Praying In Tongues...Revisited

[Edward]

We've talked about this before. I was interested in it and had never done it. I was feeling left out sort'a. Many have tried to tell me that they could teach me to pray in tongues, but I cautiously resisted this because my understanding is that speaking in tongues is the Holy Spirit praying for us...it seemed a dangerous thing to me, to put words in the Holy Spirit's mouth. We can't speak for the Holy Spirit...

I did eventually speak in tongues one time. I was praying...and suddenly I was speaking in tongues. Not me. He just took over my prayer and I was spouting what seemed gibberish to me. I knew enough to stand down and be quiet and let the Holy Spirit finish. He did, and I was exhilarated and very happy about it.

I sorta figured that it would happen more and more after that, but it hasn't. I quit worrying about it and went on with other things, giving God much thanks and praise for the experience and that the Holy Spirit of Almighty God prayed for me.

It's been awhile now, and it's floated back up to the top of my curiosity, so I delved into the Word again about it...and was amazed and astounded by what I learned about it. But first, a question...

It is the Holy Spirit doing the praying when we pray in tongues, right? Or wrong?

 

[dirtfarmer]

We've talked about this before. I was interested in it and had never done it. I was feeling left out sort'a. Many have tried to tell me that they could teach me to pray in tongues, but I cautiously resisted this because my understanding is that speaking in tongues is the Holy Spirit praying for us...it seemed a dangerous thing to me, to put words in the Holy Spirit's mouth. We can't speak for the Holy Spirit...

I did eventually speak in tongues one time. I was praying...and suddenly I was speaking in tongues. Not me. He just took over my prayer and I was spouting what seemed gibberish to me. I knew enough to stand down and be quiet and let the Holy Spirit finish. He did, and I was exhilarated and very happy about it.

I sorta figured that it would happen more and more after that, but it hasn't. I quit worrying about it and went on with other things, giving God much thanks and praise for the experience and that the Holy Spirit of Almighty God prayed for me.

It's been awhile now, and it's floated back up to the top of my curiosity, so I delved into the Word again about it...and was amazed and astounded by what I learned about it. But first, a question...

It is the Holy Spirit doing the praying when we pray in tongues, right? Or wrong?

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

I guess it depends on who it is you are asking.

 

[Edward]

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

I guess it depends on who it is you are asking.

Anyone who has a perspective. Probably someone who speaks in tongues fairly regularly. If it's the Holy Spirit praying for us, then are we able to initiate it, or no?

 

[dirtfarmer]

Anyone who has a perspective. Probably someone who speaks in tongues fairly regularly. If it's the Holy Spirit praying for us, then are we able to initiate it, or no?

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

By perspective if you mean" to compare something to other things so that it can be accurately and fairly judged". All Christians fall into 3 categories. Those who believe they are operative today, those that don't believe they are operative today, and those that don't know one way or the other.

In my studies I find that "tongues" were for a sign to the Jewish believers to show that God was saving Gentiles and had made of both Jew and Gentile, one body.

 

[Edward]

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

By perspective if you mean" to compare something to other things so that it can be accurately and fairly judged". All Christians fall into 3 categories. Those who believe they are operative today, those that don't believe they are operative today, and those that don't know one way or the other.

In my studies I find that "tongues" were for a sign to the Jewish believers to show that God was saving Gentiles and had made of both Jew and Gentile, one body.

Oh ok, I see where you're coming from. (I think), You don't hold that believers are to be speaking in tongues in todays world. Right?
I'm not looking to debate the validity of tongues. I wholeheartedly believe in it, because the Holy Spirit took over my prayer and interrupted me. I know it happened. He may well have used tongues as sign in yesteryear to show the Jews that He was saving the Gentiles also...but, I believe it is still being done today, and is supposed to be being done.
Mark 16:17 establishes that for me. I understand that that speaking in tongues edifies the individual and allows growth (1 Corinthians 14:4) so I was hoping to hear from some Brothers or Sisters who speak in tongues often. To get their perspective on, if they do, then how is it initiated? From how they have spoke before about it, it's as if they can do it whenever they want. I need to clear that up because I want to be edified and grow, but...I hesitate to speak for the Holy Spirit. So how's that work?

 

[dirtfarmer]

Oh ok, I see where you're coming from. (I think), You don't hold that believers are to be speaking in tongues in todays world. Right?
I'm not looking to debate the validity of tongues. I wholeheartedly believe in it, because the Holy Spirit took over my prayer and interrupted me. I know it happened. He may well have used tongues as sign in yesteryear to show the Jews that He was saving the Gentiles also...but, I believe it is still being done today, and is supposed to be being done.
Mark 16:17 establishes that for me. I understand that that speaking in tongues edifies the individual and allows growth (1 Corinthians 14:4) so I was hoping to hear from some Brothers or Sisters who speak in tongues often. To get their perspective on, if they do, then how is it initiated? From how they have spoke before about it, it's as if they can do it whenever they want. I need to clear that up because I want to be edified and grow, but...I hesitate to speak for the Holy Spirit. So how's that work?

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

I understand, so I will end our conversation on this subject. Will converse with you on other subjects as they come up.

 

[dirtfarmer]

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

Just one quick question: Do you attend or go to Rod Parsley's church?

 

[Edward]

hello Edward, dirtfarmer here

Just one quick question: Do you attend or go to Rod Parsley's church?

No I don't. I've never heard of the man.

See, where I'm at on this, is the understanding that it is the Hoy Spirit praying to God for us when we speak in tongues, ut I came across another scripture which says that it is our spirit which prays to God when we speak in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:14). So now I'm confused about it. I've always thought it was the Holy Spirit only.

 

[Eugene]

I did eventually speak in tongues one time. I was praying...and suddenly I was speaking in tongues. Not me. He just took over my prayer and I was spouting what seemed gibberish to me. I knew enough to stand down and be quiet and let the Holy Spirit finish. He did, and I was exhilarated and very happy about it.

Edward, my experience was the same. The closest I can think of explaining it is that we received the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues; not the gift of tongues. Not knowing what to expect, I would attempt letting the Holy Spirit take me back to that moment, and after a time I knew I was just repeating what occurred at first, and finally dropped it, but satisfied that God had given His Holy Spirit to be in me; not just with me.
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

 

[WIP]

We've talked about this before. I was interested in it and had never done it. I was feeling left out sort'a. Many have tried to tell me that they could teach me to pray in tongues, but I cautiously resisted this because my understanding is that speaking in tongues is the Holy Spirit praying for us...it seemed a dangerous thing to me, to put words in the Holy Spirit's mouth. We can't speak for the Holy Spirit...

I am with you on this.

 

[Edward]

So we're all in agreement then? It's the Holy Spirit. That's all I've ever heard about this so it's why I have been believing as I do...

But then I came across this 1 Corinthians 14:14 which say that it is my spirit which prayeth.

What now? Sometimes it's the Holy Spirit, and sometimes it's me?

 

[WIP]

Is it possible that sometimes the Holy Spirit gives us the words? I'm thinking of Scripture similar to Luke 12:12.

 

[Christ_empowered]

im torn. overall, i --love-- Pentecostals. Not big on how they always vote GOP, but...when it comes to high quality ministries, doing their best to preach the whole Bible, and encouraging believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling...awesome. Obviously, some Pentecosal churches are just as bad as any other false churches, and of course...all denominations have their problems and flaws. When it comes to tongues...

....I simply do not know. The --1-- time I've dealt with it, I felt very uncomfortable. A well-groomed, middle-aged woman in a large-ish Pentecostal church started talking in tongues. The young-ish, conventionally handsome, almost...televangelist sort of looking...minister did the interpretation. The congregation was obviously moved. The music people seized the opportunity to put on some soft, emotional praise music.

Not to sound cynical, but...I got a bad feeling from the whole thing, especially once the praise music started. It was almost like a soundtrack.

Of course, that was --1-- time, in --1-- church. I have no reason to doubt that The Holy Spirit may now and then move on a believer in that way, but...I'm obviously concerned about manipulation and...yeah. I just get a bit nervous about the whole thing.

Oh, btw...the church I was at that night has now apparently gone downhill a bit. The preacher there clearly has ambitions, and its now showing in how the church is operated, the message, etc.

 

[Nathan]

im torn. overall, i --love-- Pentecostals. Not big on how they always vote GOP, but...when it comes to high quality ministries, doing their best to preach the whole Bible, and encouraging believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling...awesome. Obviously, some Pentecosal churches are just as bad as any other false churches, and of course...all denominations have their problems and flaws. When it comes to tongues...

....I simply do not know. The --1-- time I've dealt with it, I felt very uncomfortable. A well-groomed, middle-aged woman in a large-ish Pentecostal church started talking in tongues. The young-ish, conventionally handsome, almost...televangelist sort of looking...minister did the interpretation. The congregation was obviously moved. The music people seized the opportunity to put on some soft, emotional praise music.

Not to sound cynical, but...I got a bad feeling from the whole thing, especially once the praise music started. It was almost like a soundtrack.

Of course, that was --1-- time, in --1-- church. I have no reason to doubt that The Holy Spirit may now and then move on a believer in that way, but...I'm obviously concerned about manipulation and...yeah. I just get a bit nervous about the whole thing.

Oh, btw...the church I was at that night has now apparently gone downhill a bit. The preacher there clearly has ambitions, and its now showing in how the church is operated, the message, etc.

My Mother goes to an AOG church, and when I visit her I experience the exact thing you just described(minus the people's ages - lol) - each and every time I go - same thing every time. I grew up in a charismatic church, so I am not 'new' to what they call speaking in tongues.

It does not bother me really. Interesting really, but I honestly cannot say it speaks to my soul at all.

I just found it interesting that you describe the same thing I have witnessed on several occasions.

 

[JLB]

We've talked about this before. I was interested in it and had never done it. I was feeling left out sort'a. Many have tried to tell me that they could teach me to pray in tongues, but I cautiously resisted this because my understanding is that speaking in tongues is the Holy Spirit praying for us...it seemed a dangerous thing to me, to put words in the Holy Spirit's mouth. We can't speak for the Holy Spirit...

I did eventually speak in tongues one time. I was praying...and suddenly I was speaking in tongues. Not me. He just took over my prayer and I was spouting what seemed gibberish to me. I knew enough to stand down and be quiet and let the Holy Spirit finish. He did, and I was exhilarated and very happy about it.

I sorta figured that it would happen more and more after that, but it hasn't. I quit worrying about it and went on with other things, giving God much thanks and praise for the experience and that the Holy Spirit of Almighty God prayed for me.

It's been awhile now, and it's floated back up to the top of my curiosity, so I delved into the Word again about it...and was amazed and astounded by what I learned about it. But first, a question...

It is the Holy Spirit doing the praying when we pray in tongues, right? Or wrong?

First you need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Then you will be able to pray in the Spirit all you want for personal edification, which is different than a tongue and interpretation in Church which edifies the body, like a prophesy.

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 20

• He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4

When I pray in the Spirit [tongues] my spirit prays, but I don't understand what I am praying.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15

I also worship and sing in tongues, when I move into high praise and worshiping in the Spirit.


JLB

 

[Edward]

Edward, my experience was the same. The closest I can think of explaining it is that we received the Holy Spirit evidenced by speaking in tongues; not the gift of tongues. Not knowing what to expect, I would attempt letting the Holy Spirit take me back to that moment, and after a time I knew I was just repeating what occurred at first, and finally dropped it, but satisfied that God had given His Holy Spirit to be in me; not just with me.
Joh 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

Act 10:45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Act 10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
Act 10:47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?

This is very encouraging the more I ponder it. And it waters that seed of thought which makes me feel as if there is quite a bit of spiritual significance attached to speaking and praying in tongues. So, was this our (my) baptism in the Holy Spirit?

I could take off down the rabbit hole about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit right now, but I think that's a thread of it's own because it goes so deep, so I'll leave that alone for now. But the speaking and praying in tongues, I'm coming to realize that the Holy Spirit can do this of His own (like happened to us), or that we can pray in tongues ourselves, which is our spirit praying to God...(according to 1 Corinthians 14:14)

I think I'm getting somewhere now. When people were trying to teach me to pray in tongues (and scaring me, lol), that's ok and they spoke truth, but I was seeking the speaking in tongues by the Holy Spirit in me and just didn't put the two together. That said, there's no need to question about when the Holy Spirit initiates it, because that is of Him and can be considered to be perfect on it's face...but this other type of praying in tongues, my spirit prays to God...yet I have no understanding of it and what is being said, so let's look at that for a second...

What's happening at this time? I open my mouth in prayer...unintelligible compared to human languages...then what? The Lord assigns meaning to the sounds?
Hmmm

 

[dirtfarmer]

dirtfarmer here

1 Corinthians 12:7 " But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal."
1 Corinthians 14:3-4 " But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort. He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church."
Ephesians 4:16 " From whom the whole body fitly joined together, and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love."

The manifestation of the Spirit is given to edify the body, not to edify self. How do we edify the body? It is not by tongues but by prophesying.

 

[Edward]

Is it possible that sometimes the Holy Spirit gives us the words? I'm thinking of Scripture similar to Luke 12:12.

Brother, that would have to be a resounding yes, at least as far as the praying in tongues which was initiated by the Holy Spirit goes.
If you perhaps meant when our spirit prays in tongues...then, I don't know. That is the question at this point.

 

[Edward]

im torn. overall, i --love-- Pentecostals. Not big on how they always vote GOP, but...when it comes to high quality ministries, doing their best to preach the whole Bible, and encouraging believers to work out their salvation with fear and trembling...awesome. Obviously, some Pentecosal churches are just as bad as any other false churches, and of course...all denominations have their problems and flaws. When it comes to tongues...

....I simply do not know. The --1-- time I've dealt with it, I felt very uncomfortable. A well-groomed, middle-aged woman in a large-ish Pentecostal church started talking in tongues. The young-ish, conventionally handsome, almost...televangelist sort of looking...minister did the interpretation. The congregation was obviously moved. The music people seized the opportunity to put on some soft, emotional praise music.

Not to sound cynical, but...I got a bad feeling from the whole thing, especially once the praise music started. It was almost like a soundtrack.

Of course, that was --1-- time, in --1-- church. I have no reason to doubt that The Holy Spirit may now and then move on a believer in that way, but...I'm obviously concerned about manipulation and...yeah. I just get a bit nervous about the whole thing.

Oh, btw...the church I was at that night has now apparently gone downhill a bit. The preacher there clearly has ambitions, and its now showing in how the church is operated, the message, etc.

It made me uncomfortable too, Brother. Then I remembered the scripture which says...I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7) and keep pressing on. I think men generally fear what they do not understand, so I press forward into understanding.

 

[Edward]

First you need to be baptized in the Holy Spirit.

Then you will be able to pray in the Spirit all you want for personal edification, which is different than a tongue and interpretation in Church which edifies the body, like a prophesy.

20 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Jude 20

• He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 1 Corinthians 14:4

When I pray in the Spirit [tongues] my spirit prays, but I don't understand what I am praying.

14 For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.
1 Corinthians 14:14-15

I also worship and sing in tongues, when I move into high praise and worshiping in the Spirit.


JLB

Interesting...I'm not 100% sure if I have received the baptism of the Holy Spirit or not yet.

So, Brother...praying in tongues will edify me...ok so when you do it, what's your take on it? Do you feel edified? and if so in what way? Or would this be an edification of our spirit, wherein we would not even be conscious of it? Or...what?