My Prayer Language
Most believers know that the gifts of the Holy Spirit are unique skills and abilities given to faithful followers of Christ to serve God for the common benefit of His church. The main listing of spiritual gifts is found in 1 Corinthians 12:8-10. The list includes but is not limited to wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, speaking in tongues, and interpretation of tongues. These abilities often termed "charismatic gifts" and their usage varies by church denomination or "branches" tied back to the true church; the body of Christ. For decades I knew I was gifted with spiritual discernment. I prided myself on the strength of that God-given ability. Looking back, I know that pride alone was a sin. However, I saw my gift as the only one I needed because given its strength I had the ability to help my local church and it even benefitted me in my personal life. So I thought.
Over the years, there have been occasions where pastors or laypeople attempted to "baptize me" in the Holy Spirit so that I could speak in tongues. Each time, I resisted it. I didn't feel comfortable with the strangeness of the gift nor did I see its value anymore. My attitude was that it is now the 21st century, leave speaking in tongues back in 1-2 century A.D Palestine. Therefore for decades I "quenched" the Holy Spirit each time I felt Him trying to coopt my mouth during intense worship. I secretly knew He had gifted me to speak in tongues but I simply was not ready to accept it.
Since those times, I had walked away from the church and spiritual gifts were no longer an issue. My life of sin and ambivalence pushed my thoughts far away from the God of my childhood. Nonetheless, I quickly forgot what scripture says in Philippians 1:6; "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." Today, I am an ordained Minister and have absolute holy passion for my Bridegroom. The Holy Spirit now has free rein within me to do whatever He pleases. And yes, I now speak in tongues ... and I love it. Yet, I do not do it in public. This is because of what Apostle Paul insists in 1 Corinthians 14 "One who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret.” And verses 27-28: “If any speak in a tongue, let there be only two or at most three, and each in turn, and let someone interpret. But if there is no one to interpret, let each of them keep silent in church and speak to himself and to God.”
Therefore, I only speak in tongues in my bedroom, during my private prayer times. Just the Lord and I. Early each morning as I worship and praise God, I am overcome with love, awe, and a sense of humility bordering on unworthiness. As the tears flow down my face the emotions are so intense that I am compelled to relinquish over my entire body. Throughout this time, the Holy Spirit is positioning to take over. There is a soft handoff from me to Him that is hard to describe. I essentially yield myself over to His control. After which, my tongue loosens and then He assumes the prayer direct to God. 1 Corinthians 14:2 “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God,” Although I relish the intimacy of the experience, I do not know what I am saying in those intense moments. I believe I am interceding because I occasionally call out people or things/situations going on in my life. Yet, for most of that time, I am just a vessel for the Holy Spirit.
I am sure there are some believers who may disagree with me, but that's fine. I am not ashamed of my gift at all. I truly love it. I just haven't felt the need or goading by the Spirit to speak in tongues in a public worship setting, yet. It's possible that if I did, another worshipper may be given the interpretation of what I said. For now, this gift is too new to me to think about branching out. I am just humbled for any gift, let alone this one. As with life, this walk of faith is a journey. No matter what gift (s) you have, consider it a blessing. For as scripture says in 1 Corinthians 12:4-6, we are all still one body, strengthening one another for the same purpose.
4 "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. 6 There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all men".
As for me, my affection for His Majesty, Parakletos, the Holy Spirit keeps growing. He has now blessed me with three spiritual gifts; prophecy, discernment, and tongues. I know my gifts were given for divine edification of self and God's church. I humbly seek to do just that.
Be encouraged. Thomas Knowles, Minister of the Gospel of Christ Jesus
Below is an excerpt from an article I read regarding speaking in tongues. I found it as I was researching my gift because I am feeling more sensitive to the Holy Spirit's movements within me and I am trying to understand it as much as possible. Anywho! it's an interesting list with Bible references to support it.
20 reasons for Speaking in Tongues.
Tongues were the visible proof that the disciples received the Holy Spirit (Acts 2).
Tongues were the sign that Christ’s church had been born in both to the Jew (Acts 2) and the Gentile (Acts 10).
Speaking in tongues is what convinced both Peter and the governing church authority (the Apostles) that the Gentiles are saved and could be saved (Acts 11).
Speaking in tongues was a vital part of both the Apostle Paul’s life and teaching (1 Cor. 14:18).
Speaking in tongues is tied to the Gospel of Marks great commission (Mark 16:14–20).
Speaking in tongues is the supernatural language given by God to believers thus it is the language of the God’s Spirit and His Kingdom.
Speaking in tongues gives us gives us spirit to spirit communication with God (Rom. 8:26-27).
Speaking in tongues allows us to access the mysteries of God (1 Cor. 14:2).1 Corinthians 14:2 “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God,”
Praying in tongues is the number one way believers strengthen themselves (1 Cor. 14:2).
Speaking in tongues tames the tongue which James says in the most unruly member of the body (James 3:1–12).
Praying in tongues is always the perfect prayer (Rom. 8:26-27).
Praying in tongues releases miraculous intercession for people whom we know and those we don’t.
Praying in tongues is governmental because it accesses the heart of God and prays what He wants to do on earth (Rom. 8:26-27).
The gift of tongues and interpretation of tongues is used by the Holy Spirit to both edify and strengthen the church (1 Cor. 12, 14).
Speaking in tongues can actually lead people to repentance.
Praying in tongues is the main way we fulfill the mandate to pray without ceasing (1 Thess. 5:17).
Speaking in tongues is part of our spiritual armor (Eph. 6:18).
Praying in tongues brings our spirit into unity with God’s purposes.
Praying in the Spirit renews our minds.
Praying in tongues builds the interior life of the believer.
References: Says:, B., Says:, G., Says:, S., Says:, S., Says:, G., Says:, R., . . . Simas, G. (2020, January 03). 20 Reasons Why It Is So Important To Speak In Tongues. Retrieved November 09, 2020, from https://gregsimas.org/20-reasons-why-it-is-so-important-to-speak-in-tongues/
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