I just watched this episode of "It's Supernatural" on tv, it's a christian based show with some really interesting topics. Anyway, this episode was about speaking in tongues. I have never done it, but has anyone here ever done it? If so, what happened? What was it like?
Speaking in Tongues
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Usually when someone is referring to "speaking in tongues", they are talking about speaking in a "heavenly language" ... one that is not known to people. Sometimes referred to as praying "in the Spirit". or in an "unknown tongue".
There is another type of Gift of Tongues. That is where a person speaks with an earthly language that they have not learned previously and can be understood by someone who speaks the language.
Are you talking about one or the other or both????? Just to clarify.
There is another type of Gift of Tongues. That is where a person speaks with an earthly language that they have not learned previously and can be understood by someone who speaks the language.
Are you talking about one or the other or both????? Just to clarify.
Yes, the manifestation or speaking in tongues is one of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit.... sometimes you receive it out of nowhere but some 'seek' it... I grew up in Pentecostal/Apostolic Churches where it was commonplace so it's never been a big deal with me... I seldom pray in anything but tongues. It's a wonderful 'gift' and tool and I can't explain it very well. When I pray in audible words (with my own understanding) it helps 'me'... because I hear myself... when I pray in my heavenly language I don't have any idea 'what' I'm praying for or what I'm saying, but I can 'feel' it glorifies God and I feel 'stronger' afterwards... more of God's love and peace... things like that. If you desire to speak in tongues, pray about it... it's a FREE Gift from GOD and it's yours for the asking 
Yes, the manifestation or speaking in tongues is one of the many gifts of the Holy Spirit.... sometimes you receive it out of nowhere but some 'seek' it... I grew up in Pentecostal/Apostolic Churches where it was commonplace so it's never been a big deal with me... I seldom pray in anything but tongues. It's a wonderful 'gift' and tool and I can't explain it very well. When I pray in audible words (with my own understanding) it helps 'me'... because I hear myself... when I pray in my heavenly language I don't have any idea 'what' I'm praying for or what I'm saying, but I can 'feel' it glorifies God and I feel 'stronger' afterwards... more of God's love and peace... things like that. If you desire to speak in tongues, pray about it... it's a FREE Gift from GOD and it's yours for the asking
I have asked so many times....nut n honey. I always wanted to have a prayer language, being the good Southern Baptist that I am!
Folks have said, 'just open your mouth and it'll come out.' Nope...didn't happen. I've been in the midst of folks praying....loudly....for me to receive.....the decibels rose louder and louder, and I knew this wasn't from God. God is not deaf. I almost was, but He isn't. It was too chaotic. I haven't tried since. I believe in a prayer language, but the only one I have is English. So, for now, that's it. I used to have a cleaning lady who would come over and we'd do our jabbering and she'd feel the Presence of God and break out in prayer. I thought it was cool. There were a couple of times that she would feel darkness and chaos. I had been really ill and on the couch for quite a few days (ailment, not a cold or anything) and when she walked in, she felt that presence at the couch, on my side. I hadn't told her about it. The other time is when she asked me if I lose things easily, and I laughed saying how in the world did she know. So we prayed about that, too! Yea, I've never asked for it and haven't received it, and don't think I want too!!! LOL! It's just too weird for me, would make me feel uncomfortable not knowing what I was saying.
I know alot of people do it and really enjoy it, maybe later, but I don't think it's for me but I know alot of people are blessed by it.
I know alot of people do it and really enjoy it, maybe later, but I don't think it's for me but I know alot of people are blessed by it.
Yea, I've never asked for it and haven't received it, and don't think I want too!!! LOL! It's just too weird for me, would make me feel uncomfortable not knowing what I was saying.
I know alot of people do it and really enjoy it, maybe later, but I don't think it's for me but I know alot of people are blessed by it.
asking and wanting are two different things
There is no reason to deny the supernatural aspect of our relationship with God.
As far as tongues go..some do...some don't, it can turn into a bitter war between believers just to discuss it.
Lisa;
1 Corinthians 13 and 14 describes the gift of tongues, and how I believe God intends for it to be manifested in the Church. There are many verses in both chapters of 1 Corinthians relating to tongues, so I can't post them all here! There are other references in the Bible as well, but these I've mentioned explain it all in detail. Hope this helps!
1 Corinthians 13 and 14 describes the gift of tongues, and how I believe God intends for it to be manifested in the Church. There are many verses in both chapters of 1 Corinthians relating to tongues, so I can't post them all here!
There are other references in the Bible as well, but these I've mentioned explain it all in detail. Hope this helps!
asking and wanting are two different things
There is no reason to deny the supernatural aspect of our relationship with God.
As far as tongues go..some do...some don't, it can turn into a bitter war between believers just to discuss it.
I asked and want it. I want everything that God has for me. Now some people think because I'm disabled and live in pain, having my whole life turned upside down is because I haven't believed I'm receiving a healing. Well, that theory doesn't work....3 times I went to a healing service....nada, zip, nothing. Then I was told I'd be receiving it at a future date. God doesn't work that way with me. "I am healing you, but you won't receive it for 3 months." Yeah, right. That makes no sense. When Jesus healed people, they were healed right then.....not, "Well, you'll get your sight back in 2 months!" And, if God healed everyone, there would be no cemeteries.
So, after going through all of that, I just flat out asked God if He was going to heal my body on earth. He said, "No." I dropped it after that. Then some years later, I was reading a moving story of one who was Divinely healed and I began weeping asking the Lord why wasn't I healed? He told me, "Because I can use you better as you are." Once again, I was okay with it all, and I've grown in giving mercy to others. Some days are really tough, others aren't....but I keep chugging away!
Hello all, sorry for the length... but there are a lot of potential missunderstandings about speaking in tongues.
It seems like everyone is talking about Tongues of Angels as mentioned in 1 Cor 13:1, frequently referred to as a prayer language. As I mentioned before, there is a Speaking in Tongues where one speaks a foreign earthly language that is unknown to them. This is what probably happened in Acts 2. I've known a few folks who received that.
Since we seem to be talking about the tongues of angels, I’ll address that.
To those who have not done it, it can appear to be pretty freaky. It can appear that way especially if one doesn't understand how it happens. In addition, many times congregations attach a certain amount of emotion to the communal practice of it. That alone can freak people out. It's kind of important to separate the gift from the human practice of it. Like any other practice in the church, it can be abused and misunderstood.
First, it is NOT “being possessed by the Holy Spirit”. It is NOT a loss of control of one’s self. It is NOT “letting the Holy Spirit take over” to the extent of either not being aware or not being able to be in control. When one speaks or prays in tongues, you are in complete control to start, stop and (forgive me Lord) even daydream while doing it. It is an act of your will just like talking is. You are fully aware.
SC…. Since I wasn’t there when you have asked for it, I’ll do my best to explain a few things. Generally one has to begin speaking. Sometimes people are not clear in their phrases about how to do something. Just “opening your mouth” is not really how it works. You usually need to make sounds … sort of as if, in faith, you expect words to be formed out of the sounds you are making. I’ve known people who have received a few words and as time went on and they practiced, their language grew. Others, sounded like a full blown “fluency” of a language. There’s no pressure for it to be received a certain way or to be like someone else. Some people find it to be an amazing and valuable gift. For others, it doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Others don’t really want it at all. It is a beneficial gift, but it is not mandatory and there should never be any guilt attached to one’s choice one way or the other. We should also avoid a sense or projection of “exclusivity” between those who do and those who don’t…. on either side of the fence.
It's important to remember that it is a gift. There is no urgency to receiving it and no guilt if one does not feel comfortable with it. There is a place in scripture where Paul says "I would that you all spoke with tongues...". Some take this scripture almost as a commandment rather than a desire by Paul for the people to be blessed. Paul also said "I'd rather that you sought the gift of Prophecy" but we don't place the same pressure on that gift.
My own experience is unusual. At the age of 20, I accepted Christ as my Savior. I was so dramatically filled in my heart that I could hardly contain my joy. That’s sort of the way it was during the Jesus movement of the late 60’s and 70’s. One night, my wife woke me up and said “your dreaming, be quiet”. I didn’t understand. She said I was carrying on a conversation in my sleep. I said “what was I saying?”. She said, “I have no idea… it wasn’t English. It wasn’t any language I’ve ever heard before but it was certainly a language. You even repeated phrases.” I just rolled over and went back to sleep. A few weeks later we were in a church where someone spoke in tongues. She frantically elbowed me in the side and whispered …”That’s the language!! That’s what you were speaking in your sleep”.
I can only figure that I was so full of the joy of the Lord that I had to have a “vent” …. A relief valve in the Spirit, so to speak. And so it was. Later, I prayed to received it consciously and did. But then it was a matter of fact kind of experience rather than hugely emotional.
One of the practices of it that is particularly uplifting to me, is singing in tongues or "in the Spirit". Especially when a whole congregation does it. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.
It seems like everyone is talking about Tongues of Angels as mentioned in 1 Cor 13:1, frequently referred to as a prayer language. As I mentioned before, there is a Speaking in Tongues where one speaks a foreign earthly language that is unknown to them. This is what probably happened in Acts 2. I've known a few folks who received that.
Since we seem to be talking about the tongues of angels, I’ll address that.
To those who have not done it, it can appear to be pretty freaky. It can appear that way especially if one doesn't understand how it happens. In addition, many times congregations attach a certain amount of emotion to the communal practice of it. That alone can freak people out. It's kind of important to separate the gift from the human practice of it. Like any other practice in the church, it can be abused and misunderstood.
First, it is NOT “being possessed by the Holy Spirit”. It is NOT a loss of control of one’s self. It is NOT “letting the Holy Spirit take over” to the extent of either not being aware or not being able to be in control. When one speaks or prays in tongues, you are in complete control to start, stop and (forgive me Lord) even daydream while doing it. It is an act of your will just like talking is. You are fully aware.
SC…. Since I wasn’t there when you have asked for it, I’ll do my best to explain a few things. Generally one has to begin speaking. Sometimes people are not clear in their phrases about how to do something. Just “opening your mouth” is not really how it works. You usually need to make sounds … sort of as if, in faith, you expect words to be formed out of the sounds you are making. I’ve known people who have received a few words and as time went on and they practiced, their language grew. Others, sounded like a full blown “fluency” of a language. There’s no pressure for it to be received a certain way or to be like someone else. Some people find it to be an amazing and valuable gift. For others, it doesn’t seem to be a big deal. Others don’t really want it at all. It is a beneficial gift, but it is not mandatory and there should never be any guilt attached to one’s choice one way or the other. We should also avoid a sense or projection of “exclusivity” between those who do and those who don’t…. on either side of the fence.
It's important to remember that it is a gift. There is no urgency to receiving it and no guilt if one does not feel comfortable with it. There is a place in scripture where Paul says "I would that you all spoke with tongues...". Some take this scripture almost as a commandment rather than a desire by Paul for the people to be blessed. Paul also said "I'd rather that you sought the gift of Prophecy" but we don't place the same pressure on that gift.
My own experience is unusual. At the age of 20, I accepted Christ as my Savior. I was so dramatically filled in my heart that I could hardly contain my joy. That’s sort of the way it was during the Jesus movement of the late 60’s and 70’s. One night, my wife woke me up and said “your dreaming, be quiet”. I didn’t understand. She said I was carrying on a conversation in my sleep. I said “what was I saying?”. She said, “I have no idea… it wasn’t English. It wasn’t any language I’ve ever heard before but it was certainly a language. You even repeated phrases.” I just rolled over and went back to sleep. A few weeks later we were in a church where someone spoke in tongues. She frantically elbowed me in the side and whispered …”That’s the language!! That’s what you were speaking in your sleep”.
I can only figure that I was so full of the joy of the Lord that I had to have a “vent” …. A relief valve in the Spirit, so to speak. And so it was. Later, I prayed to received it consciously and did. But then it was a matter of fact kind of experience rather than hugely emotional.
One of the practices of it that is particularly uplifting to me, is singing in tongues or "in the Spirit". Especially when a whole congregation does it. It's one of the most beautiful things I've ever heard.
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I asked and want it. I want everything that God has for me. Now some people think because I'm disabled and live in pain, having my whole life turned upside down is because I haven't believed I'm receiving a healing. Well, that theory doesn't work....3 times I went to a healing service....nada, zip, nothing. Then I was told I'd be receiving it at a future date. God doesn't work that way with me. "I am healing you, but you won't receive it for 3 months." Yeah, right. That makes no sense. When Jesus healed people, they were healed right then.....not, "Well, you'll get your sight back in 2 months!" And, if God healed everyone, there would be no cemeteries.
So, after going through all of that, I just flat out asked God if He was going to heal my body on earth. He said, "No." I dropped it after that. Then some years later, I was reading a moving story of one who was Divinely healed and I began weeping asking the Lord why wasn't I healed? He told me, "Because I can use you better as you are." Once again, I was okay with it all, and I've grown in giving mercy to others. Some days are really tough, others aren't....but I keep chugging away!
Healing is a different topic.
By the way.... SC.... that is an amazing testimony. I haven't figured it all out about healing. But I do know, that we are not called to judge ourselves or others just because of our own beliefs. Judgement is running rampant in the church these days. As if somehow you are less than someone else because you haven't "received" your healing..... or because you don't speak in tongues .... or because you vape...
God, please deliver us from judgement of others and judgement of ourselves. Let us just love.
God, please deliver us from judgement of others and judgement of ourselves. Let us just love.
My scriptural understanding of speaking in the tongues of Angels is 'for a sign to unbelievers'... especially if an interpreter is present.... (someone who has the holy spirit gift of interpreting tongues... which seems to be very rare). To see a person speak/pray fluently in an Earthly language they can't possibly know would lead some to belief as this is a very physical valid sign. It didn't make me believe as I was already a believer... but I found it fascinating... and the first lady I witnessed seemed so 'peaceful' and 'full of joy' that I wanted whatever she was experiencing also.... Praying in tongues (or heavenly language) was commonplace in the Churches I grew up in so I considered it normal and not scary at all... (except the first time I witnessed it... which was the age of 12... the lady prayed in that strange language for hours while the regular church service commenced around her... she appeared oblivious to all around her and all around me appeared oblivious to her.. so no big deal... (lol) Many People are frightened (or put off) by tongues and I think in some cases rightfully so, because Satan does counterfeit everything God is in or deigns holy. I personally enjoy praying in tongues because sometimes my prayer language is one only God understands... which thwarts Satan, (because He can't understand). What Satan can't understand he can't interfere with...
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By the way.... SC.... that is an amazing testimony. I haven't figured it all out about healing. But I do know, that we are not called to judge ourselves or others just because of our own beliefs. Judgement is running rampant in the church these days. As if somehow you are less than someone else because you haven't "received" your healing..... or because you don't speak in tongues .... or because you vape...
God, please deliver us from judgement of others and judgement of ourselves. Let us just love.
So true Hy! Speaking in tongues is not what saved us.. it's merely an outward physical sign of a spiritual gift... nothing more..... there are 'better' gifts as mentioned previously... such as interpretation of tongues or Prophesy. ... God deliver us from the judgement of others and of ourselves..... Let us just 'be' the light and Love that is in you so that we may testify of your goodness and be witnesses to the lost and in so doing give you the honor and the glory that you alone are worthy of!
Hy....my daughter recieved the gift of tongues in her sleep also, she woke herself up praying in tongues after a disturbing dream. The peace she had afterwards was overwhelming . She had sought the gift 20 years ago when she was a child, didn't recieve it, gave up and then voila, she recieved it just recently. This is also how my father recieved, was in his sleep, lol! Woke my mom up.....
30 years ago when my husband and I first became Christians a couple who we had been friends with for a couple of years came over to our house and asked if we had recieved the gift of tongues. Neither of us had, but had gone to a church a couple of times where we had heard them (which btw freaked me out, lol).
The male friend read some scripture regarding tongues and asked my husband if he'd like to recieve the gift. My husband (who had been raised in the Lutheran faith) said that he didn't think they were really necessary and really wasn't sure about whether they were for real, for this day and age. Our friend asked if he could lay hands on my husband and pray for him to recieve, if he didn't recieve, "no big deal". My husband didn't want to discourage our friend who was so excited because he had recieved, so he said, "I guess it's ok".
Our friend layed hands on my husband and before a word of prayer came out of our friend's mouth to pray....my husband was speaking in tongues, lol! It was really bizarre to say the least. Here was my husband, a naysayer a few minutes earlier was speaking in what seemed to be and Indian dialect, lol!
So....I asked, "can you pray for me too?" They did and I didn't recieve the gift....I was so disappointed. It took me months to recieve the gift.
. She had sought the gift 20 years ago when she was a child, didn't recieve it, gave up and then voila, she recieved it just recently. This is also how my father recieved, was in his sleep, lol! Woke my mom up.....30 years ago when my husband and I first became Christians a couple who we had been friends with for a couple of years came over to our house and asked if we had recieved the gift of tongues. Neither of us had, but had gone to a church a couple of times where we had heard them (which btw freaked me out, lol).
The male friend read some scripture regarding tongues and asked my husband if he'd like to recieve the gift. My husband (who had been raised in the Lutheran faith) said that he didn't think they were really necessary and really wasn't sure about whether they were for real, for this day and age. Our friend asked if he could lay hands on my husband and pray for him to recieve, if he didn't recieve, "no big deal". My husband didn't want to discourage our friend who was so excited because he had recieved, so he said, "I guess it's ok".
Our friend layed hands on my husband and before a word of prayer came out of our friend's mouth to pray....my husband was speaking in tongues, lol! It was really bizarre to say the least. Here was my husband, a naysayer a few minutes earlier was speaking in what seemed to be and Indian dialect, lol!
So....I asked, "can you pray for me too?" They did and I didn't recieve the gift
....I was so disappointed. It took me months to recieve the gift.
Hy....my daughter recieved the gift of tongues in her sleep also, she woke herself up praying in tongues after a disturbing dream. The peace she had afterwards was overwhelming
30 years ago when my husband and I first became Christians a couple who we had been friends with for a couple of years came over to our house and asked if we had recieved the gift of tongues. Neither of us had, but had gone to a church a couple of times where we had heard them (which btw freaked me out, lol).
The male friend read some scripture regarding tongues and asked my husband if he'd like to recieve the gift. My husband (who had been raised in the Lutheran faith) said that he didn't think they were really necessary and really wasn't sure about whether they were for real, for this day and age. Our friend asked if he could lay hands on my husband and pray for him to recieve, if he didn't recieve, "no big deal". My husband didn't want to discourage our friend who was so excited because he had recieved, so he said, "I guess it's ok".
Our friend layed hands on my husband and before a word of prayer came out of our friend's mouth to pray....my husband was speaking in tongues, lol! It was really bizarre to say the least. Here was my husband, a naysayer a few minutes earlier was speaking in what seemed to be and Indian dialect, lol!
So....I asked, "can you pray for me too?" They did and I didn't recieve the gift
My mother woke herself up once speaking in tongues (she doesn't pray 'knowingly' in tongues)...
The tongues that was "for a sign to unbelievers" was also evident in Acts 2. And that was an earthly language. Although I don't think the scripture is exclusive to earthly language. The need for an interpreter is important in either case. Of course if I was to start speaking in French, presumably there would be someone in the room who spoke French, perhaps the unbeliever in the room.... but if not, then the Gift of Interpretation would be important. Otherwise to continue to speak or give a pronouncement that could not be interpreted would be out of order. What effect would that have on an unbeliever? Well, I'd guess their response would be like those in Jerusalem in Acts 2. "How is it possible that these folks are speaking to us in our native tongue? What manner of miracle is this?" Also, in Acts 2, there might have been some speaking in an unknown tongue. Because many of the folks in the streets thought they were drunk. But scripture does not differentiate between them in this scripture.
In application, one may give a short message in tongues for the edification of the body. If there is not an interpretation, then to continue would be inconsistent with Paul's guidance. But there is also the application as a prayer. I'm aware that from time to time, there may be someone praying during a service. If so, I would trust that it would be quietly. If it disturbed the service or the folks around them, it would be inconsistent with Paul's guidance about tongues. Scripture tells us that the gift is subject to the person who has it. Just because we can... doesn't mean we should.
As regarding an earthly language, I have a dear friend who came over in the 70's from Indonesia. He was the person God used to ignite the revival in Indonesia. He came to speak to a large group of Pastors. His interpreter didn't show up and his English was almost non-existent. However, in faith, he just began to speak. He spoke fluent English with complete understanding, albeit with an engaging accent. To this day, he still speaks perfect English with the same enthusiasm and accent.
In application, one may give a short message in tongues for the edification of the body. If there is not an interpretation, then to continue would be inconsistent with Paul's guidance. But there is also the application as a prayer. I'm aware that from time to time, there may be someone praying during a service. If so, I would trust that it would be quietly. If it disturbed the service or the folks around them, it would be inconsistent with Paul's guidance about tongues. Scripture tells us that the gift is subject to the person who has it. Just because we can... doesn't mean we should.
As regarding an earthly language, I have a dear friend who came over in the 70's from Indonesia. He was the person God used to ignite the revival in Indonesia. He came to speak to a large group of Pastors. His interpreter didn't show up and his English was almost non-existent. However, in faith, he just began to speak. He spoke fluent English with complete understanding, albeit with an engaging accent.
To this day, he still speaks perfect English with the same enthusiasm and accent.
My scriptural understanding of speaking in the tongues of Angels is 'for a sign to unbelievers'... especially if an interpreter is present.... (someone who has the holy spirit gift of interpreting tongues... which seems to be very rare). ...
I wonder why it is that folks don't seek the gift of interpretation as much as the tongues. In a public setting, it is just as important. In our church, we know who has that gift and if someone else doesn't interpret it, is implied and agreed upon ahead of time, that they will step up.
The gifts of the Spirit are very awesome. I suspect that the limitations on those gifts has something to do with our own minds and expectations. The gift of healing... I mean the real gift... is mentioned in the same scriptures and yet so few people have it... and it is so limited in the body.
I'm looking for the day when the gift of healing and wisdom are just as easily accessed as tongues. All in due season....
Imrasch, sorry I didn't see your post. No way!!! In all of my years, I'd never heard of another person who's first experience was in their sleep. I love it.
Thanks for sharing that. I just always figured I was too dumb to get it while awake and so God had mercy on me... figuring I'd explode if I didn't express my joy somehow. hehehe. (just kidding, Lord.)
Thanks for sharing that. I just always figured I was too dumb to get it while awake and so God had mercy on me... figuring I'd explode if I didn't express my joy somehow. hehehe. (just kidding, Lord.)
I wonder why it is that folks don't seek the gift of interpretation as much as the tongues. In a public setting, it is just as important. In our church, we know who has that gift and if someone else doesn't interpret it, is implied and agreed upon ahead of time, that they will step up.
The gifts of the Spirit are very awesome. I suspect that the limitations on those gifts has something to do with our own minds and expectations. The gift of healing... I mean the real gift... is mentioned in the same scriptures and yet so few people have it... and it is so limited in the body.
I'm looking for the day when the gift of healing and wisdom are just as easily accessed as tongues. All in due season....
All in due season......
Seems like it has happened to more people than we know, lol! Wish it had been that easy for me, twas not......
I have friends who definitely walk in other gifts of the Spirit who have never spoke in tongues, so I believe a person can be Spirit filled and not show with the "evidence of tongues" so to speak.
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