speaking in tongues.

There are five recorded instances in the Book of Acts of people receiving the baptism. Each time, it either says the people spoke in tongues, or at least strongly implies that they did. Let's look at each case on an individual basis:

• PENTECOST-Acts 2:1-4-As we stated earlier, the Holy Spirit was first poured out on the day of Pentecost. Of the 120 people who received the Spirit, every one of them, without exception, spoke in tongues (including, interestingly, Mary, the Mother of Jesus-Acts 1:14.) Note particularly the impact this experience had on Peter.In chapter 2, verses 14-41, we see the same disciple who had three times denied he even knew Jesus now stood in the face of a hostile crowd and boldly proclaimed the Gospel, resulting in 3000 people coming to Christ!
  
  THE BELIEVERS AT SAMARIA- Acts 8:14-24-Here the apostles receive the wonderful news of the Gospel spreading into Samaria. Upon hearing this, they immediately sent Peter and John to pray for them, so that they could receive the Holy Spirit. While they are ministering to these believers, a sorcerer named Simon sees this miraculous event, and offers Peter and John money for the ability to impart the Holy Spirit to others. Of course, Peter sharply rebukes him, telling him he has no part or lot in this matter (verse 20.) Although this account does not specifically mention tongues, it is important to notice two things:
  • 1. Simon SAW that the Holy Spirit was being given (verse 18,) therefore, there must have been some sort of tangible evidence of the Holy Spirit's impartation.
    
    2. In verse 20, when Peter tells Simon that he has no part or lot in this matter, it is interesting to note that the word "matter" in the Greek can also be translated "utterance!" Simon had no part or lot in the UTTERANCE that he saw.
  Keeping these two things in mind, as well as comparing this event with others like it in Scripture, I believe it is perfectly safe to say that the evidence that Simon saw was the utterance in tongues of those who whose lives were being transformed by this marvelous work of the Holy Spirit.
  
  PAUL AND ANANIAS-Acts 9:17-18-After his dramatic encounter with God on the road to Damascus, Paul receives a visit from a man named Ananias, who was sent by God so that Paul, who had been blinded during the Damascus encounter, might "receive his sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost ." Although this particular passage does not state that Paul spoke in tongues, we know he did because he later wrote to the Corinthian church "I thank my God I speak in tongues more than you all ." ( 1 Corinthians 14:18) .
  
  PETER AND THE FAMILY OF CORNELIUS-Acts 10:44-46-Cornelius and his family were the first Gentiles (non Jews) to ever become Christians. In the dramatic account of their conversion, we see Cornelius seeking God, who sends an angel to tell him to seek out the Apostle Peter, who, at the same time, was told by the Holy Spirit that Cornelius' men were looking for him. Peter obediently goes to visit Cornelius, and shares the Gospel with him and his family. While Peter was preaching to them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke in tongues . The Jewish believers were astonished at this, because this Gentile family had received the Holy Spirit just like they had. Notice that when they witnessed this wonderful event, THE evidence that they recognized was that "they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God." ( verse 46) .
  
  PAUL AND THE EPHESIAN BELIEVERS- Acts 19:2-7- While passing through the city of Ephesus, Paul encounters a group of disciples and quickly asks them "Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?" They responded that they had never even heard of the Holy Spirit. Paul then gives them some further instruction, baptizes them in water, and lays hands on them to receive the Holy Spirit. When they do, they speak in tongues, as well as prophesy.

One of the basic rules of Bible interpretation is that it takes a minimum of two or three Scriptures to establish a doctrine ( Matthew 18:16; 2 Corinthians 13:1.) So with these five examples, we can see that the doctrine of tongues as initial evidence is solidly Scriptural. Receiving the baptism has been humorously compared to buying a pair of shoes- Tongues come with it!




III. I KNOW MANY WONDERFUL CHRISTIANS WHO DON'T SPEAK IN TONGUES.IF TONGUES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL CHRISTIANS,WHAT ABOUT THEM?

I also know many great Christian people who have never uttered a word in tongues. I have also known a few Christians who did speak in tongues who were downright mean! The issue here is the FRUIT of the Holy Spirit vs. the GIFTS of the Holy Spirit.

When a person is Born Again, the Holy Spirit comes to INDWELL him. All Christians have the Holy Spirit indwelling them. As the Christian yields to the indwelling Holy Spirit, the Spirit produces His fruits- love, joy, peace, etc. (Galatians 5:22-23) in the believer's life. However, when he is baptized in the Holy Spirit, the Spirit comes to EMPOWER him. This produces the Spirit's supernatural power and gifts in the believer.(Acts 1:8).

This being said, it is possible to operate in the fruit of the Spirit, but not the gifts of the Spirit. At the same time, it is possible to operate in the gifts of the Spirit, but not the fruit of the Spirit. This was a problem in the Corinthian church, who in spite of lots of spiritual manifestations such as tongues, were still chastised by the Apostle Paul for being carnal (1 Corinthians 3:3.) Paul also said that without love, tongues are less than worthless (1 Corinthians 13:1.)

It is not my intention to in any way imply that Christians who don't speak in tongues are any less saved, or are any less in love with Jesus than Christians who do. Possibly, because of there background, denomination, or some other factor, they simply haven't been taught about tongues. Like the Ephesian believers Paul encountered in Acts 19:2-7, they simply are not aware that such an experience is available to them.

God wants us to operate in both the fruit and the gifts of the Spirit. We must keep a balanced, focused view on this. I don't claim that speaking in tongues has made me a better Christian than anyone else, but I do know this-It has made me a better Christian than I was before!

IV. IF IT IS GOD'S WILL FOR ALL CHRISTIANS TO SPEAK IN TONGUES, THEN WHY DO SOME HAVE TROUBLE RECEIVING THEIR PRAYER LANGUAGES?

When properly instructed, most Christians receive their prayer language quickly and easily. However, there are very sincere believers who, for whatever reason, struggle in this area. For some, it becomes a source of frustration and discouragement. Why does this happen? While I can't address every possible scenario, here are a few of the most common:

• Religious tradition-If you come from a church background that is hostile to speaking in tongues, I realize that old prejudices can be hard to overcome. Nevertheless, we cannot allow religious traditions to make God's Word ineffective to us (Mark 7:13). Thank God for the Bible truths you may have learned from your denominational church, but keep in mind that speaking in tongues will not nullify any of them! The Holy Spirit is also called the Spirit of Truth (John 14:17), and the prayer language He gives you will both reinforce the truth you already know, as well as prepare your heart to better receive truth you may not yet know.
  
  Codemnation-Some Christians feel that they are not "worthy" to speak in tongues. However, if we were perfect, we wouldn't need it anyway! The only prerequisite to being baptized in the Holy Spirit is that you be born again. You do not receive it through your performance. You receive it through faith in God's grace (see Galatians 3:2). If Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then you are ready to receive! You are no longer unworthy in His sight. You are forgiven and accepted by Him. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ (Romans 8:1). Claim this wonderful promise as yours, and determine to never again allow condemnation to rob you of God's blessing.
  
  Fear-Although we discussed this in the previous message, it bares stating again: Jesus promises in In Luke 11:9-13 that if we ask Him for bread, He will not give us a stone. Verse 13 assures us beyond any question that if we ask God for the Holy Spirit, that is exactly what we will get.
  
  Not understanding what to expect-A common misconception is that when we speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit "grabs" our mouths and forces words out of us. This is not true at all. In Acts 2:4, notice that the people "...began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance." It was the Spirit who gave the utterance, but they were the ones who had to the speaking. In addition, Paul's instruction on when it is and is not appropriate to speak in tongues (see 1 Corinthians 14:6-13; 16-17; 23-25, 27-28) further shows us that the response is an act of our will.

Getting your prayer language is not difficult. It is a simple matter of asking and receiving. Just ask God in faith to baptize you in the Holy Spirit, then open your mouth and speak whatever He gives you. At first it may just be a syllable or two. You didn't learn to speak English all at once, so you needn't expect a complete, fluent language to come all at once. Use what you get, and more will come. Yes, it is that simple! (1)



V. DO I HAVE TO SPEAK IN TONGUES?

No,you don't HAVE to, you GET to! As we discussed in the previous message, Scripture exhorts us to covet, or as the literal Greek puts it, to "pursue with passion" the gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31.) Being filled with the Spirit, and operating in this realm is an awesome privilege!

You can be genuinely saved, love Jesus with all your heart, and go to Heaven when you die, and never speak in tongues. At the same time, however, you will miss out on many of the wonderful blessings and benefits that God has for you that are directly linked to speaking in tongues. God is a Spirit, and He wants to relate to us on the spirit level (John 4:24.) The natural person can't receive the things of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:14.) We must go into the Spirit realm to draw them out. Without tongues, we will never fully enter into that spirit realm in our prayer lives. We can, and should pray to God in our natural language (1 Corinthians 14:15.) He understands English perfectly well! However, we are still very finite, limited creatures, with only three and a half pounds of brain with which to communicate with the vastness of the creator of the universe! When we pray in tongues, our spirit prays (1 Corinthians 14:14,) and we communicate with God Spirit to spirit, speaking mysteries (1 Corinthians 14:2) to Him. (The word "mysteries" in the Greek means "divine secrets, knowledge unrevealed to the uninitiated.")

 

[Reazzurro90]

1 Corinthians 12 says...


So based on 1 Corinthians I would pray that the Holy Spirit provide you with one of the 9 gifts. And that might not be tongues. It could be Prophesy, teaching, faith, healing, miracles, discernment, knowledge, tongues or interpretation. If fact, you probably are leaning toward one of these gifts, but you supress it because for some reason, you may feel, that tongues is the pinnicle of spirituality. When in fact, Paul teaches differently.

My advise is to read 1 Corinthians 12 - 14. Then pray and earnestly desire the best gifts...

God bless

I have read and studied the matter very deeply, and I do not agree with you. Remember what Peter said shortly after the Pentecost:

“Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” (Acts 2:38)

He said "and you WILL receive." Peter did not suggest that you'd receive a different part of the gift. We all know that the crowd was just excited by the Pentecost, where the apostles spoke in tongues. Here, Peter is confirming that we can all easily receive this gift. Furthermore, later on in Acts, Paul meets some Christians and he randomly puts his hands on them and they begin speaking in tongues. The only possible conclusion is that if Paul can simply walk out and allow people to receive tongues, that they must be available for all. Acts 19:1-2 pretty much shows how Paul meet some strangers in Ephesus. Now, let's take a look at the result.


“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke in tongues and prophesied. 7There were about twelve men in all.” (Acts 19:6-7)

You see that? All twelve men began speaking in tongues! It says nothing about the miraculous powers, or apostleship, etc. The private prayer language of tongues (indeed there are two types of tongues) is available to everyone, and is the initial evidence of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Going back to 1 Corinthians 12, Paul mentions how they all had been baptized by the Holy Spirit. The gifts in that chapter refer to after the baptism had already happened. Once again, the tongues mentioned there were talking about tongues of public exhortation, not private prayer language, or the result of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

@MadHermit
I want to speak in tongues because it is the will of God that I do so! Just like it is the will of God for EVERYONE to speak in tongues and be baptized in the Holy Spirit!


@Onelamb
Nice post! You summed it up perfectly.

 

[sarah4j]

Just want to give my own experience...I felt a lot of pressure by some people, not the church I attended at the time I received my prayer language (I guess different than speaking in tongues which I don't fully grasp yet), but a different church I was visiting. They were like, "Just ask and you'll receive." When it didn't happen right away I was discouraged, too. but, I knew I was feeling pressure to please others and I knew in my spirit it would happen when God was ready to "reveal" it to me (as I had been baptized in the Holy Spirit, however I guess the actual evidence of that wasn't revealed until months later. But, one day during my quiet time with the Lord, I loosed my tongue as people had told me to do and it did just begin to happen. That was about 10 years ago and about 3-6 months after I asked Jesus into my heart. I am not a theologian and I don't have all the answers, I just think sometimes we expect too much and try to do things in steps 1, 2, 3 or are feeling pressured like we are Christian enough if we don't speak in tongues. Don't worry about it. God will speak to you and through in His own perfect timing. Love In Christ...