Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

LATEST EDITION 2017 Fifty questions from people, with fifty answers from the Bible on the subject of Tongues.

TONGUES? TONGUES… TONGUES! If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but I do not have love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. 1Corinthians 13:1 written by and cover image painted by

Dorothea C. M. LeBlanc

2

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

3

Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the King James version of the Bible (because it’s free to print and put up on the internet) but I encourage you to search out other translations to add to your depth of understanding.

For example, The Passion Translation is a new and excellent, spirit-inspired version of the Word of God.

Copyright © 2017 by Dorothea LeBlanc Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada Previous editions were printed in 2001, 2006, 2009, 2014 All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. Contents and/or cover may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the express written consent of the author.

Email: dorothealeblanc@me.com About the cover art: Title: Wind Swept Grass at Scotts Bay original 30”x40” acrylic on canvas painted by Dorothea LeBlanc, 2016

4

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

5

Table of Contents

Dedication and Thanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 1. What do you mean when you talk about “tongues”? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 2. What is the purpose of tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 3. Who has the ability to speak in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 4. Why should I speak (or pray) in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 5. How can I pray in a language I don’t understand? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 6. Do I HAVE to speak in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 7. Won’t people think I’m crazy when I pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 8. Did Jesus pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 9. Does God think that all believers should pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . 35 10. Why are people afraid of speaking in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 11. Someone told me that speaking in tongues is of the devil.

Could that be true? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 12. Aren’t I “filled” with the Holy Spirit automatically when I get born again, even if I don’t speak in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 13. What does it mean to be “filled” with the Holy Spirit? . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 14. I once mocked tongues and those who spoke in tongues, may I still receive this heavenly gift? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 15. How do I begin to speak or pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 16. Many pastors and friends have prayed for me to receive tongues, but I still haven’t. Why? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 17. Am I supposed to understand the tongues that I speak? . . . . . . . . . . . 54 18. Can I “translate” my tongues, or someone else’s? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 19. Can tongues be taught to me in a class, as one might teach any foreign language, say, French? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 20. Is receiving the gift of tongues a one-time experience, like receiving salvation? Am I filled with the Holy Spirit now that I’ve spoken once in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

6

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

21. Isn’t it just me doing the speaking? I thought the Holy Spirit would speak through me. It doesn’t feel like the Holy Ghost is taking control of my physical tongue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 22. Why can’t I seem to pray for very long? I manage to pray a little and then my mind gets distracted or I fall asleep. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 23. What if my prayer language doesn’t sound like someone else’s? . . . . . . 62 24. When I receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, will the tongues I receive be a complete language? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 25. Will praying in tongues make me more spiritual? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64 26. Will praying in tongues make me weird? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 27. Can the devil hear me when I pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 28. What should I do if my church forbids praying/speaking in tongues? . . . 68 29. My church taught me that tongues has passed away. Hasn’t it? . . . . . . 69 30. I thought that because I was a born-again believer, when I prayed in English, I was already praying in the Spirit. Was I mistaken? . . . . . . . . . 71 31. Because the gifts of the Spirit are as the Spirit wills, shouldn’t I wait for an “unction” before I pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72 32. If someone is operating in the power of God, like praying for people and seeing them healed, do they speak a lot in tongues? Should I follow their example? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73 33. Isn’t prophesying better than speaking in tongues and shouldn’t I rather do that? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74 34. Isn’t prayer in tongues or utterances in tongues just for the purpose of being a sign to unbelievers? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 35. When I am praying “in the Spirit,” am I praying “to” the Holy Ghost? . . . . 76 36. Sometimes I seem to be speaking a different “tongue” from the one I normally pray in. Is this normal? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77 37. Why is “groaning” in the Spirit considered praying in tongues? . . . . . . 78 38. Is praying in tongues out loud more effective than praying quietly? . . . 80 39. Will an unbeliever get saved if I speak to them in tongues? . . . . . . . . . 81 40. Am I praying for other people when I pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . 82 41. If I am thinking about my children when I pray in tongues, does that mean I am praying for them? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 42. If my mind thinks terrible thoughts when I’m praying in tongues, should I stop praying? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

7

43. Is it possible to read the Bible and pray in tongues at the same time? . . 85 44. Is thinking in tongues the same as speaking in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . 86 45. Is praying in tongues for a minute a day enough? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87 46. For how long should I pray in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88 47. Does it do me any good to pray in tongues when I’m at work or doing household chores, even when my mind is on other things? . . . . . . . . . 89 48. Can I sing in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90 49. Can I pray too much in tongues? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 50. I heard that speaking in tongues causes division in churches.

Is that true? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 92 A prayer to lead you into a Born Again experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94 A prayer to lead you into the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95 About the Author . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96

8

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

9

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

GIVING THANKS There are many people who have inspired me to keep praying in the spirit, even through the storms in life, and I would like to express sincere appreciation to them all.

But MOST OF ALL I would like to wholeheartedly thank my Heavenly Father, in Jesus’s Name, for sending the Holy Spirit to teach us all things - even of the wonderful things to come.

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

10

INTRODUCTION The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. John 3:8 Jesus explained what it’s like to be a child of God born of the Spirit, we’re like a feather in the wind – the Holy Spirit uses us where and when He wants. No one can foretell His coming or going, but we experience His effect and will evidence His miracles of delivering, healing and blessing the people we touch.

The subject of “tongues” has been cloaked in mystery… ignored… misunderstood… feared… and/or minimized. But there is conclusive and extensive Biblical support for spirit-filled prayer (or praying in tongues), and because praying this way blesses the follower of Jesus in a way that nothing else can, all doubts of its use must be erased from our minds.

Many of the questions answered in this book were my own; for although I was “born again” into the Kingdom of God at the age of 16 (in 1973), for seven years afterwards I did not hear a thing about prayer in tongues. Then when I was 23, I had the amazing privilege of being baptized in the Holy Spirit. But I only learned enough to pray in tongues occasionally and for just minutes at a time; I did not learn of its great abilty to lead me into more freedom and power.

Sixteen years later, I finally heard someone speak on the reasons and benefits of praying in tongues and it was the answer to the question “Why pray this way?” that gave me the desire to dive deeper into my relationship with the Holy Spirit.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

11

When I discovered the truth about praying in the Holy Spirit, I diligently began to give time and energy to it, and that’s when I entered into the Heavenly world of its wonderful benefits.

This little book can by no means exhaust the subject of prayer in tongues, but it will give you enough information to do your own studying in the Word of God – so you too can experience and further develop your own relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.

I love what the Apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 14:18, “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all…” This one verse is enough to make us want to know more on the subject.

Selah (or, pause and think of that)!

12

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

FOREWORD Let us not argue about the things of the Kingdom of God. I give you this information not so we can be combative over words or doctrine but only to increase our love for God and others. If someone wants to be ignorant, let them be (1Cor 14:38), Don’t be unkind; just pray for them. If you have no questions and you’re eager to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues, go to the prayers on pages 94 and 95 and be blessed!

I thought these verses would be helpful to include: 1Corinthians 13 and 14 13:1 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

4 Charity (love) suffereth long, and is kind; charity (love) envieth not; charity (love) vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

8 Charity (love) never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. 10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away.

11 When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man, I put away childish things.12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

13

13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity (love), these three; but the greatest of these is charity (love).

14:1 Follow after charity (love), and desire spiritual gifts, but rather that ye may prophesy. 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. 3 But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.

4 He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church. 5 I would that ye all spake with tongues but rather that ye prophesied: for greater is he that prophesieth than he that speaketh with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.

6 Now, brethren, if I come unto you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you, except I shall speak to you either by revelation, or by knowledge, or by prophesying, or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life giving sound, whether pipe or harp, except they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet give an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself to the battle?

9 So likewise ye, except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? for ye shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them is without signification. 11 Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.

12 Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 13 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 16 Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? 17 For thou verily givest thanks well, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all: 19 Yet in

14

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue.

20 Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. (Isaiah 28:11,12) 22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 23 If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: 25 And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.

26 How is it then, brethren? when ye come together, every one of you hath a psalm, hath a doctrine, hath a tongue, hath a revelation, hath an interpretation. Let all things be done unto edifying. 27 If any man speak in an unknown tongue, let it be by two, or at the most by three, and that by course; and let one interpret. 28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God. 29 Let the prophets speak two or three, and let the other judge. 30 If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For ye may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints...

38 But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. (words in parentheses are added)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

15

1. What do you mean when you talk about “tongues”?

In the Bible, there are two general meanings for the word “tongue(s)”.

One of those meanings refers to “tongues” as languages: “those that are known on the earth; the languages or dialects used by a particular people distinct from that of other nations.”* For instance, this verse in Revelation 10:11 uses the word tongues in that way: And he said unto me, Thou must prophesy again before many peoples, and nations, and tongues, and kings.

The other meaning for “tongues” is what we want to discuss in this book; a supernatural utterance or language, received by children of God when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit.

In the New Testament, “speaking in tongues” is also referred to as: 1) speaking in an unknown tongue (1 Corinthians 14:14) 2) praying with the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:15) 3) praying in the Spirit (Ephesians 6:18) 4) praying in the Holy Spirit (Jude 1:20), 5) speaking with the tongues of men and of angels (1 Corinthians 13:1) 6) speaking with other tongues (Acts 2:4) 7) stammering lips and another tongue (Isaiah 28) There are four different kinds of prayer in tongues talked about in the New Testament and they are listed here and explained very briefly for your better understanding. The first kind, tongues for personal edification, is the main subject of this book.

* Strong’s Online Bible

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

16

A. TONGUES FOR PERSONAL EDIFICATION (Jude verse 20)

• Everyone receives this kind of tongues when they are baptized in the Holy Spirit (after they are born again). (Matthew 3:11, Acts 1:5)

• It is to assist us in the revelation of God.

• It can be used as often as we choose except not when it might cause disorder in the church. In other words, we don’t need to wait for an anointing or unction to begin praying this way. (1 Corinthians 14:15)

• It is the main subject of this book.

B.

TONGUES AS A SIGN TO THE UNBELIEVER (Acts 2:4-11)

• This second kind of tongues was displayed when the Holy Spirit was first sent on the day of Pentecost. The Holy Spirit used it to witness to many people who were from many different countries and spoke many different languages. When the newly baptized Christians spoke in these tongues, they didn’t know it, but they had spoken about the wonderful works of God to others in their actual known languages.

(Acts 1:4,8 and 2:4)

“In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people... Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not... “ (1 Corinthians 14:21,22)

• The Holy Spirit can use this form of tongues through us to witness to unbelievers directly, without having us and our minds get in the way. It is important to understand that what is said will always supernaturally agree with the Word of God.

• It ALWAYS operates as the Spirit wills – in other words, we cannot choose when, where or what to speak. We’d be like a feather being blown by the wind of the Holy Spirit. Only He knows when and how someone else might need God’s supernatural help.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

C.

TONGUES FOR INTERPRETATION (1 Corinthians 14:13)

D.

17

• This form of prayer is often used among two or more people. The Holy Spirit may inspire an utterance in tongues and then also give the interpretation (perhaps to another person standing by). That’s why we should pray to interpret (1 Corinthians 14:13). It will ALWAYS agree with the Word of God and it is ALWAYS as the Spirit wills. The more open and submitted to the Spirit we are, the more opportunity He has to use us to bless the world.

• In our own private prayer time, the Holy Spirit can also reveal to us the interpretation of our prayers in tongues as the above scripture states (Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret.) Ask and receive that your joy may be full!

TONGUES IN THE FORM OF GROANING IN THE SPIRIT OR TONGUES FOR INTERCESSION (John 11:33)

• This type of prayer may begin in the form of tongues for personal edification (see A) and move into a groaning or weeping. At this time, the Holy Spirit is expressing Himself using our emotions for the purpose of producing an answer that we (or others) very much need.

Sometimes it happens while praying for a pressing need.

• This diversity may also be experienced, even among a group of believers (while we’re praying in our tongues for personal edification). At that time, the “Spirit of Prayer” the Holy Spirit seems to endow us with extra energy to pray. It may even feel as though the Holy Spirit begins to “take charge” of our prayers; it becomes much easier to pray and we discover that we can pray longer than normal.

• It is ALWAYS as the Spirit wills. We cannot turn this on or off by ourselves, but the more we are willing to be used, the more opportunity we give the precious Holy Spirit of God. (John 11:33, Romans 8:23, 2Corinthians 5:2,4)

18

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

2. What is the purpose of tongues?

Very briefly, payer in tongues (for personal edification) is for the purpose of communication with God and being a witness on the earth.

As we are led by the Holy Spirit (Holy Spirit) in our prayers, we can receive specific wisdom, ability and supernatural power for the works of the Kingdom of God. When we pray in tongues we also receive more accurate guidance in walking out the plan of God for our personal lives.

But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 In reading through this book you will receive a more in-depth answer to this question but we can trust that when we incorporate speaking in tongues as a lifestyle, we will become more intimately acquainted with God and the Spirit of Truth, and the Holy Spirit will manifest Himself as our Comforter, Guide, Teacher, Shepherd and Bishop over our souls.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. John 16:13 Jesus said the Holy Spirit would guide us into all truth, and praying in tongues causes us to become more familiar with how we’re led by Him. Jesus said, “But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me.” John 15:26 The Holy Spirit will speak through us, testifying to others about Jesus.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

19

James 2:23 says, “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the friend of God.” We are called friends of God and can spend time fellowshipping with Him using this form of prayer. We are not limited to our prayers in our native language! Tongues can also be used in our times of worship at church or at home.

When we are praying in tongues we’re communicating with God and that is the beginning of a relationship.

For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God… 1 Corinthians 14:2 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:13 Since the apostle Paul says we should pray to interpret when we speak in an unknown tongue, then we can do that and patiently listen to what God is saying to us.

I enjoy singing in tongues, too, and sometimes during worship the Lord speaks to my heart. Sometimes I sing the interpretation, sometimes I get a knowing inside of what to do next, or I get an answer to a question I had.

When we speak in tongues, we give thanks to God. see 1Cor 14:17a

20

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

3. Who has the ability to speak in tongues?

Anyone who has come to know Jesus as their Saviour receives the ability to speak in their personal prayer language WHEN they receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit*. The ability to speak in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit and must be received by faith, just like we receive salvation.

The book of Acts gives examples of some who received this gift before being baptized in water and others who received tongues after being baptized in water.

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. 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 Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? Acts 10:44-47 Later on, Peter described this incident to other believers like this: And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the word of the Lord, how that he (Jesus) said, John indeed baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit. Forasmuch then as God gave them the like gift (tongues) as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ; what was I, that I could withstand God? Acts 11:15-17 (words in brackets added)

*The KJV always uses “Holy Ghost” but we are using “Holy Spirit” because it is better

understood by most people, especially those who are new to Christianity.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

21

4. Why should I speak (or pray) in tongues?

There are at least ten good reasons for praying in tongues and so the answer to this question is quite long.

A. When the Holy Spirit comes upon us, the Word of God says that we shall receive power to be witnesses in all the earth (Acts 1:8). When we’re baptized in the Holy Spirit, the immediate evidence of that experience is speaking in tongues but the added evidence is the power of God energizing (or anointing) us to talk about Jesus to those around us, to heal the sick and brokenhearted, free the captives, raise the dead, comfort those who mourn, and more! (Isaiah 61:1-3).

And Jesus said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. And these signs will accompany those who believe: In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up snakes with their hands, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not harm them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will be made well.”

Matthew 28:15-18 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:8 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Isaiah 61:1-3

22

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

B. God has a specific and wonderful personal plan for each person; His Holy Spirit knows that plan and through our praying in tongues, he helps us to discover and walk out that plan. And remember, it is a GOOD plan! We can become a powerful influence for good in the lives of many people on this earth.

These are God’s desires for you, His child: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. Jeremiah 29:11,12 Some other translations of verse 11 read: I have not lost sight of my plan for you, the Lord says, and it is your welfare I have in mind, not your undoing; for you, too, I have a destiny and a hope. (Knox) I alone know my purpose for you, says the Lord, prosperity and not misfortune, and a long line of children after you. (New English Bible) … to give you posterity and hope… (Young’s Literal Translation) … plans for peace, not disaster, reserving a future full of hope for you.

(Jerusalem Bible)

C. The Word of God says that when we speak in an unknown tongue we edify ourselves (we build ourselves up on our most holy faith).

He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself… . 1 Corinthians 14:4 That verse doesn’t mean that when we speak in an unknown tongue we puff ourselves up, or that we’re bragging or thinking more highly of ourselves than we ought. No, some good translations say that when we pray in tongues, we “strengthen our own faith” (Knox), we do “ourselves good” (Goodspeed), and we “encourage” ourselves (Beck).

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

23

In other words, when we pray this kind of prayer then we become stronger in spirit.

But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit… Jude 20 Praying in tongues builds us up on the most holy faith that Jesus gave us (Galatians 2:20, Romans 3:22, Philippians 3:9), and through using this faith we continue a life of obedience to God.

D. The word of God also says that when we speak in an unknown tongue we are speaking to God. For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God for no man understandeth him… 1 Corinthians 14:2a To me, this is one of the greatest reasons for speaking in tongues.

There are so many feelings and emotions that I want to express to my Heavenly Father and I just cannot express them in my own words. I feel handicapped by my English language. When I pray in tongues I get my “imperfect self” out of the way and receive a perfect expression of faith towards God.

E. The word of God says that when we speak in an unknown tongue we are speaking mysteries. … howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries. 1 Corinthians 14:2b It’s obvious that praying in tongues is a mystery to our minds, but the word of God infers that we are also praying those mysteries into existence. Whenever we speak in tongues we are praying God-given prayers – and prayer is always designed to be answered, you can count on it!

Those mysteries that we pray are not necessarily supposed to remain

24

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

mysteries to us. The Holy Spirit begins to reveal to us the mysteries that we need to know.

Some of the mysteries are revealed to us in the form of revelation knowledge. The Holy Spirit takes the written word of God that we have been reading or meditating and transforms it into “life” for us.

That means that our understanding and ways of thinking will change and become more like God’s ways of thinking.

Don’t let yourself get discouraged as you continue to pray in tongues; sometimes in life, things get worse before they get better – but be assured, our latter days will be much greater than our former days!

In the second chapter of 1 Corinthians, Paul is speaking about the mysteries we pray in tongues.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory…

1 Corinthians 2:6 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2 9,10 Even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 1 Corinthians 2:12,13 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.

1 Corinthians 2:14-16

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

25

F. Jude writes a powerful sentence near the end of his letter; he urges us to build ourselves up by praying in the spirit: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20, 21 When we do, we’ll be more prone to keeping ourselves in the love of God, and to keep looking for His mercy and His appearing. … the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit which is given unto us. Romans 5:5 The Holy Spirit will teach us how to better walk in love. Remember, our faith works by love (Galatians 5:6), and because we want to grow in God we also want to develop our ability to walk in love towards ourselves and everyone else.

G. Another reason for praying in other tongues -1 Corinthians 14:18: I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all…

That’s the Apostle Paul speaking and he was mightily used by God in spreading the Gospel throughout the world, wasn’t he? He wrote more than half of the New Testament epistles and told believers to follow him as he followed Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1). I think he knew something about this living prayer, so if the apostle Paul thought it was a good thing for him to pray a lot in tongues, then it has to be a good thing for us to do too.

Note that after a discussion on speaking in tongues in a church setting, Paul made this conclusive statement: What is it then: I will pray with the spirit and I will pray with the understanding also… . 1 Corinthians 14:15a

26

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

I think Paul realized that he couldn’t always be with those who loved Jesus teaching them about God and the scriptures, so he taught them to attend to the scriptures, to fellowship with God and other disciples, and to pray in tongues. That way they would continue to learn from God Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit, and from others. Praying in the Holy Spirit causes us to grow spiritually, and helps us through the difficulties of life.

The book of Hebrews tells us to follow those (like the apostle Paul) who through faith and patience have inherited the promises (Hebrews 6:12).

H. Another reason for speaking in tongues is to have a better way to express our worship and praise towards God. The apostle Paul sang in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:15b). We can quickly run out of our own words of praise, but we’ll never run out of words in tongues! … I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

1 Corinthians 14:15b For thou verily givest thanks well… (In this verse, Paul is still speaking about what happens when we pray in tongues.) 1 Corinthians 14:17a For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Acts 10:46

I. Praying in tongues leads us into a place of REST in God. Remember when Jesus said that He and the Father would come to us and make their abode with us? This was initially made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus and everything the Father has provided, but we also need to love Jesus; when we do then we reverently welcome the Godhead to “abide” with us.

Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. John 14:23

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

27

The more we live in the peace that passes all understanding, the more aware we’ll be of Jesus. And I suspect it is reciprocal: more awareness of Jesus = more peace. More peace = more awareness of Jesus.

We read about “peace“ in Hebrews 4 and Isaiah 28. These verses talk about a “rest” that believers in Christ enter into.

Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts. For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing … Isaiah 28:9-12 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Hebrews 4:9-11 The writer of Hebrews quotes Isaiah who says that it is with “stammering lips and another tongue” that God speaks to us. God is speaking to us and through us by his Holy Spirit (as we use our tongues).

The Word says we have to “labour to enter into that rest.” I like that because although it sounds contradictory, the sometimes arduous maintenance of a consistent prayer life does produce rest. In this labour of resting we must always be aware that the onus is not on OUR works to accomplish God’s will, the onus (and pressure) is on the finished work of the cross of Jesus Christ! True rest.

In the law it is written, With men of other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord. Wherefore tongues are for a sign… 1 Corinthians 14:21,22 If God has a desire to speak to us with our own “stammering lips and another tongue” then by all means, let us PRAY IN TONGUES!

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

28

J. Yet another reason for praying a lot in tongues is that this continued open relationship with the Holy Spirit can help us be wary of deceptions. The Bible says that the anointing of the Holy Spirit will teach us and “show us all things,” or in other words, give us knowledge.

But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things…

These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you…. But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:20,26,27 It’s not that we don’t need teachers in the body of Christ: we DO! But we don’t need bad teachers. The Holy Spirit, our Comforter, Teacher and Guide, will guide us through the trouble spots in life.

Praying in other tongues, and an intimate relationship with God’s Holy Spirit and God’s Holy Word will help us to know what stands between us and growing in wisdom, godliness and personal success.

We all need improvement in the area of character development and overcoming personal problems or inhibitions. Things like stubbornness, hatred, complacency, or fear are all blockages that hinder us from growing more mature, but the Holy Spirit who knows our “issues” will guide us through to maturity.

Praise God for the wonderful help he has provided for us at all times!

When we pray in tongues, we use God’s words.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

29

5. How can I speak in a language I don’t understand?

Praying in tongues does not require a mental understanding of the language for us to be able to speak it. Remembering the many benefits of praying in tongues helps to overcome the unusual sensation of verbalizing what we do not understand.

This language of tongues is a supernatural language that bubbles up out of our born-again, recreated spirit-man; it bypasses our minds because it actually originates from our “belly”. We say “belly” because we hear God from that area of our bodies - some say it’s between the third and fourth button of a traditional shirt, if you were wearing one.

The voice of your human spirit (from where you’ll hear the voice of God), emanates from below the neck, not from above the neck – ie. from your heart, not your brain. As you practise listening and praying, you’ll begin to sense thoughts coming from two different places: 1. your mind or 2. your spirit.

When we hear in our spirit-man, it will always agree with the word of God. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10 But the natural man (the mind) receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Corinthians 2:14 (words in brackets added)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

30

6. Do I HAVE to speak in tongues?

No, you don’t HAVE to speak in tongues, but you GET to!!

We are privileged by God to be able to speak in tongues – this is an awesome supernatural experience! The Lord has never forced good things on anyone, but he has “bent over backwards” (the understatement of all eternity!) in order to bless and help his creation in every way possible. And tongues is help indeed!

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

John 3:16 Using our prayer language properly and for the rest of our lives will guarantee us more success in living out the plan of God for our lives.

It will help us to influence others to turn to Jesus, walk in supernatural power to heal and bless, and we will even receive rewards when we step into Heaven.

Sounds pretty good to me!

“It is God’s will that the moment we are born-again, we lift our hands in submission and praise to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.”

Dave Roberson, author of The Walk of the Spirit, The Walk of Power

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

31

7. Won’t people think I’m crazy when I pray in tongues?

Yes, people will think you are crazy when you speak to them in tongues, especially if they’ve never heard of tongues before! The Godgiven language of tongues makes no sense to our own minds when we speak it, so it sure won’t mean anything to others.

This precious gift of tongues was never meant to be used for communication with other people.

The ONLY time we might be found speaking in tongues to another person is when the Holy Spirit has a message for them. And if He does, it won’t be our own plan to speak, or our own thoughts coming out of our mouths.

Some people are used by God in this way. I’ve heard stories of some ministers of the Gospel unknowingly speaking in another language under the moving of the Holy Spirit while in the company of foreigners or while in another country. And it turned out to be a supernatural message to the person hearing the words in tongues. When they heard it, they understood it perfectly and they were blessed, healed or restored because of the Heavenly message.

In 1 Corinthians chapter 14, the Bible teaches that in the church we are to speak “intelligible words” or known words in order to build up the body of believers. If unbelievers come into our midst, we are not supposed to speak out in tongues because they won’t know what we are saying or why we’re saying it.

Tongues on the most part is a private prayer language meant to be used when we are alone. It can also be used when a group has arranged prayer meetings where speaking in tongues is common - but

32

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

even then, they are not speaking to anyone in tongues - they’re praying to our Father in Heaven. Of course, we can sing in tongues during worship services and pray quietly in tongues anytime that it won’t cause a disturbance.

But if you go up to a stranger and start speaking in tongues, then yes, like Paul says, they’ll probably think you’re “mad”: If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 1 Corinthians 14:23

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

33

8. Did Jesus pray in tongues?

This is a fascinating question and there is no verse in the Bible that says directly that Jesus “prayed in tongues.” But there are some scriptures where, if we study them in the context they were given, we can “read between the lines” and perhaps come to a better understanding of his prayer life. He is, after all, our ultimate example of how to live on Earth and in Heaven.

We do know that Jesus spent many hours, days and nights in prayer and fellowship with God. And since we know that prayer in tongues is a revelation gift (helping the one who prays to hear from Heaven), and since we know that Jesus received a lot of revelation from Heaven, then it wouldn’t be hard to believe that he actually did pray in tongues.

This next verse reveals that he did hear from Heaven and that the Father did teach him. … for all things that I have heard of my Father I have made known unto you (John 15:15b). I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. John 8:28b Secondly, when Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist, the Spirit of God “lighted” or came upon him. He was then directly led to go into the desert for 40 days. While in the desert he went through a great temptation; and we know that praying in tongues strengthens us in preparation to overcome challenges that will come. Below is the passage that describes Jesus being baptized and then led into the wilderness.

And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the Heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: And lo a

34

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

voice from Heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil. And when he had fasted forty days and forty nights, he was afterward an hungred. And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread… Matthew 3:16-4:3 The scripture does not say exactly when it was during those 40 days that the devil came to him but perhaps several days (or weeks) of praying in tongues and fasting helped Jesus with the necessary preparation and power he needed to overcome all of Satan’s temptations?

It’s also worth noting that after that time in the desert Jesus’s miraculous, powerful and world-changing ministry began. Did he pray in tongues in the wilderness? I’d actually be surprised if he didn’t – but we’ll find out some day!

Thirdly, in the reading of Luke 6:12 and 13, it’s interesting that Jesus spent the night in prayer before the day that he picked his 12 disciples. It is conceivable that after three or four hours of praying in Hebrew (Aramaic) that night, Jesus being human, might possibly have been at a loss for words and did some praying in tongues: we don’t know. But we know that during that night, he gained the wisdom he needed for the task of choosing his disciples. And it was a big job, directly and permanently altering the lives of the 12 people he chose and in turn altering life as it was – forever!

Then there is the account of when Lazarus, the friend of Jesus, died and was raised from the dead, it’s found in John chapter 11. During this emotional time of Lazarus’s death, Jesus wept. He was, after all, close friends with Lazarus and his family. Verse 33 says Jesus “groaned in the spirit, and was troubled.” We’ve learned already that one form of tongues is “groaning in the spirit” (see page 17), which gives us the ability to express what words could never express.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

35

Finally, in the reading of John chapters 13-17, despite everything that could have been said and written at that time, we can see that Jesus had many more things on his heart which he would have liked to have shared with his friends and disciples. But he couldn’t. Listen to what he said when he was telling the disciples about the Holy Spirit: I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you.

John 16:12-14 I wonder if one of the “many things” that they could not “bear” at the time had to do with the Holy Spirit powerfully descending upon them in fire, bestowing the supernatural language of tongues? The disciples received this gift on the day of Pentecost after Jesus’s resurrection.

Perhaps Jesus knew it was unnecessary to explain tongues at that time, as it would be the job of the Holy Spirit.

Jesus explained how the Spirit would guide them into all truth (even the truth about themselves) and show them things to come. Well, tongues was certainly a “thing” that came after Jesus ascended.

The subject of tongues would have been a very difficult and time-consuming teaching before Jesus’s death and resurrection. Don’t we know that it’s normally better to experience a gift from God than to have it explained!

Jesus had a hard enough time getting the disciples to grasp who he was and where he had come from and where he was going. It would have been near to impossible for them to understand what the Holy Spirit was going to do “for” them, “to” them and “through” them after Jesus left the earth. Besides, they wouldn’t need this beautiful gift until after Jesus was gone anyway.

36

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

9. Does God think that all believers should pray in tongues?

I believe so. Some people have thought that tongues was a gift just for a few believers, because of 1 Corinthians 12:30: And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 1 Corinthians 12:28-30 If we look at the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 12 in context and then read verses 28-31, we can see that Paul is talking about the different offices that God has placed in the Body of Christ.

God has given these eight different offices or job descriptions for believers (see also Ephesians 4:11,12), and even though any believer may do some of these from time to time, not all believers do all of them because we are all different parts of one Body and operate differently.

Paul questions, “Do all speak with tongues, do all interpret?” with the understood answer to be “No, we do not use the particular office of tongues or interpretation whenever we choose to.” In this instance Paul was not speaking of the language of tongues that we use as a personal prayer language for our own edification.

But then again, he was speaking about our private prayer language in the following passage not many verses later: “… 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… I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied” (in the church)… 1 Corinthians 14:2-4 (words in brackets added)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

37

Paul is saying he wishes that everyone would pray in tongues, but because he’s talking about order in the church, he says it’s better to prophesy in church than to pray in a language that no one understands. That should be common sense.

Remember, the Holy Spirit is always looking to benefit the Body of Christ, not to confuse us.

Yes, of course God wants all his children to use their personal prayer language of tongues – which he provided for them through the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. It helps us to not only witness for Jesus but to live a powerful life for God and to overcome all challenges in this present world.

If tongues is THAT helpful (and it is) then, of course, it’s for everyone.

Consider this: There is no doubt that some believers already DO pray in tongues (I do). Now, wouldn’t it be unfair for God to offer this wonderful gift to some of his children and not to all?

It’s absolutely available to ALL believers so we can ALL receive benefits from God and hasten the Kingdom of God’s work on the earth.

“Praying in tongues builds us up when we’ve been pounded into the ground.”

38

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

10. Why are people afraid of speaking in tongues?

A. There seems to be a number of reasons for the fear of tongues, and one reason may be that we have seen people act really weird after they received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. Some people act strangely and do funny-looking things but that’s not God’s fault. We don’t know their story so their actions shouldn’t cause us to resist the awesome gift of speaking in tongues.

The Holy Spirit will not make you act like a fool if you don’t want to, but if you want to, he’ll not stop you either.

Let’s know God and His Word so we CAN walk in the Spirit, pray in tongues, grow up and become normal supernatural disciples of Jesus, doing the work of God in this earth.

B. Another reason that people are afraid of tongues is that they fear the unknown. The less we know about something the more likely we are to leave it alone. To solve that problem we only need to do some research and not remain ignorant on this subject. Study all the scripture references in this book and underline them in your own Bible.

Pray and ask God for wisdom to understand more about this gift.

C. A big reason for fear is Satan. He tries to keep the knowledge of this powerful prayer language hidden because it will harm the kingdom of darkness! This is his MO: 1. First of all, he’d like it if all the disciples of God were so afraid of tongues that they never even find out about how good it is. In that case, his job of deceiving in their lives is done.

2. Secondly, the enemy would like people who have already received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in

Tongues? Tongues‌ Tongues!

39

tongues to think of it as a one-time blessing, a gift received and not really needed or used again.

3. Then, if believers still insist on praying in tongues properly and for a long time, the enemy will use emotions, circumstances, adversity, persecution and anything else he can, to get us to stop praying.

Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.

When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.

But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.

But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. Matthew 13:18-23 Fear is one of the enemy’s major tools. If we fear the subject of the Baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues, we have to realize that something is wrong. Then we overcome by learning the truth.

Fear of tongues will flee when we receive the gift to pray in tongues and use it as God intended.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 We might have an enemy who wants to keep us from serving God, but the Bible says the God who is within us is greater than the enemy who

40

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

is in the world. (1 John 4:4) The devil is not strong enough to stop us from receiving from God whatever we want to receive!

So we don’t have to stay afraid because we are intimately acquainted with God. We KNOW him. God is the Greater One who lives in us and when we persist in praying in tongues, we eventually become better and better acquainted with him. He’ll teach us to overcome fear.

Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. 1 John 4:4

Praying in tongues not only builds us up after a storm but it also builds us up ahead of time, in preparation for a storm.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

41

11. Someone told me that speaking in tongues is of the devil. Could that be true?

No, definitely not! The ability to speak in tongues when you’re a child of God, is a gift from God – God gives only good things to his children. If you ask God for this gift, you will receive it and it will be good.

God is not going to give us something evil when we have asked for something good.

If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your Heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? Luke 11:13 This scripture tells us that the Holy Spirit is a GOOD gift and anything associated with the Holy Spirit is GOOD. Tongues is from the Holy Spirit and it is a GOOD thing – it only produces GOOD things.

When it looks like things are getting worse in life, don’t worry, but keep praying. Troubles are FOR us, not against us: they just provide more opportunity for God to show up in our lives, so rejoice!

The more we pray in tongues, the easier it is to be led by God and not by our flesh. The more we fellowship with God, the less likely we will be led astray by the foolishness of “unlearned men” or ignorant people. Praying in tongues will help us to find and know the truth: But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 1 John 2:20,21 One thing we might want to be aware of is that false prophets can also do signs and wonders as this scripture indicates, but if we stay close to God, we’ll know who’s right and who’s wrong: For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders ... Matthew 24:24

42

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

12. Aren’t I “filled” with the Holy Spirit automatically when I get born again, even if I don’t speak in tongues?

It’s true that we cannot be born again without receiving the Holy Spirit, but there are two distinct supernatural Holy Spirit guided events that take place in a believer’s life: one is being “born again” and the second is being baptized with the Holy Spirit.

In order to lessen confusion between the two experiences, we’re careful to call them by terms that are used in the Bible. Every believer who is “born again” (according to John chapter 3:16 and Romans 10:9-10), DOES receive the Holy Spirit, and IS spiritually connected with the One who comes to live inside every disciple: But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:39 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever. John 14:16 These scriptures above are not talking about the experience being described in the following verses: And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31 And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, he said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Spirit since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Spirit. And he said unto them, Unto what then were

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

43

ye baptized? And they said, Unto John’s baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve. Acts 19:1-7 And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit... Ephesians 5:18 Initially, in the New Testament church age, most people who were born again immediately got filled with the Holy Spirit. There’s one story in the book of Acts where Paul came across a group of believers who were baptized with John’s baptism yet they had not even heard about the Holy Spirit. We might say they were born again but were not aware of the infilling of the Spirit. Well, in that instance, all they needed was teaching, so Paul taught them about the different baptisms. They then got baptized, openly received the infilling of the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues. (Acts 19:2-6) I have heard that some people automatically began to speak in tongues when they got born again. Unfortunately, in North America, we’ve been “over taught” to distraction; we’ve either not heard about the Holy Spirit with regards to tongues at all, or we’ve received tongues and do not use it to our advantage.

I was born again as a Baptist and for seven years I worshipped God, prayed and read my Bible, and I never spoke with tongues. I knew I was alive to God, I knew something happened on the inside of me and I was changed forever – there was no doubt about it. But I had not even heard of the Holy Spirit in reference to praying in tongues.

Some years later I went to a meeting of believers where we were being taught about the Holy Spirit. I wanted everything God had for me, so I joined the group that wanted to receive and this is how it

44

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

happened: The preacher encouraged us all to raise our hands and begin to praise God out loud. Then she laid hands on us one at a time.

I started to worship in English as she had recommended, but soon I began (on purpose) slowly speaking in another language: it was my personal language of tongues! I practised tongues at the most for a minute a day because I had not learned much about it.

I’m so happy I had that experience, but find it strange that I had not even heard about this important gift during the first seven years of my life as a believer. It was only after I received it that I knew it was very good and belonged to me; I knew then and still know now that it is absolutely a gift from God. In Acts 10 we read about Cornelius, a Gentile, who was a devout man who feared God and even prayed much to God, but he wasn’t filled with the Spirit and was not yet even born again. God wanted him to have the knowledge of what Jesus had accomplished on the cross, so the Holy Spirit sent the Apostle Peter to Cornelius’s household to tell them “what to do.” Peter told them about Jesus and why he had come.

I find it very interesting that although Cornelius already feared God and prayed, it was still necessary that he know about Jesus and receive everything God had provided through Jesus. Jesus is the door to Heaven. He is the way, the truth and the life.

So when Cornelius and his household heard what Peter had to say, the result was that they all got filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke with tongues, magnified God and then got baptized in water!

While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all them which heard the word. 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 Spirit. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Spirit as well as we? Acts 10:44-47

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

45

In the New Testament, the evidence of Holy Spirit baptism in believers’ lives was that they spoke in tongues.

But speaking in tongues is not an end in itself; we don’t just pray in tongues for the purpose of praying in tongues and then give up on it. Praying in tongues is an experience that leads us to discover and accomplish God’s will for us.

It’s a way to magnify God, a way to prophesy, a way to walk in power, a way to edify ourselves, a way to speak the word of God with boldness, a way to be comforted, a way to gain knowledge, a way to know the truth, and more! (But remember: if we don’t walk in love, praying in tongues benefits us nothing!)

Therefore, we can say that when we receive the Holy Spirit in re-birth the Spirit is initially IN us, but when we are baptized with the Holy Spirit and speak in tongues, the Holy Spirit comes UPON us and we are FILLED. The next question helps to better explain what we mean by being “filled”.

Tongues is a tool that allows us to accomplish things that we could never accomplish otherwise. Like a computer increases and eases production in the natural world (most of the time), tongues increases and eases our Christian endeavours (all of the time).

46

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

13. What does it mean to be “filled” with the Holy Spirit?

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 In conjunction with the answer to question 12, it is clear that to be filled with the Holy Spirit, initially, means that we will speak with tongues.

After that and depending on how much time we spend in developing our relationship with God, as different people, we will respond differently to the Spirit of God in us. We can’t tell whether others are following the particular leading of the Spirit of God or not (unless they’re in sin, then it’s obvious they are not following God). Other people’s intimacy is not our concern.

Our purpose for being born again is to have fellowship (intimacy) with God, and our being filled with the Holy Spirit develops this intimacy. It also develops the power of God that works in and through us to affect others.

The power and revelation of God flow in and through us in relation to the level of our intimacy with God. And our intimacy with God is directly related to the time we spend with Him in communion and prayer. (Ephesians 4:20) Praying in tongues and developing intimacy with God are inseparable.

Let’s take a look at Ephesians 5:18. “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

If you’re interested in Greek grammar, I gleaned some information from the internet that gives valuable insight into this verse; it’s from

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

47

a website that I found by J. David Hoke. He shows how the two words “be filled” should actually have this translation: “be being filled” and that implies consistent, continual communion with our Lord. Here’s an excerpt: The verb, which is translated “be filled” is much more rich in the original Greek language. The verb, plerousthe, is a second person, plural, present, imperative, passive verb. This is one lesson in Greek grammar that’s worth understanding.

The verb’s mood is imperative. That means that it is a command.

The verb’s tense is present. In our English language we speak of things in three tenses: past, present, and future. The Greek verbal system is much more complex. The present tense used here refers to a continuous action.

We could translate this to read “be being filled continuously.” It is an action which begins and is carried on.

The verb’s voice is passive. That means that the subject is acted upon by another. …

The verb is in the second person. It is addressed to you. The verb’s number is plural. It is not simply addressed to you, but to all of you. It includes everyone. All are to be filled with Spirit.*

Being filled with the Holy Spirit is something that WE are responsible for and it’s not a one-time experience.

Finally, we’ll look at one more verse in Jude to help us understand: But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. Jude 20,21 Very late in the Apostle John’s life, he wrote this to the church to help them know that praying in tongues was a needful and beneficial thing. It would keep them strong, would build them up in their faith, and keep them in the love of God, as they kept their hope on spending eternity with their Lord Jesus Christ.

* http://www.horizonsnet.org/sermons/eph21.html, Feb 17, 2008

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

48

So then, Jesus sent us help in the form of the Holy Spirit… and the Holy Spirit helps us by supplying us with a mysterious prayer language… and we help ourselves become intimate with God and walk in His power by praying in tongues as much and as often as we can.

Various verses in Ephesians 5 describe our behaviour as spirit-filled disciples: Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God… So live as people of light! For this light within you produces only what is good and right and true… Carefully determine what pleases the Lord…

So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. Make the most of every opportunity in these evil days. Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do.

Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, singing Psalm and hymns and spiritual songs among yourselves, and making music to the Lord in your hearts. And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Notice in the last paragraph, the apostle Paul talks about singing spiritual songs (or singing in tongues).

The will of God is that all believers pray in tongues for their own personal benefit.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

49

14. I once mocked tongues and those who spoke in tongues. May I still receive this Heavenly gift?

Yes! If you are honestly asking this question, then I think you’ve repented and what you did in the past, you did ignorantly. We are always learning and probably know more this year than we did last year. We may be embarrassed about the way we behaved in the past but the past doesn’t matter, it’s what we do NOW, that’s important.

We only have this moment. Paul said he forgets those things that are behind (Philippians 3:13).

God is faithful and just; all our sins (past and future) are forgiven by the blood of Jesus. If you are truly wanting to change, and you do not yet have a personal relationship with God, ask Jesus to come and save you right now, and he will! At the back of this book, there’s a prayer (page 92) to help you become assured that you have stepped into the kingdom of God by accepting Jesus as your Lord and Saviour.

And, of course, you may receive this Heavenly gift that we’ve been talking about from the Holy Spirit and pray in tongues too! It’s God’s will for you, so go ahead and take what belongs to you. There’s also a prayer to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the back of this book (page 93).

The Apostle Paul wrote this of himself: Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 1 Timothy 1:13

50

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

15. How do I begin to speak or pray in tongues?

If you did not receive the gift of tongues the moment you gave your life to God (as some people have), then the only requisite to being able to pray in tongues is that we are born from above (born again) AND that we desire this gift.

Just be bold and ask God for it; He won’t disappoint you.

We might begin to pray in tongues all on our own, or when we’re with someone who has already received this gift from God. We might have any fellow believer who prays in tongues lay hands on us, or maybe an elder or pastor will lay hands on us to receive.

There are many ways to receive things from God because God wants us to have those good things much more than we want to have them ourselves! But receiving from God will always require some action on our part.

After you have asked to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, you should begin by saying something. If you hesitate because of fear, that’s ok, just start speaking out or singing your praises and worship to God. At that point you may sense some different feelings (or sounds) coming out of your spirit (your belly or your heart) into your mind. You may feel an urge to speak something that sounds different. Go ahead and speak; this is part of the “action” required on your part.

But even if you don’t feel or sense anything, that’s ok, just begin to speak anyway. You will find that the new words always do come.

The Holy Spirit will not force us to speak with tongues. We must initiate and do the speaking, as He gives the language (or utterance). Look and see in this next passage exactly who did the speaking:

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

51

And they were all filled with the holy spirit, and (they) began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 (word in brackets added) When I began to speak in tongues, I was told to start praising the Lord, singing and saying, “Hallelujah.” I was with a small group of others who were receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit at the same time, and within a minute or less I was speaking in a new language, my own personal form of tongues from God! Before I began to practise speaking in tongues a lot, I often felt awkward speaking in my prayer language. But we quickly become accustomed to using it, as we USE it!

When you think about it, it is the same with learning to speak any new known language. I have learned to speak some other languages (to a certain point) and because I have not been in the habit of speaking them, I feel extremely awkward whenever I use them. I know that if I moved to a country where that language was spoken all the time, I would soon be more comfortable speaking it.

I am thankful that this personal prayer language from the Holy Spirit was not meant to be used for communicating with other people! It is for communicating with God in our prayer closet and and it will build us up in our most holy faith every time.

Here again are scripture references where the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is mentioned in the book of Acts: Acts 1:8, 2:1-4, 8:14-21, 9:17-20, 10:44-48, 19:1,2,6

Prayer in tongues is a lifestyle; start praying and NEVER stop!

52

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

16. Many pastors and friends have prayed for me to receive tongues, but I still haven’t. Why?

This question shows me that you not only believe it is God’s will for you to pray in tongues, but also that it is your desire – and these are both necessary for you to receive so you’re in a good place.

But obviously that’s not all that’s necessary: we might need to get rid of some erroneous teaching that got stuck in our minds. So let’s try to understand some reasons why we don’t receive from God, to clear our minds of them and finally receive!

A. One hindrance is that we might not understand that tongues is received by faith. Mark 11:22-25 teaches us the basics of faith and how we may receive anything from God that is according to His will.

Whatever you ask for, believe you receive it and it’s yours!

“Have faith in God,” Jesus answered. “Truly I tell you, if anyone says to this mountain, ‘Go, throw yourself into the sea,’ and does not doubt in their heart but believes that what they say will happen, it will be done for them. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in Heaven may forgive you your sins.” Mark 11:22-25 (NLT) And 1 John 5:14,15 shows us that we can be confident about our prayers: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:14,15 Faith requires belief and action on our part, so then in the case of receiving the gift of tongues, the action is speaking. We actually have to do the speaking. It is not some sort of magic. Nothing else and no

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

53

one else is going to make us do this action. We have to get over our discomfort and shyness and just do it.

B. We’ll also probably not be able to speak in tongues if we think that the Holy Spirit is the one who has to speak through us. To correct this mindset, we only have to understand that the Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will never force his way into our lives; he will never MAKE us speak in tongues, just as he will never MAKE us get saved, or MAKE us receive healing. The joy comes when we receive on our own.

You have to be bold, step out in faith and just receive the gift. Start moving your lips, your tongue and your vocal cords. In other words, we just have to start speaking.

Once you start speaking in tongues, you get more confidence. Stay in there and start speaking louder so you can hear yourself – it helps.

C. Some people may be hindered by the sound of tongues. But consider that praying in tongues doesn’t sound much different than a foreign language. Imagine yourself speaking a foreign language.

D. Someone might not be able to speak in tongues when they’re being prayed for because in the back of their minds they still think it’s either ineffective or an uneducated thing to do. The Bible assures us that it IS effective and thank God, it is the most intelligent thing you’ll ever do as a disciple of Jesus. Go back in this book and read over all of the benefits the Word of God gives for speaking in tongues.

This kind of prayer requires simplicity of faith, the faith of a child.

Think about it: if a parent wants their young child to try a new food, the child has to believe the words of her parent, that the food will be something good for her. When she does, she’ll try it without any hesitation. We should have the same approach with praying in tongues; it’s good, it’s not childish, but it just takes childlike faith to do it.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

54

17. Am I supposed to understand the tongues that I speak?

No, on the most part we don’t understand what we are saying when we are speaking/praying in tongues. However, if we ask the Holy Spirit to interpret while we pray, He may give us the meaning of what we’re praying.

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:13 Here, Paul is teaching about the use of tongues in a congregation of people. Tongues is a communication tool between God and his people, and that’s why Paul encourages us to “covet to interpret our tongues and to prophecy.” When we interpret we’ll be able to benefit other people by encouraging, exhorting or comforting them.

When someone unexpectedly speaks in tongues out loud in a congregation of believers, it will cause confusion – unless it’s normally allowed and they also interpret. (Remember that at times the Holy Spirit can use us to speak a different existing language that someone in our midst understands.)

Even so ye, forasmuch as ye are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that ye may excel to the edifying of the church. 1 Corinthians 14:12 Remember that a “real” interpretation will always agree with the teachings of the Bible and will edify and encourage people.

Praying in tongues is tapping into the power of God.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

55

18. Can I “translate” my tongues, or someone else’s?

No. Please don’t confuse the words “translate” and “interpret.”

As we’ve learned, God might give us the interpretation of our prayers in tongues, but that is not a translation.

Some believers in the Body of Christ might be used by God regularly to operate in the gift of tongues for Interpretation. This is not a direct “translation” and it can only be used as the Holy Spirit wills.

There is no teaching in the Bible that suggests that we have the ability to literally translate our utterance of tongues. However, the Lord is God and He can do whatever He pleases in order to save people.

… the Third Person of the Godhead (the Holy Spirit) supplies the language to pray the plan of God for you that is in the Second Person of the Godhead’s (Christ’s) mind. The First Person of the Godhead, Jehovah (our Father), receives and answers the prayer.

So one member of the Godhead is doing the praying, one is supplying the prayer, and the other one is answering the prayer.

Dave Roberson, The Walk of the Spirit, The Walk of Power.

* The Walk of the Spirit The Walk of Power pg. 89

56

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

19. Can tongues be taught to me in a class, as one might teach any foreign language, say, French?

I don’t think so.

When believers in the New Testament received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, they just spoke in tongues immediately, and did not need a teacher (other than the Holy Spirit who was in them already).

When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, God gives us the gift of tongues – it’s a language, we receive it by faith and it becomes our personal prayer language. It might develop and change as we practise it, but if you’ve been taught to continually repeat just a syllable or two, try to drop that habit. Tongues comes from our spirit man, not our minds.

Like the gift of faith we have from Jesus, our gift of tongues is complete too – as is our gift of salvation. Would God do it any other way?

However, as we continue walking in and using these gifts, they could possibly develop and change.

We might teach someone HOW to receive this gift. We might teach them WHAT the Word of God has to say about this gift and WHY they would want it. We might speak in tongues ourselves WHEN helping someone else to receive this gift. And right WHERE we are, we might ask them to repeat our own tongues as an “ice breaker” to help them begin praying on their own. But “learning” tongues is not God’s way.

Tongues is a free gift, but learning a foreign language is hard work.

God is not a “respecter of persons,” so requiring some people to work to receive their language of tongues while others are able to just step out in faith and receive it automatically, doesn’t sound right.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

57

When I received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit I just started praying in a strange language. It seemed like a full language although in the years following, as I prayed more, the language seemed to develop.

I also noticed that when my two children were baptized in the Holy Spirit, their tongues sounded like complete languages as well.

(Jesus is speaking) These signs shall follow them that believe in My name … they shall speak with new tongues… Mark 16:17 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. Acts 2:11 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Acts 10:46 And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6

Who is man to think he is smarter than God?

58

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

20. Is receiving the gift of tongues a one-time experience, like receiving salvation? Am I filled with the Holy Spirit now that I’ve spoken once in tongues?

Well, receiving the Baptism of the Holy Spirit is a one-time experience, as is receiving salvation, but that’s not all there is to it. These experiences need to be lived out.

And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to yourselves in Psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord… Ephesians 5:18,19 After having read the answer to question 14, we know we could translate the words “be filled” as “be being filled.” Paul’s writing suggests that believers are to be regularly filled with the Spirit; it’s an ongoing process. Just like when we’ve eaten some food, we’re always ready for more the next day.

In the book of Acts believers were first filled with the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost and yet it was only a short while later that they were “filled” again.

And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2:4 And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spake the word of God with boldness. Acts 4:31

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

59

21. Isn’t it just me doing the speaking? I thought the Holy Spirit would speak through me. It doesn’t feel like the Holy Spirit is taking control of my physical tongue.

Yes, it’s just you doing the speaking in tongues. And when we pray, it should actually not feel as though we are not in control. When we pray in tongues, “we” are doing the speaking by our own will. It’s not the Holy Spirit who makes our tongue move, or who tells us when to speak – but he does give us the “unction” or the power to do it.

We wouldn’t be able to speak in tongues if the Holy Spirit were not in us; he gives the language, the ability, the unction or anointing but then WE do the speaking and the flow of it comes as we do it.

And when Paul had laid his hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. Acts 19:6 As far as I have experienced and seen in others, we choose to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, we speak in tongues, and we use our bodies to complete the will of God.

60

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

22. Why can’t I seem to pray for very long? I manage to pray for a few minutes and then my mind gets distracted or I fall asleep.

It is difficult to persist in praying in tongues when we first start out.

However it is extremely important that we not give up. Some people call tongues a supercharger, but I guess it needs some priming.

Remembering the importance of this type of prayer and its great benefits, and thinking about the awesome fact that the Holy Spirit is supernaturally praying through us, bypassing our minds – and knowing that our Heavenly Father is answering our prayers – will all keep us motivated for a lifetime.

We could also go online or get books that will encourage us to continue praying. Some books and teachings are so inspiring to me that I can’t help but pray in tongues the whole time I read through them.

Just knowing that praying in tongues is the will of God; knowing that it is communication with God, developing our intimacy: and knowing that it will produce great results in our lives and the lives of other people, will all encourage us to pray longer and diligently.

But if we don’t ever hear teaching about it or no one else we know does it, it is harder to stay in there. The best way to start out praying faithfully is to do it with other people who will also pray faithfully. But if you don’t have anyone, you can still start on your own. Do it – it’s possible. All things are possible to those who believe.

After I learned about the benefits of praying in tongues and before our church had corporate prayer meetings, I began praying in tongues on my own, at home. Then, because I didn’t last long in prayer at home, I asked to use the church on Friday nights for a few hours

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

61

strictly for the purpose of praying in tongues. I was allowed and soon other believers had a desire to join me in this type of prayer, and then it became easier to be diligent because I was with others who had the same desire.

The enemy may resist our efforts to pray in tongues because we’re learning to access God and his power to come against the devil, but let’s not be daunted because something great is being accomplished in the realm of the Kingdom of God! The Holy Spirit is always with us (Hebrews 13:5). He’s there when we pray in tongues and he will make intercession for us, working all things out for our good.

Likewise the spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:26-28

When we pray in tongues, God Himself is giving us the prayer to pray.

62

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

23. What if my prayer language doesn’t sound like someone else’s?

That’s okay. Keep praying anyway.

Most likely your prayer language will sound different from someone else’s. There are over 6,000 languages on the face of the earth and all of them are languages that can be recognized by someone, but they still all sound different. So, it’s no surprise to me that each of our individual prayer languages would sound different. You are an individual and different from everyone else. You have unique finger prints, so wouldn’t it make sense that your “personal” prayer language would be different from everyone else’s?

Remember, the enemy hates what he fears the most and he certainly fears the prayers of the saints but we do not fear because greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world (1 John 4:4). Doubts and fears may rise, but when we push through them, they eventually and simply fall away.

Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. James 4:7 This is a precious gift from God: we should treasure it, protect it and nurture it like we would a newborn baby.

The more we persist in this form of prayer, the more confidence we will have to speak in tongues (regardless of how it sounds), and the stronger we will be to resist any and all evil – and the more rewards we will experience!

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

63

24. When I receive the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, will the tongues I receive be a complete language?

It should be. As I mentioned when my two children began to speak in tongues (they were around seven at that time), they spoke in what sounded to me like a full language, as did I when I first began to speak in tongues. That’s just how we received. Maybe we had not listened to erroneous teachings on the subject and so our minds weren’t influenced in that way.

When we received the gift of tongues, they each sounded like a language. There were no continual repetitions of sounds and even though this may be how God intended us to receive tongues, I wouldn’t be too concerned if your prayer language does not yet sound like a full language – it will as you continue to pray.

Some people have even been taught that they would receive just one or two words and then the Lord will add more as He sees fit. If we heard that, we are at a disadvantage because it makes us think that we have to wait for the Holy Spirit to develop our language – but we don’t.

This gift of tongues for personal edification is something we can use whenever we want and as much as we want. And we can overcome all our “learned” difficulties because now we have God’s knowledge on the subject.

Just pray, pray, pray. Talk to Jesus. Meditate in the Word of God and the Holy Spirit will be your personal teacher – what could be better than that!?!

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

64

25. Will praying in tongues make me more spiritual?

Yes and no.

Spirituality is equal to maturity; if we pray in tongues only a little bit and have no understanding of its purpose or benefits then we’ll probably give up praying and not mature in God. If we speak in tongues a lot and do not balance that with the love walk and obeying God, we will always end up going off course and so won’t mature either.

But if we stay on course, praying often in tongues, fellowshipping with Jesus, worshipping the Lord, loving others, obeying God’s Words to us, then we will most likely mature and be more attuned to the Spirit of God. As we become mature we also become more humble and submissive to God. We become more loving and helping towards the Body of Christ, and towards everyone everywhere.

“Praying in other tongues always affects us in a positive way … it also supplies us with the power to overcome character flaws.”

(Dave Roberson, The Walk of the Spirit, The Walk of Power pg. 70)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

65

26. Will praying in tongues make me weird?

No, on the contrary, praying in tongues slowly gets rid of all our “weirdnesses.”

As I heard a man of God say once, “Praying in tongues does not make you weird, but it does bring out any weirdness you had in you.” And this is another reason we pray in tongues.

If any weirdness is displayed in our lives, the Holy Spirit will respectfully show us where we have gone off track; why we have gone off track and how to get back on track. No problem!

I remember when I first started praying a lot in tongues one problem (among others) that the Holy Spirit brought to my attention was my ability to be easily irritated by people and their certain quirks. Those quirks were really unimportant (even though they never seemed unimportant to me!) and I let that stuff bother me.

But as I persisted in prayer, the Holy Spirit was able to change my mind and my attitude. It was not a pretty sight to me when He showed me what I was really like, but he didn’t show me those things to discourage me. No, he is the Encourager! He showed me those things because he was planning to help me get rid of them, so that I could continue growing up spiritually.

All I had to do was admit that I had the problem, and submit to the will of God by changing and making it right. It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened.

If we would like to become more stable and grounded as disciples of Jesus, we only need to persevere in this type of prayer. The Holy Spirit will take those weaknesses that have hindered us and help us destroy them – when we are willing to change.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

66

And praise God, it’s not an insurmountable task because our Helper, our Strengthener and our Advocate is IN us to help us. As we go about adjusting our motivations and attitudes, our reactions to people and circumstances will eventually be changed to godly responses.

As one minister said, “Any kind of prayer within the guidelines of scripture can do nothing but exalt the Word of God within us. Remember, the Spirit and the Word are one.”

We can’t keep praying and keep sinning; one of the two eventually has to stop.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

67

27. Can the devil hear me when I pray in tongues?

Yes, the devil might hear us praying but when we pray in tongues we are not speaking to him – we are speaking to God – so it doesn’t really matter. I heard a minister of the gospel say that demons cannot understand our languages of tongues and maybe that’s the case.

Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. Luke 10:19 When we pray in tongues, we could explain it this way: The Holy Spirit is giving us the prayers to pray, we are speaking them into existence, and God is answering those prayers. As you can see, the devil is not in the least involved, except that Jesus could be giving us wisdom on how to overcome the devil’s attacks in our lives!

Although the devil tries to discourage and distract us from using tongues, he is helpless when we pray in tongues. We are learning how to resist him, how to give him no place. We’re learning how to submit to the will of God and overcome the desires of the sin-nature of our own flesh.

And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire … and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever. Revelations 20:10

Smith Wigglesworth once said, “I must decrease, He (God) must increase.”

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

68

28. What should I do if my church forbids praying/speaking in tongues?

If your church forbids you to pray in tongues, you should sincerely seek the Lord for guidance.

Although most of our praying in tongues is done on a private basis, if we’re always hearing someone talk against the gifts and operations of the Holy Spirit, we might get discouraged. We might get stuck in our Christian walk and not receive all the marvelous benefits the Lord has waiting for us.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and FORBID NOT to speak with tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39 (Capitalization added) But remember, if we speak out loud in tongues in church when it’s inappropriate, causing disorder, a pastor who believes in speaking in tongues might ask us not to pray this way because it’s proven to cause confusion and trouble.

Let all things be done decently and in order. (1 Corinthians 14:40)

When one ceases to pray, he ceases to live spiritually.

(E.M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

69

29. My church taught me that tongues has passed away. Hasn’t it?

No, not yet.

If someone is teaching tongues has passed, they’re probably misunderstanding 1 Corinthians 13:8 which says: Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

In reading the whole first letter to the Corinthians, we can understand that Paul taught the people to pray in tongues. He devoted much of his letter to help the people understand how to use the gift of tongues and he even prayed in tongues a lot himself. (1 Corinthians 14:18) What Jesus wanted for the early Church, He wants for us today. We need the gift of tongues as much as the first disciples did.

Tongues have not ceased. Read that whole passage again to realize that if tongues has passed away, then knowledge and prophecies have also “vanished away.” And that’s obviously not true. Someone who says that tongues has passed away is teaching the word of God incorrectly.

When we get to Heaven, we won’t need this gift anymore.

70

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

30. I thought that because I was a born-again believer, when I prayed in English, I was already praying in the Spirit. Was I mistaken?

Yes, in a sense, you were mistaken. There is no scriptural evidence that before someone is baptized in the Holy Spirit they have the ability to “pray in the Spirit” – even though without the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit, we probably don’t have the ability to pray much at all!

There is an initial twofold work that the Holy Spirit performs in the life of a believer and although it has been separated in many of our experiences and teachings today, it was not separated by God. Nor was this work separated in the early Church (as we have read in the book of Acts).

When we are born-again by receiving Jesus Christ as our personal Saviour, we receive the Holy Spirit to dwell on the inside of us and we’ll call this “the Spirit WITHIN”.

At this point of our walk into God, the Holy Spirit is described as a well of water in us, springing up unto everlasting life. Hallelujah! We are born-again and on our way to Heaven! This verse below describes the first work: But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. John 4:14 The New Testament teaches us that the second work that Jesus desires us to partake of is the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. When we are baptized in the Holy Spirit, we receive the gift of tongues as our personal prayer language and the Holy Spirit rests upon us, eventually

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

71

producing power that will affect not only us for good, but others as well. And we call this “the Spirit UPON.” John answered, saying unto them all, I indeed baptize you with water; but one mightier than I cometh, the latchet of whose shoes I am not worthy to unloose: he shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with FIRE. Luke 3:16 (capitalization added) He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly (innermost being) shall flow rivers of living water. But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Spirit was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified. John 7:38,39 (words in brackets added) For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days hence… But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Spirit is come UPON YOU: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. Acts 1:5,8 (capitalization added) For the seven years before I was baptized in the Holy Spirit, I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that God was in me; I knew that I was His child and going to Heaven. I worked in the church, helping out in Sunday school and in many other areas. I loved God and people as much as I knew how … but I was unaware of any great passion or power in my life to reach others.

When I was baptized by the Holy Spirit a river of life began to flow out of me; it’s affecting and benefitting not only me, but others as well. I’ve truly experienced: an increase in effectiveness as a witness, an anointing for bringing healing to others, the ability to help many others receive the gift of tongues, and I’ve had a few amazing encounters with the Kindgom of God. God’s intention was for His children to be born-again and then immediately afterwards be baptized with the Holy Spirit and power.

72

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

31. Because the gifts of the Spirit are as the Spirit wills, shouldn’t I wait for an “unction” before I pray in tongues?

Not in this case of tongues for “personal edification.” This form of tongues does not require initiation from the Spirit of God, it just requires initiation on our part. The Holy Spirit will not take control of our mouths and make us speak, but He will definitely empower us when we take the first steps!

If we want to pray in English, we just decide that we will and we begin to speak. Praying in tongues (for our personal edification) is done in the same manner – we decide that we will begin to speak, and we do.

Paul said of himself: What is it then? I WILL pray with the spirit, and I WILL pray with the understanding also: 1 Corinthians 14:15 (capitalization added) Paul knew that it was his choice whether or not he would pray in tongues, so he said, “I WILL.” He made the choice to pray, both with his own language (Hebrew or Greek) and with his spiritual, God-given language (tongues).

To begin praying in tongues, we don’t need to wait for an urge to pray, we just need to understand it’s God’s will for us and then do it.

If we have never prayed in tongues before, we might first need some knowledge about tongues (read this book). Then we just ask in faith, believing we receive, “Ask and ye shall receive!” and so we begin speaking, trusting the Holy Spirit to help us.

After we’ve received the gift, we just pray whenever we can, and whenever we want to, and as often as possible.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

73

32. If someone is operating in the power of God, like praying for people and seeing them healed, do they speak a lot in tongues? Should I follow their example?

I would say, let the Holy Spirit lead you in this. We follow Jesus and we follow those who through faith and patience have inherited the promises (Hebrews 6:12). We can’t be successful disciples of Jesus without good teachers and leaders in our lives.

It is possible for someone to have devoted a portion of their lives to praying in tongues and by doing that, they were able to walk in power and use more of their gifts. The gifts and callings of God are without repentance; God doesn’t take away any gifts or callings (see Romans 11:29). But just because someone has a great gift, doesn’t mean we should follow them.

Stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Spend time with the Father and Jesus.

Hear his voice and obey him. Love and forgive others, remit their sin.

Don’t compare yourself with others (it’s not wise). Resist temptation.

Shut down the voice of the flesh, the world and the devil – and pray, pray and pray.

But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. 1 John 2:26,27 The Holy Spirit is that “anointing” spoken of in the verse above.

We have the anointing on the inside of us and as we become more sensitive to the voice of God, we learn more of His wisdom – he will guide us into all truth (the reality of Jesus).

74

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

33. Isn’t prophesying better than speaking in tongues, and shouldn’t I rather do that?

Prophesying IN THE CHURCH setting is more profitable than speaking in tongues IN THE CHURCH setting, because people will understand you if you speak their language. (First Corinthians 14 is speaking of order in the church setting.)

Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:13 The Holy Spirit may use the gift of tongues combined with the interpretation of tongues to prophesy to us, or to a church body.

When that happens, we could say that tongues is equal to prophecy.

And then both tongues and prophesy have a purpose in the church.

Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues. 1 Corinthians 14:39 Even though we may covet earnestly the best gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:31), God does things decently and in order. If we never develop ourselves in the use of our personal prayer language, then perhaps we’ll never gain confidence using any of the other gifts.

Below are some verses that talk about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we may all use as the Holy Spirit leads us, not as we choose: For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another (special) faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will … But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. 1 Corinthians 12:8-11,18 (word in brackets added)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

75

34. Isn’t prayer in tongues, or utterances in tongues just for a sign to unbelievers?

Your question would be referring to only one of the four kinds of tongues spoken of in Acts chapter 2 and 1 Corinthians chapter 14, and yes, this kind is for a sign to unbelievers.

Our speaking in tongues could be used as a sign to an unbeliever when we receive the supernatural ability to speak in their language, a language we had no previous knowledge of. Or it could be a sign to someone else because they might supernaturally “hear” their language when we speak or sing in an unknown tongue.

In any case God will be speaking directly to them, bypassing our minds. The Holy Spirit will speak through us, maybe about God’s wonderful works, maybe of the person’s personal trials, or maybe he is about to heal them … and they will want to know God, realizing we had no idea what we were saying. This tongue is given as the Spirit wills and cannot be turned on and off as we choose.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not… 1 Corinthians 14:22a

There is no defence against the desolating floods of worldliness and business and cares, except prayer.

(E.M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer)

76

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

35. When I am praying “in the Spirit,” am I praying “to” the Holy Spirit?

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. 1 Corinthians 14:2 The Bible says that when we speak in an unknown tongue we are speaking “to” God. It also says that the Spirit makes intercession for us according to the will of God. So technically, the Holy Spirit is giving us the prayers that we pray in tongues and we are speaking to God. I don’t think it is a big issue because we know that the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit are one in purpose.

And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26,27

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

77

36. Sometimes I seem to be speaking a different “tongue” from the one I normally pray in. Is this normal?

Yes. There may be times when our “speaking in tongues” sounds like it changes to another language. This would occur as the Spirit wills and could be listed as a diversity of tongues – tongues for Intercession.

It could possibly happen that at that time we are praying for someone else with this “different” sounding tongue, I don’t know. The important thing to remember here is that we must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit and continue praying until the urge or “unction” to pray in the other language has passed. We can always ask the Holy Spirit to interpret.

And remember to love and build up others, never tear them down.

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:5,6 Wherefore let him that speaketh in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 1 Corinthians 14:13

78

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

37. Why is “groaning” in the Spirit considered praying in tongues?

Groaning in the Spirit is considered one kind of tongues because of what we read in Romans 8:26. It is a form of expressing our innerbeing’s deep urges for which we have no words to express. (Again, we only pray in this manner as the Holy Spirit chooses.)

Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Romans 8:26 To help us understand this form of tongues, imagine the emotions that a parent would have if they watched their child being struck by a vehicle on the road. They would experience emotions so strong that words could never express them. At that time, their emotions are being verbalized but they cannot be uttered in articulate speech.

The NEB of Romans 8:26 says it just that way, “Through our inarticulate groans, the Spirit is pleading for us.” Another translation* says, “The Spirit makes intercession for us with groans (for deliverance) which words cannot utter.”

When the Holy Spirit uses us in this form of prayer, we may be praying in our regular tongues for personal edification and then sense some strong emotions coming out of our hearts; these emotions may express themselves through weeping or groaning.

When Jesus therefore saw her weeping, and the Jews also weeping which came with her, he groaned in the spirit, and was troubled… John 11:33

* The Life, Times, and Travels of St. Paul by William John Conybeare, John Saul Howson, E. B. Treat, 1869 - Bible (free online)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

79

A word of caution is in order here because some of us may often have strong emotions expressing themselves in the form of weeping, and it may have less to do with the Holy Spirit and more with our flesh. (I speak from personal experience!)

One way to determine the difference between groaning/weeping in the Spirit or groaning/weeping in the flesh from our own emotions is to judge what happens in our spirit afterwards.

When the weeping or time of groaning is over, do we sense that something was accomplished or are we left with a sense of despair and loss? Did we come out encouraged or did we stay depressed?

If our experience was a positive one, then the Holy Spirit was likely involved. If we feel pulled down with hurt afterwards, it was not of God. When I experience the Holy Spirit move on me in the form of groaning in the spirit, it’s very intense, very emotionally draining, but does not last too long, and afterwards I always feel somewhat refreshed, like we might feel when we’ve accomplished a task of some sort.

The Holy Spirit is never responsible for any form of destruction or discouragement in our spirit, our soul or our body. He is the Comforter, Encourager, Teacher, Stand-by, Shepherd and Bishop over our souls. He is here only for our good. Praise God! When we pray in tongues we always edify ourselves. Praying in tongues for intercession, in the form of groaning or weeping, always produces positive results although we may not always be aware of those results.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

80

38. Is praying in tongues out loud more effective than praying quietly?

Well, if we are praying on our own and by ourselves, then I would say that praying louder is of no extra value, but at times we might experience a need to be louder if our praying becomes fervent and intense. These might be times when the Holy Spirit wants to accomplish something that is urgent and it would be classified as “tongues for intercession.”

Sometimes when we’re praying under the “unction” of the Holy Spirit, we are supernaturally energized in our bodies: we’re able to stay alert and sit still for much longer than normal – I’ve experienced that. But if we go ahead and choose to pray out loud all the time then our vocal cords will eventually tire out.

Another occasion of praying out loud in tongues is during corporate prayer times. In our church we would set aside a time (usually anywhere from 30 to 90 minutes) just for the purpose of praying out loud fervently. We would not shout in tongues, but would be very alert, praying out loud with a normal speaking voice.

At these times, we’d put away our reading material (Bibles, books, etc.) and focus on the Holy Spirit and what He may choose to reveal to us personally. It is during times like these that the “Spirit of prayer” (tongues for intercession) might come upon us as a church, but again, only as the Holy Spirit chooses.

The Church does not need new methods or plans but more people who will pray.

(E.M. Bounds)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

81

39. Will an unbeliever get saved if I speak to them in tongues?

Probably not.

However, IF the unbeliever doesn’t speak your language AND the Holy Spirit has given you words to witness in that person’s own language (tongues as a sign to unbelievers), then he may very well get saved.

That’s the power of God at work.

As a general rule, we should not speak to other people in tongues. If the Spirit of God wants us to, we will know it beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Notice Acts 2:7,11,12,13 for reactions to tongues as a sign to the unbeliever.

For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 1 Corinthians 2:2-5

82

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

40. Am I praying for other people when I pray in tongues?

I don’t know.

The Bible says that when we speak in an unknown tongue, we are edifying ourselves, we are speaking to God, and we are building ourselves up in our most Holy faith. It does not say specifically that we are praying for someone else – but because this language is a mystery, how could we be sure we’re not praying for someone else?

The gift of tongues for intercession may occasionally come on us during our personal prayer times, but even then, we may or may not know who we are praying for. This again, will occur only as the Spirit wills; we cannot turn it on and off – but we can ask to interpret.

The Holy Spirit will show us things to come and he will teach us.

In an instance such as this all the Holy Spirit needs is a vehicle to flow through to pray on behalf of someone else. We should be willing to be used in prayer but we do not need to know who that person is that we might be praying for. If we sense an urgency to intercede for someone in our prayers then after the unction leaves, we might ask the Spirit to reveal to us what/who we prayed for.

If we really feel the need to pray for someone in particular, we should pray everything we feel led to pray in our known language (in agreement with God’s Word) and then we can pray in tongues.

The last thing I want is for any of us to become legalistic about this wonderful gift of the Spirit of God. Let’s flow in the Spirit and let others grow at their own pace. And of course, let’s all flow in the love of Jesus.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

83

41. If I am thinking about my children when I pray in tongues, does that mean I am praying for them?

Not necessarily, except perhaps in the case mentioned in the previous question, when tongues for intercession comes “on” us.

As you’ll discover, our minds can think of anything when we are praying in tongues, because our prayer originates from our spirit-man, not our minds.

Many times, during the first two years after I began praying a lot in tongues I couldn’t seem to help thinking about my day, the errands I had to do or the conversations I’d had. There were also many occasions when I would be thinking of the things that irritated me about certain situations or certain people. My mind seemed uncontrollable. However, as I persisted in prayer the Holy Spirit helped me to overcome those fleshly habits and I was able to focus my mind on the scriptures and the Kingdom of God. For you the experience will probably be different.

I discovered the voice of my spirit by listening carefully to “see” from where the language of tongues was originating in me. It wasn’t from my head – like I thought – it was from my heart region. Finally I knew the difference between the voice of my spirit (where the Holy Spirit speaks) and the voice of my mind.

On occasions, during prayer – especially during times of fervent corporate prayer – I have received wonderful, supernatural, lifechanging revelations from the Holy Spirit.

84

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

42. If my mind thinks terrible thoughts when I’m praying in tongues, should I stop praying?

NO! This might be a time when the devil is trying to discourage you, so keep praying and you’ll receive power to overcome.

Our thoughts can originate from four different sources: God, our flesh, the world, and the enemy. As we persist in praying in tongues the origin of our thoughts will become more and more evident and soon we will be able to control what our minds think about.

This statement is most encouraging to me: “Thoughts may come and thoughts may go, but a thought unspoken and un-acted upon, dies unborn.” Use this scripture to overcome ungodly thoughts: I cast down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and I bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (personalized) We have the ability to choose NOT to react to the thoughts that pass through our minds, hallelujah!

For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds.) 2 Corinthians 10:3 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Galatians 5:22-23

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

85

43. Is it possible to read the Bible and pray in tongues at the same time?

Most definitely, yes!

The more we can read the Word of God while praying in tongues, the more opportunity we are giving the Holy Spirit to reveal things to us. We don’t HAVE to read the whole time we’re praying in tongues.

Sometimes it’s good to read a bit and then close the book and just talk to God in our hearts about what we’ve read.

There are a number of activities that the Bible teaches we can do in our lives on a day-and-night basis: praying, fasting, meditating (muttering the word), and working, are some of them.

Not that God requires us to pray and meditate every night all night and every day all day, but sometimes in our church we actually enjoyed praying for 12 hours (from 7pm to 7am). … served God with fastings and prayers night and day. Luke 2:37 Labouring night and day… 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Night and day praying exceedingly… 1 Thessalonians 3:10 But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. Psalm 1:2 We will eventually be able to read or write or do many other things while we pray in tongues. As the old saying goes, “Practise makes perfect!”

86

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

44. Is thinking in tongues the same as speaking in tongues?

I don’t know, but I do know the New Testament says a lot about “saying” things. Our spoken words are very important and very powerful, and I believe that on the most part tongues should be spoken out. Doing that also helps us to continue with less distraction.

We also want the principalities and powers, and evil spirits in high places, to hear the words God wants to speak coming out of our mouths. Tongues would be God’s exact words and most effective!

But there are also times when we’re with people and we want to pray and fellowship with God, so we’d pray silently and I think it’s effective too. I know that I’ve had silent times of praise and adoration, and also silent conversations with the Lord.

Surely there are times when we don’t want to be doing the talking – we want to listen to our Lord. So we also often pause when we’re praying in tongues in order to listen because the Lord may have some directions for us.

Stand in awe, and sin not: commune with your own heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah. Psalm 4:4 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. Psalm 46:10 And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the Lord thy God. Deuteronomy 28:2

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

87

45. Is praying in tongues for a minute a day enough?

If the apostle Paul said that he prayed in tongues more than the church of Corinth, that sounds like more than a minute a day to me.

The Holy Spirit is often symbolized by water or rain in the Bible.

Praying in tongues waters the Words of God that we have been hearing or meditating and causes us to mature like a plant that has been planted by streams of water.

We might think of praying in the spirit as though we are taking a sip of delicious water; we enjoy doing that very often during the day, and even more so if we’re working in the heat of the day.

So let’s be “sipping water” as often as possible. … my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is… Psalm 63:1 … he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. Psalm 1:3

Only the childlike spirit is the spirit of prayer, and it is no easy task to make the man a child again.

(E.M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer)

88

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

46. For how long should I pray in tongues?

This is a continuance of the thoughts in the last question: I am reminded of the night just before Jesus was about to go to the cross. He wanted a few of His disciples to be with Him and to pray.

Their flesh was weak (as all flesh is) and they kept falling asleep.

And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Matthew 26:40 Our flesh resists when we want to give our lives to God through the act of prayer, so we need to remind ourselves that our flesh is dead in Christ.

I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me. Galatians 2:20 Eventually we’re better able to overcome the flesh and able to allow our spirit-man to be controlled by the life of Jesus.

It is very helpful to pray with other people who love God, who want to pray in the Spirit and advance the Kingdom of God, but until you find them, do your best and the Spirit of God will help you.

Where no counsel is, the people fall: but in the multitude of counsellors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 We cannot live the fulfilled and successful life of a disciple of Jesus by ourselves, so let’s get with a family of believers and pray with them.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

89

47. Does it do me any good to pray in tongues when I’m at work or doing household chores, even when my mind is on other things?

Yes! We can pray in our personal prayer language whenever we want! Paul said, “I thank my God that I speak in tongues more than ye all.” The more we speak in tongues, the more we edify ourselves and the more able we’ll be to help others.

If our jobs do not involve tending to mindless activities then we would be better off not to pray at work (unless the opportunity presents itself). As representatives of Almighty God, we should always be the best and most diligent workers, never shirking our responsibilities but working as unto the Lord.

Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart; With good will doing service, as to the Lord, and not to men: Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. Ephesians 6:6-8

Men ought to pray much and ought to apply themselves to prayer. The deep things of God are learned only in prayer.

Great things for God are done by great prayers. He who prays much studies much, loves much, and works much; he does much for God and humanity.

(E.M. Bounds, Purpose in Prayer)

90

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

48. Can I sing in tongues?

Oh Yes! We can add as much praise and thanksgiving as we like to our prayer times. God loves our worship and will fellowship with us while we love on him. I have had wonderful experiences singing in tongues. For me, it’s easier to “hear” the interpretation of my prayers when I ask for it during these times.

What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 1 Corinthians 14:15 Speaking to yourselves in Psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord… Ephesians 5:19 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand… Psalm 149:6 And the disciples were filled with joy, and with the Holy Spirit. Acts 13:52

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

91

49. Can I pray too much in tongues?

No, never!

Some have said that too much praying in tongues makes believers weird, but that’s just a smoke screen of the enemy. Forgive them and keep praying in tongues. Praying in tongues makes us more like Jesus, less weird, and more supple clay in the hands of the Lord.

The Holy Spirit and praying in tongues can never be separated. If we speak against tongues, are we not speaking against the Holy Spirit?

When we persist in praying in the Holy Spirit, we will continue to grow in the wisdom and knowlege of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. Ephesians 1:17 We can NEVER pray too much in tongues.

Maybe we should be asking, “Can we pray enough in tongues?”

92

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

50. I heard that speaking in tongues causes division in churches. Is that true?

No, the devil and unrestrained flesh cause division in churches.

We are in a spiritual war and must remember that our warfare is not with flesh and blood but with principalities, powers, mights and dominions, rulers of darkness and spiritual wickedness in high places (Satan and his devils). (Ephesians 6:12) The enemy will try to get us fighting with one another but we must continually walk in love and forgiveness, remitting sin and resisting the spirit of offence. We have to resist strife and unforgiveness at all costs.

Our ability to walk in love will grow as we pray in tongues, hear the voice of God and obey him. The love of God is being shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Spirit. Hallelujah!

Remember the words of Jesus, “Woe unto the world because of offences! for it must needs be that offences come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matthew 18:7) Sin and the presence of God cannot dwell together. If we truly desire to see God manifest Himself through us with signs and wonders, miracles and mighty deeds, then we need to humble ourselves, forgive, forgive, forgive and continue walking in love while we continue developing our relationship with God. The effectual fervent (continued, heartfelt) prayer of a righteous man availeth much (makes tremendous power available, dynamic in its working). James 5:16b (KJV with Amplified in brackets)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

93

94

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

Pray something like this to receive JESUS as your Saviour: Dear Heavenly Father, I come to you in the name of Jesus. Your word says, “Him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.” (John 6:37) So I know you won’t cast me out but you’ll take me in, and I thank you for it. You said in your word, “Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13) So I call for you to save me and since I am calling on your name, I know you have saved me now.

Thank you!

You also said, “… if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”

(Romans 10:9-10) I believe (in my heart) that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. I believe that He was raised from the dead for my justification.

And I confess Him now as my Lord. Because your word says, “with the heart man believeth unto righteousness…” and because I do believe, I have now become the “righteousness of God in Christ” (2 Corinthians.

5:21) and I am saved. Thank you Lord!

Now, go fiind another lover of God and tell them you’ve made Jesus your Lord – they’ll rejoice with you!!

(Accuracy is not important, a change of heart is!)

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

95

Pray something like this to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit: In Acts 1:5 and 8, Jesus said this to His disciples and those that believed in Him: “You shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost… and you shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and you shall be witnesses unto me… ” Father, I ask you to baptize me with the Holy Spirit. I receive that now by faith, just as I received your gift of salvation. By faith, I now expect to speak in Tongues. I will use my voice and tongue to pray/speak and you will give me the utterance. I believe you are empowering me by Your Spirit to be a qualified witness of Jesus wherever I go. Father, I praise you and thank you for this, in Jesus’s Name. Help me to pray in the Spirit and listen to your voice.

Amen! Hallelujah!

In order to help your faith, if you desire to have a spiritual contact: Now, with this book in your hand (or on your computer), as a point of contact, this is as close as I can get to laying my hands on you. So, in the spirit I do lay my hands on you (so to speak) and as the author of this book and a believer in the Lord Jesus, I am adding my faith to yours. According to your desire and prayer, I believe God has baptized you with His Spirit and that you will not only speak in tongues now, but until the day you pass on to Heaven. Hallelujah!

Spend some time (alone) speaking in tongues, praising God and thanking him for baptizing you in the Spirit. Continue to vocalize your thanksgiving and continue to vocalize your new prayer language on a daily basis. Meet with friends who also pray in tongues.

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

96

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Dorothea LeBlanc I’ve been a lover of God since 1973, a wife since 1980, a mother since 1984, a serious artist since 2007, and an intermittent writer along the way.

This book (Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!) has had several editions since the year 2000 as I have learned more about the subject and the wonderful fruits of the Holy Spirit. See Galatians 5:22-23.

The author with her husband

The cover of this newest edition shows a recent painting I did called, “Wind Swept Grass at Scott’s Bay.” For me, the painting brings to mind Jesus’s discussion in John chapter 3, with Nicodemus about being born again. He said, “The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”

“Wind Swept Grass at Scott’s Bay” (on the eastern coast of Canada) 30x40 inches, acrylic on canvas

Previous editions of this book used an depicting a path in the forest behind our house. This painting also went through a number of editions before it was used on the cover.

I live in Halifax, Nova Scotia with my husband Michael

LY D EW SE N N VI IO R E D IT E

older painting of mine on the cover,

Tongues?

Tongues …

Tongues!

B. LeBlanc and we have two grown children who are both happily married.

My love, thanks and prayers for God’s blessings go out to everyone who reads this book.

If you’d like to see more of my artwork, you are welcome to visit my website at: dorothealeblanc.ca

Questions that people have and answers from the Bible on the subject of Tongues.

BY DOROTHEA LEBLANC

An earlier edition of “Tongues? Tongues…Tongues!”

by Dorothea LeBlanc

Tongues? Tongues… Tongues!

97