The amount of time spent speaking in

Tremendous! Again, Jesus, the 'same yesterday, today and forever' looking into the affairs on His people, glory to God. Bring us to that place of your delight Lord, cause our intent to be changed by looking to the image of Christ in all things! In Jesus name.

Do you suppose the predominant Pentecostal world focus is derailed from the whole spiritual preference He intended for us as we do, preferring tongues so we could secure prophesy, which glosses over His definition of initial focus, focus on prophesy to secure tongues spontaneity?

I desire you all to speak in tongues, but rather that you should prophesy. (1 Cor 14:5)

I hope that doesn't sound like a wish to diminish tongues any more than what the Spirit lays out here.

tturt said:

This thread isn't meant to make anyone feel guilty, etc. Some believers wonder if the amount of time spent speaking in tongues is important. Though not specified, it must be noteworthy because

"I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:"

[FONT=Georgia, Garamond, serif]I Cor. 14:18


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I don't spend any time "speaking" in tongues, but I spend many hours each day "praying" in tongues.

ARBITER01 said:

I don't speak any time "speaking" in tongues, but I spend many hours each day "praying" in tongues.

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I see your point, as it is without question, prayer to us. Does the unbeliever to whom tongues is ''for a sign'' know that? Of course not. If God used that spoken sign to instruct them, then they too would come to know the nature of that spoken tongue is prayer.

rocknanchor said:

I see your point, as it is without question, prayer to us. Does the unbeliever to whom tongues is ''for a sign'' know that? Of course not. If God used that spoken sign to instruct them, then they too would come to know the nature of that spoken tongue is prayer.

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The speaking portion of the gift is mainly for corporate use, the prayer portion is personal use. If there is going to be a sign for unbelievers, it will be with the corporate speaking portion.

ARBITER01 said:

The speaking portion of the gift is mainly for corporate use, the prayer portion is personal use. If there is going to be a sign for unbelievers, it will be with the corporate speaking portion.

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You sure? I mean, it appears quite surely in the contrary (1 Corinthians 14:23). The plural used in v-22 would therefore be intended for all-inclusive, wherever, however, "to them that believe not".

rocknanchor said:

You sure? I mean, it appears quite surely in the contrary (1 Corinthians 14:23). The plural used in v-22 would therefore be intended for all-inclusive, wherever, however, "to them that believe not".

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Praying in tongues is a personal thing, between you and GOD.

Speaking in tongues is by The Holy Spirit in the corporate assembly when we come together.

Heres a few thoughts on the gift and the personal prayer language in tongues.
The gift various kinds of tongues is different than the baptism of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit directs a tongue for an interpretation during a service. I think that is part of the gift and when paul says not everyone speaks in tongues he is refering to the gift various kinds of tongues.
Another left out part of the gift various kinds if tongues is the " god hath set" ...diversities of tongues." In the old testament tribes of tongues and nations occurs. Part of the gift diversities of tongues is the ability to be a cultural connector for the body of Christ. I believe the Holy Spirit impresses some with diversities of tongues to be links in the church. It is a lowly gift but nonetheless vital for helping with unity and assimulation.

The most prolific tongue talker I ever heard of was the late Dave Roberson, who ministered mostly out of Tulsa. Daveroberson.org
Plenty of teaching on tongues in his media stuff found there for free.
A big theme was when you pray ask for interpretation of the mysteries you are speaking. He as well as others believe too that rom 8 ..all things work togethee for good" are predicated on the believer praying with the Holy Spirit interceding according to the will of God with groanings too deep to utter. V 26

Roberson at times spent days praying in tongues alone seeking the things of God. Hagin, Oral Roberts, T.L. Osborn, and others recognized the importance of the personal prayer language. Anyone who doubts should try a couple of hours a day for a week or two and the positive differences should manifest. I admit too that other than short periods I have never taken personal prayer in tongues as seriously as I should. Ill admit it is easier in a wave of the Holy Spirit but it does not require anything but determination and faith to push through.

Richard T said:

Roberson at times spent days praying in tongues alone seeking the things of God. Hagin, Oral Roberts, T.L. Osborn, and others recognized the importance of the personal prayer language.

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Oh but, didn't they help so many in our walk with Him?

Richard T said:

Anyone who doubts should try a couple of hours a day for a week or two and the positive differences should manifest. I admit too that other than short periods I have never taken personal prayer in tongues as seriously as I should. Ill admit it is easier in a wave of the Holy Spirit but it does not require anything but determination and faith to push through.

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Right, guess all too many never took to heart when the Master said ''without doubt''. But on the peace involved in that press, it must be understood, it is a war that ensues with prayer with Him, not apart, I'm sure you agree! Paul must of had that blessing early on to know us well enough to say ''I thank God I speak in tongues more that you all'' (1Cr 14:18). So since early on then, this is not something that can be schooled into us for conditioning, but always always of enablement by Him.