“The most comforting thing is that each time I pray in tongues, I speak mysteries that cannot be understood by anyone even Satan and his demons. The joy of it all is that the conversation I am having in tongues is only between God and myself. Praise God!” – Cleto Mhuru

Speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit. There are many Scripture references to speaking in tongues following the Holy Spirit baptism. In Acts 2:1-4, we are told that the disciples were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in new tongues. In Acts 10:44-46, the Gentiles spoke in tongues exalting God after the Holy Spirit was poured out upon them. In Acts 19:1-7, the disciples in Ephesus received the Holy Spirit and spoke in tongues and prophesied. In Corinthians Chapter 14, Paul explained the importance, benefits and order of speaking in tongues. Verse 2 says “for he who speak in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.” On verse 4 he said that those who speak in tongues build themselves up in the Lord. What can we learn here about speaking in tongues?

1. The person who speak in tongues speaks directly to God not to people and no one hears him (even demons and Satan).  

2. The person who speak in tongues speaks mysteries in the spirit.

3. The person who speak in tongues edifies or builds himself or herself in the LORD.

There are two different types of tongues:

1. The first group of tongues are known languages which we all speak. The tongues spoken by the disciples in Acts 2:1-4 were literally the languages of other nations. They spoke the native languages of other nations without learning them (Acts 2:6-11). For example, it’s like speaking Chinese, Ndebele, Swahili, English, or Korean without taking any lessons to learn such languages. This is what happened on Pentecost.

2. The second type of tongues are “unknown tongues” OR “tongues that cannot be uttered” OR “unfathomable tongues” as explained by Paul in 1 Corinthians 14. These are tongues of angels and tongues of the Holy Spirit which when uttered, speak mysteries of God. These tongues are what we call glossolalia in Greek meaning unintelligible utterances. When we talk about praying with words that cannot be uttered, we talk about glossolalia. We should not mistaken glossolalia for battologeo. Battologeo is a Greek word meaning bubbling nonsensical repetitions as we see in Matthew 6:7. Glossolalia is a language of angels and the Holy Spirit which we use to speak mysteries and exalting God with. Through glossolalia, we edify and build ourselves in the Lord. Glossolalia has benefits whereas battologeo is detrimental or damaging.

What about interpretation?

Not all tongues can be interpreted. However, some can be interpreted. Tongues which can be interpreted are like the gift of prophecy, these are tongues meant to edify, strengthen, encourage and comfort other believers. When we speak in tongues in the church, we should do so to edify the church. Therefore, we should pray to interpret them (1 Corinthians 14:13). Interpretation of tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit given to believers, and we should desire it (1 Corinthians 12:10; 12:31). We should not forbid believers from speaking in tongues in the church. During personal prayer or devotion to God or praise and worship time, believers should feel free to pray in tongues just as others can do so in their mother languages. It is only when one is addressing to the congregation that we need to communicate in a language that can be understood by all. If one speaks in a tongue, it should be interpreted so that all benefit.

Why speak in tongues?

When you pray in the Holy Spirit, you build yourself on your most holy faith (Jude 1:20). In Ephesians 6:18, the apostle Paul exhorted believers to “pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” How do I pray in the Holy Spirit? I do this by praying in tongues. Romans 8:26 tells us that “we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercessions for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” Groanings are not intelligible words, instead, they are incomprehensible and unfathomable. This is glossolalia – speaking in unknown tongues of angels and the Holy Spirit. This is when the deep calls to the deep (Psalm 42:7).

– When I do not know where to start from in prayer; I pray in the tongues. It is true that I do not know how to pray, but the Holy Spirit will helps me to pray. There is no better prayer than praying in the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues!)

– I feel revived, refreshed, strengthened and recharged after praying in the Holy Spirit (speaking in tongues).

– The Holy Spirit removes all fear and assures me all is well after praying in tongues.

– I feel edified and my faith strengthens by speaking in tongues. Praise God!

– Most comforting is that each time I pray in tongues, I speak mysteries that cannot be understood by anyone even demons and Satan. The joy of it all is that the conversation I am having in tongues is only between God and myself. Praise God!

I am encouraging you to develop this habit of praying in the tongues of angels and the Holy Spirit, building yourself up in your most holy faith. Amen!