speaking in tounges

[Sevenseas]

C. Praying in tongues should always follow interpretation. Praying in a tongue nobody understands make the mind unfruitful.

¹³ For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

Excellent post, but how do you see the above played out in personal prayer time? Do you believe one ought not to pray in tongues if not in church?

Thanks

[Fez]

C. Praying in tongues should always follow interpretation. Praying in a tongue nobody understands make the mind unfruitful.

¹³ For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

Excellent post, but how do you see the above played out in personal prayer time? Do you believe one ought not to pray in tongues if not in church?

Thanks

I personally don't think one should be worried about praying in tongues when in deep prayer. If one is praying alone, and in the Spirit, sometimes there are no words.

As Spurgeon said in one of his amazing sermons on tongues "There are prayers that break the backs of words".

[Sevenseas]

I personally don't think one should be worried about praying in tongues when in deep prayer. If one is praying alone, and in the Spirit, sometimes there are no words.

As Spurgeon said in one of his amazing sermons on tongues "There are prayers that break the backs of words".

Oh you've given it away! I so agree...but wanted GE's take..

[GoldenEagle]

C. Praying in tongues should always follow interpretation. Praying in a tongue nobody understands make the mind unfruitful.

¹³ For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

Excellent post, but how do you see the above played out in personal prayer time? Do you believe one ought not to pray in tongues if not in church?

Thanks

I believe what the Bible says to be true. See underlined below verse 22.

='GoldenEagle'] E. Tongues are for the not for the Body of Christ but for unbelievers – that they might hear the Good News of God’s Word and believe that Jesus is Lord!

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.

Spiritual gifts are given as assistance to the Bride of Christ through the Holy Spirit to empower the Church to be more effective in reaching others for Christ and edifying the Body of Christ.

Can I person pray in their own little special language to God? Sure. In Christ it is permissible. Is it beneficial?

1 Corinthians 10:13

All things are lawful [also translated permissible] for me, but not all things are helpful [also translated beneficial]; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

The Bible says in 1 Cor. 14 verse 14 that such prayer is unfruitful.

¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

The implication then is that as a Christian there are other things which are more fruitful to spend time on such as memorizing God’s Word, praying intelligibly to God, studying the Bible with other Believers, etc.

I personally believe the theology of a personal prayer language is errant, extra-Biblical teaching based on these passages. Do you agree or disagree? If you disagree please give Biblical evidence.

In Christ,

Eagle

Edited October 8, 2012 by GoldenEagle

[GoldenEagle]

I personally don't think one should be worried about praying in tongues when in deep prayer. If one is praying alone, and in the Spirit, sometimes there are no words.

As Spurgeon said in one of his amazing sermons on tongues "There are prayers that break the backs of words".

Oh you've given it away! I so agree...but wanted GE's take..

So this was trick? Lol. j/k

The Holy Spirit can help us overcome even when we don’t know how to pray. This is true. The passage says that this refers to what cannot be uttered or spoken. However, I still maintain that a habitual prayer language is probably not the best time spent.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

Edited October 8, 2012 by GoldenEagle

[Sevenseas]

I personally don't think one should be worried about praying in tongues when in deep prayer. If one is praying alone, and in the Spirit, sometimes there are no words.

As Spurgeon said in one of his amazing sermons on tongues "There are prayers that break the backs of words".

Oh you've given it away! I so agree...but wanted GE's take..

So this was trick? Lol. j/k

The Holy Spirit can help us overcome even when we don’t know how to pray. This is true. The passage says that this refers to what cannot be uttered or spoken. However, I still maintain that a habitual prayer language is probably not the best time spent.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

No. You actually won't know if I trick you until AFTER the fact.... maybe the next morning even....

please? habitual prayer language explanation for the masses.....I think I know what you mean, but do no want to put thoughts in your process

[GoldenEagle]

I personally don't think one should be worried about praying in tongues when in deep prayer. If one is praying alone, and in the Spirit, sometimes there are no words.

As Spurgeon said in one of his amazing sermons on tongues "There are prayers that break the backs of words".

Oh you've given it away! I so agree...but wanted GE's take..

So this was trick? Lol. j/k

The Holy Spirit can help us overcome even when we don’t know how to pray. This is true. The passage says that this refers to what cannot be uttered or spoken. However, I still maintain that a habitual prayer language is probably not the best time spent.

Romans 8:26

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

No. You actually won't know if I trick you until AFTER the fact.... maybe the next morning even....

please? habitual prayer language explanation for the masses.....I think I know what you mean, but do no want to put thoughts in your process

Oooo... Oooo... [raises hand] Pick me... Pick me...

For the masses then: Speaking in Tongues on your own is... a mental waste according to Scripture. (1 Cor. 14:14) However, when we don't know what to pray the Holy Spirit prays for us. (Rom 8:26)

Did I pass the test?

Edited October 8, 2012 by GoldenEagle

[Sevenseas]

Oooo... Oooo... [raises hand] Pick me... Pick me...

For the masses then: Speaking in Tongues on your own is... a mental waste according to Scripture. (1 Cor. 14:14) However, when we don't know what to pray the Holy Spirit prays for us. (Rom 8:26)

Did I pass the test?

hardy har har...I can't believe you did that ooo pick me thing...I do that on occasion LOL!

Hmmm...but if we are praying to God in private, according to the will of God through His Spirit, then how can

that be a waste of time????

I do have this caveat though...if one only prays in tongues, I think the mind is being unfruitful and an effort should be made

to pray in whatever language they normally converse

ie: EXERCISE your little beanie....for myself, I much prefer to pray in English because of some of the abuse I have seen,

however, at times you do really have a burden that is not your own or you are doing whatever and you simply know you

need to address something in prayer that God is bringing to your attention

When I am past praying I just usually say "help me please help me to pray....." even silence before God is altering

Make sense?

[goldust59]

Perhaps you should rethink how you speak of the Holy Spirit & His ability to "give utterance" in tongues. Though there are demonic "tongues", ALL "speaking in tongues" are NOT demonic. Are you sure you want to speak like this & risk blaspheming the Holy Spirit?

There are many people, including myself, that regularly pray, sing & worship in the Spirit. Those that I personally know, I can assure you, are not "demonic",but have a close relationship with our Father. The only spirit I want to be familiar with is the Holy Spirit!

It is not up to any person to reproduce any signs that accompanied the first infilling of the Spirit, God shows Himself as He wills.

to all who are speaking out against "tongues";

Why not get before God & ask Him to make this experience real for you too, instead of speaking against the work of the Holy Spirit.

A. First the assumption is that all Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness. Do you agree?

2 Timothy 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.

Full passage referenced is 1 Cor. 14:1-40

B. Tongues without interpretation is like speaking into the air – it has no purpose.

Vs. ⁹ So it is with you. Unless you speak intelligible words with your tongue, how will anyone know what you are saying? You will just be speaking into the air.

C. Praying in tongues should always follow interpretation. Praying in a tongue nobody understands make the mind unfruitful.

¹³ For this reason the one who speaks in a tongue should pray that they may interpret what they say. ¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. ¹⁵ So what shall I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my understanding; I will sing with my spirit, but I will also sing with my understanding. ¹⁶ Otherwise when you are praising God in the Spirit, how can someone else, who is now put in the position of an inquirer, say “Amen” to your thanksgiving, since they do not know what you are saying? ¹⁷ You are giving thanks well enough, but no one else is edified.

D. Paul spoke in tongues. But he mentioned it was better to speak five intelligible words than 10,000 in a tongue.

¹⁸ I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. ¹⁹ But in the church I would rather speak five intelligible words to instruct others than ten thousand words in a tongue.

E. Tongues are for the not for the Body of Christ but for unbelievers – that they might hear the Good News of God’s Word and believe that Jesus is Lord!

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.

F. Speaking in tongues creates confusion and shows a bad example of Christian order in worship.

²³ So if the whole church comes together and everyone speaks in tongues, and inquirers or unbelievers come in, will they not say that you are out of your mind? ²⁴ But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, ²⁵ as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!”

G. Two to three at the most are to speak in tongues and there must be an interpretation. If there is no interpretation we are instructed not to speak in tongues.

²⁶ What then shall we say, brothers and sisters? When you come together, each of you has a hymn, or a word of instruction, a revelation, a tongue or an interpretation. Everything must be done so that the church may be built up. ²⁷ If anyone speaks in a tongue, two—or at the most three—should speak, one at a time, and someone must interpret. ²⁸ If there is no interpreter, the speaker should keep quiet in the church and speak to himself and to God.

H. Mass prophecy is not Biblical either. The revelation of God is found in His Word. God is the God of order and peace.

²⁹ Two or three prophets should speak, and the others should weigh carefully what is said. ³⁰ And if a revelation comes to someone who is sitting down, the first speaker should stop. ³¹ For you can all prophesy in turn so that everyone may be instructed and encouraged. ³² The spirits of prophets are subject to the control of prophets. ³³ For God is not a God of disorder but of peace—as in all the congregations of the Lord’s people.

I. Paul specifically warns that this instruction is the Lord’s command.

³⁶ Or did the word of God originate with you? Or are you the only people it has reached? ³⁷ If anyone thinks they are a prophet or otherwise gifted by the Spirit, let them acknowledge that what I am writing to you is the Lord’s command. ³⁸ But if anyone ignores this, they will themselves be ignored.

J. Tongues are not prohibited as long as there is order.

³⁹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, be eager to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. ⁴⁰ But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way.

Please recieve this in the same spirit of love that it was intended.

In Christ,

Eagle

Great post Eagle & true of an assembly setting, but I was talking about private, intimate prayer time spent with God. At those times, when I exhaust my own language, the Holy Spirit allows for further, deeper conversation with my Father. It brings a refreshing to me, even if I don't 'know' the language. I just trust the Spirit, because He does know.

Jude v20,21~ But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

In this crazy world we find ourselves in at the moment, I can use all the "building up" I can get.

[GoldenEagle]

Great post Eagle & true of an assembly setting, but I was talking about private, intimate prayer time spent with God. At those times, when I exhaust my own language, the Holy Spirit allows for further, deeper conversation with my Father. It brings a refreshing to me, even if I don't 'know' the language. I just trust the Spirit, because He does know.

Jude v20,21~ But you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.

In this crazy world we find ourselves in at the moment, I can use all the "building up" I can get.

Hello Sister,

Please receive this in the spirit it is intended. I don't have all the answers but I believe God's Word does.

Regarding Jude 20 & 21… I believe every time I pray to God I’m praying “in the Holy Ghost.” I don’t have to speak in tongues to do so. Do you disagree?

I believe what the Bible says to be true. Biblically, tongues are a sign for unbelievers. See underlined below verse 22.

E. Tongues are for the not for the Body of Christ but for unbelievers – that they might hear the Good News of God’s Word and believe that Jesus is Lord!

²² Tongues, then, are a sign, not for believers but for unbelievers; prophecy, however, is not for unbelievers but for believers.

Spiritual gifts are given as assistance to the Bride of Christ through the Holy Spirit to empower the Church to be more effective in reaching others for Christ and edifying the Body of Christ.

Can a Believer pray in their own little special language to God? Sure. In Christ it is permissible. Is it beneficial?

1 Corinthians 10:13

All things are lawful [also translated permissible] for me, but not all things are helpful [also translated beneficial]; all things are lawful for me, but not all things edify.

The Bible says in 1 Cor. 14:14 that such prayer is unfruitful.

¹⁴ For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful.

The implication then is that as a Christian there are other things that are more fruitful to spend time on such as memorizing God’s Word, praying intelligibly to God, studying the Bible with other Believers, etc.

Further, we are called to wise with our time and understand what the will of our Lord is. Respectfully I submit that there are better things to do with our time other than speaking in tongues such as praising God with song and hymns, giving thanks to God, and in humility submitting to one another in love and in the fear of God. (See Eph 5:15-20)

Ephesians 5:15-20

¹⁵ See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶ redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

¹⁷ Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸ And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹ speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰ giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹ submitting to one another in the fear of God.

I personally believe the theology of a personal prayer language is errant, extra-Biblical teaching based on these passages. I’m sure my charismatic brothers and sisters would beg to differ.

Do you agree or disagree? If you disagree please give Biblical evidence.

In Christ,

Eagle

Edited October 9, 2012 by GoldenEagle