One of my favorite bands as a teen was a group of musicians who formed while attending Rhode Island School of Design. Their album titled Speaking in Tongues came out in 1983. For about 6 years my entire concept of “speaking in tongues” was that it was the name of the popular album by the Talking Heads—featuring the hit song Burning Down the House!
Once I came to Christ in 1989, I started hearing Christians talk about this thing called “speaking in tongues.” And, on occasion, I would hear a person in church speaking in tongues. It both intrigued me, and freaked me out, at the same time. I really wanted to know God and wanted to learn how to pray—but I wasn’t sure I wanted that.
Disclaimer
I feel like I should take a moment and explain something about speaking in tongues. The church I pastor in Providence is non-denominational. There are people from a wide variety of faith backgrounds that have made the church their home. Only about 25% of the church has received the gift of speaking in tongues. My spiritual roots are Pentecostal so I received the gift of tongues shortly after receiving Christ.
I’m careful not to push the gift on people who attend the church for several reasons. Some people have had bad experiences with Pentecostal people who made them feel inferior. Some have had weird experiences in Pentecostal churches with people trying to “baptize” them in the Spirit. Or being in a room when, all of the sudden, the pastor tells everyone to “speak in tongues!”—and it’s overwhelming! I think, too, that some people are reticent about the gift because it doesn’t seem intelligent. There are also some who were raised in churches that taught that gifts of the Spirit like speaking in tongues are not for today; the gifts ceased in the first century.
Many who are reading this attend the church I pastor, but there are others scattered around the country. I’m sure that the phrase “speaking in tongues” elicits a range of reactions. If you are one who has a negative feeling about it, I want to say, first, that I sympathize with you. But I also want to encourage you to keep an open mind.
What is it exactly?
Some of you may have no idea what I’m talking about so let’s start by defining what this is. Speaking in tongues is one of nine gifts of the Holy Spirit given to Christians.
Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-11
Various kinds of tongues
There are different kinds of tongues in the New Testament, which is perhaps what is confusing for many. On the Day of Pentecost, for example, when the Church was birthed (Acts 2), the believers spoke in tongues that were the exact languages of the people coming into Jerusalem for the feast. They were intelligible languages spoken. Well, they were unintelligible to their own ears but not to the ears of others. Wow.
And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, "Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians-we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God." And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, "What does this mean?" But others mocking said, "They are filled with new wine." – Acts 2:4-13
This gift of tongues came upon all who were praying (about 120 believers). And it was a great sign and wonder demonstrated to the crowds of people streaming into Jerusalem. This was a very unusual expression of speaking in tongues, and I’ve not heard of this happening too frequently today, though I’ve heard testimonies.
A second kind
Another kind of tongue is that which is matched with an interpretation. The tongue spoken is not in any of the human languages around the world. Some say that this kind of tongue is what Paul was referring to in 1 Corinthians 13–“tongues of angels.” Some call it the “heavenly language.” But it is essentially a strange sounding language, sort of, like the way kids make up crazy pretend languages to be silly.
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit. – 1 Corinthians 14:2
A third
Another expression of speaking in tongues is similar to the second one in that it doesn’t make sense to anyone. Again, it is a language, in that it is made of sounds and syllables. Each person’s expression sounds different, by the way. But Scripture teaches us that these tongues build us up personally in our spiritual life.
The one who speaks in a tongue builds up himself. – 1 Corinthians 14:4
It is the Spirit praying through us. Or praying for us. Not all agree on this, but many believe this is what Paul had in mind in this verse:
Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. – Romans 8:26
I’m unsure what Paul had in mind but the phrase “groanings too deep for words” implies that we are praying something beyond words, something we don’t understand. It’s also true that sometimes our words cease and we are just weeping and groaning before God. It could be either of those. Or both.
Is it for all?
Some have prayed for the gift but didn’t get it, so they concluded that the Lord doesn’t want them to have it. Does the Lord intend for all believers to speak in tongues? That’s a difficult question to answer. In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul seems to imply that we all don’t have all the gifts. In other words, certain gifts are distributed to different Christians according to the Lord’s will.
And God has appointed in the church first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, helping, administrating, and various kinds of tongues. Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? Do all possess gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? – 1 Corinthians 12:28-30
However! Paul throws in one sentence a couple chapters later that makes it seem like everyone can potentially speak in tongues.
Now I want you all to speak in tongues. – 1 Corinthians 14:5
Wild and wacky
The Corinthians were wild. They had some sin issues. You get the idea that those who spoke in tongues—at least some of them—thought they were pretty spiritual. You also get the idea that everyone was speaking in tongues at the same time, or that dozens of people in a church service were belting out an unknown tongue that no one understood.
In light of all this, Paul gives some needed instruction. He limits tongues to 2-3 per service and tells them to pray for an interpretation. He urges them to pursue other gifts that build up the church, like prophecy. He also cautions them to do things decently and in order or else first time visitors will think you are crazy (I love that).
If, therefore, the whole church comes together and all speak in tongues, and outsiders or unbelievers enter, will they not say that you are out of your minds? – 1 Corinthians 14:23
It’s a good thing!
Though Paul is coming down hard on the careless and unloving practice of speaking in tongues, he makes it clear that it is a gift from God, he wants everyone to have this gift—and, he speaks in tongues more than anyone!
I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you. – 1 Corinthians 14:18
Okay, hopefully I haven’t lost any of you with all this explanation, but I felt it was important. The above is hardly an in depth study on the topic, but I simply wanted to show you that speaking in tongues is biblical and it’s a good thing.
Some of you may be chomping at the bit and saying, “Okay, what do I do? How do I get it?” That, too, is not an easy question to answer because it’s so different for different people. I can share how it happened to me and the role it has played in my life. My hope is to make you realize this is a very real thing to be sought, and that it is extremely helpful in our pursuit of God. It’s not essential, but it’s helpful.
Very new experience
Let’s flash back to ‘89, again. I had a dramatic encounter with Jesus in the springtime that changed me profoundly. I grew up Catholic and went to CCD as a kid. I was even an altar boy. So I had a little understanding. But a real hunger for God didn’t happen until I was about 20 years old.
I definitely did not hear anything about speaking in tongues in my Catholic Church. Though, many Catholics received the gift of tongues in what was called the “Charismatic Renewal” in the 1970’s. What I’m saying is that, when I was dropped by God into a Pentecostal church as a new Christian, it was a very new experience.
The fiery evangelist
Well, in the church I attended in western Mass, special guest evangelists would come through to preach. These guys literally fit the exact stereotype of the old-fashioned fire and brimstone preacher. They would scream and preach terrifying messages on hell. People would weep. At the end there were “altar calls” for anyone who needed to be cleansed of sins—which was, like, everyone! after that kind of preaching! The whole scene felt like an indie movie. But, it wasn’t. Again, I had that mix of being intrigued and freaked out.
One very emotional fiery sermon from one of the loud sweaty preachers was on the baptism of the Holy Spirit and speaking in tongues. “Uh oh”–I could feel I wasn’t going to escape. You have to understand that the altar invitations are not gentle suggestions from these guys. The church was about 100 people, and it felt like the preacher could see through me.
As I predicted, the question came as the preacher pierced around the room seemingly making eye contact with every single person in one sweep—“Is there anyone here not yet baptized in the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues?”
Though I did not appreciate anything about the style of this preacher I did very much fear God. I couldn’t lie in the presence of God. So my hand went up. Oh, it’s all a blur now. All I remember was that a bunch of us were standing up in the front praying and the evangelist was praying for each of us. People were falling over. Some seemed to be getting the gift of tongues. I was totally confused but just tried to focus on Jesus. The atmosphere was very very loud.
The tall well-built evangelist with the booming voice came to me and began praying as if I couldn’t hear him because I was, like, 389 yards away. He commanded me to “Speak! Speak! Speak it out!” But nothing. It’s getting awkward because, apparently, I’m taking longer than the others. Oh brother :/ It almost seemed like the evangelist was getting agitated. My little boy politeness kicked in with what seemed like a perfect thing to do. I just opened my mouth and made something up. I mean, I always made up crazy languages and songs as a kid. It worked! The angry evangelist was satisfied and he went onto the next person. Phew!
Is this it, God?
Now, when I opened my mouth and started speaking some gobbly gook sha ba ba, there was a part of me that wondered if maybe it actually was genuine. Maybe that’s the gift? Maybe it just needs to now be developed? So when I prayed at home I often ended my prayer time trying out my new tongues. Maybe for a few minutes. Very awkward. I remember praying, “Lord, is this the gift? Or no?” The Lord was silent. I kept trying this for several weeks and it just felt odd. But I wanted it to be a heavenly language!
Well, one night after my prayer time I gave it another try. I went into it for a few minutes and, again, felt nothing supernatural happening. But then, suddenly—and I mean suddenly!!!—the power of the Holy Spirit came upon me and was concentrated on my tongue. The fake tongues I had been doing for weeks stepped aside as the heavenly tongues began to flow like a mighty rushing stream. It was almost irresistible to continue speaking them out. I just didn’t want to stop. It was like a surfer catching a wave! Eventually, after maybe 30 minutes the current came to a gentle halt.
Tongues today
That was almost 32 years ago and I don’t think I’ve gone a single day without speaking in tongues. It usually starts in the morning shower. While I’m driving is another place I speak in tongues. Prayer meetings—of course! Sometimes I speak in tongues while watching certain movies like Ford v Ferrari—I was so in the Spirit watching that movie! Strangely, sometimes I speak in tongues while paying the bills (I’m so curious what the Spirit is praying for me).
The gift is still a mystery to me. I don’t know what the Spirit is praying when I’m speaking in tongues. I’m not even sure what is happening. All I know is that the Spirit urges me to do it and that it seems to almost lubricate my prayers. For example, sometimes when I know not what to say to God, I speak in tongues for a while until words begin to flow. When I’m speaking in tongues, I’m not in a trance or anything—I’m thinking about things, spiritual things. And I’m not really sure if the things I’m thinking about are connected to the things the Spirit is praying.
Will I appear crazy?
Some of you may be wondering if speaking in tongues will make you look crazy to people. I would say—very emphatically—that it doesn’t have to. Some people who speak in tongues—whether real or fake only God knows—disregard Paul’s instructions in Corinthians and are just plain obnoxious about it. Don’t let people who use the gift without love and wisdom rob you from receiving the gift yourself.
Speaking in tongues isn’t something that takes over your body. If you are gentle, your tongues will likely be gentle. Mine are usually very quiet, almost a whisper. I don’t speak in tongues loud enough for anyone to hear in a prayer meeting or worship gathering. You may see my lips moving though :)
Invitation
Some of you already have received the gift of tongues. I hope you enjoyed my story. Today, I’m mostly writing to those who have not received it yet. You aren’t less of a Christian because you don’t have this gift. Not at all. Don’t let anyone put that on you! I’m not even certain it’s the will of the Father for every Christian to speak in tongues. But I do know that we have an invitation in Scripture to earnestly pursue spiritual gifts.
Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. – 1 Corinthians 14:1
Lastly, be patient. Don’t work yourself up about getting it. Just ask for it, and tell the Lord that, whenever He feels the best time would be to give it to you, is just fine. And tell Him that, if He doesn’t want you to have it, that’s fine too.
I think our only role is to be open to it. If we aren’t open to it, and we really don’t want it, I don’t believe the Lord will force it upon us. He doesn’t work that way. Gifts are meant to be received.