Praying In Tongues?
In many church circles, there is a phenomenon commonly referred to as “praying in tongues”. But it’s not. It’s just gibberish.
Nowhere in the Bible are we told to pray like this. In fact, there is not one verse in the Bible that encourages praying in tongues.
What about the Book of Acts?
Well, the gift of tongues was given to share the Gospel so everyone could hear it in their own language.
What about 1 Corinthians 14?
Well, it’s there. Paul was correcting the misuse of speaking in tongues. Paul says:
If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays but my mind is unfruitful. What am I to do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will pray with my mind also… (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)
He doesn’t encourage praying in tongues. He’s discouraging the practice.
28 But if no one is present who can interpret, they must be silent in your church meeting and speak in tongues to God privately. (1 Corinthians 14:28)
But verse 39 says, “don’t forbid speaking in tongues.”
Right. And the context is to prophesy, not private prayer.
So, my brothers, earnestly desire to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking in tongues. (1 Corinthians 14:39)
What is the gift of tongues for?
It is a sign not for believers, but for unbelievers, to hear the Gospel spoken in their own language.
And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language… “We hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God!” (Acts 2:6,11)
Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but believers. (1 Corinthians 14:22)
Read every passage on tongues with that understanding. It’s not a prayer language, and it’s especially not incoherent babbling.
Jesus said:
When you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the pagans do, for they think they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray then like this:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed by Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. (Matthew 6:7-13)
Jesus prayed clear prayers. And so should we.
…when we understand the text.
Pastor Gabe wrote a blog explaining his change on his opinion about praying in tongues. You can read it here: http://pastorgabehughes.blogspot.com/…
(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central.)
