Praying In The Spirit

We are not of this world, so we do not operate by its standards. Therefore, let us speak the language of our citizenship — the language of the Spirit.

Firstly, man is primarily a spirit with a soul, living in a physical body. When one confesses with his/her mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes in his/her heart that God raised him from the dead, that person will be saved (Romans 10:8-9). This man is then separated from the rest. 2 Corinthians 5:17 says: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” He becomes a new creation, a superman, a man with the life of God, a man who can never be disadvantaged in life. With this, he is now in God’s kingdom, and that is where he belongs. It then becomes very vital for him/her to know the language where he/she comes from because it can help him/her stay updated on what is happening in the Kingdom.

How can one know or learn that language? You may ask.

This new creation, Superman, is given a language of the recreated spirit. That is speaking in other tongues. Some Bible versions render it differently and say it is the language of the angels. This language is not taught by men but given by God, so mere men cannot understand it because it is a divine language of God. Isn’t it beautiful speaking the language God knows so well and not even Satan can understand a word? This is praying in the Spirit. So cool!

Again, you might ask, how can I start speaking this language, speaking in other tongues? One of the answers to this is by praying to God for the infilling of the Holy Spirit, identified with speaking in tongues, and in so doing, believe that He has answered and start speaking in other tongues. As mentioned earlier, do not doubt. The other answer to this is by the laying on of hands as seen in Acts 19:6 “And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they began speaking in tongues and prophesying.”

Other question might still come: “ Must every believer speak in tongues, or it is for the chosen ones? What happens if we do not pray in tongues? Don’t we have the Holy Spirit if we don’t pray in tongues? Of what benefit is prayi ng in tongues?” Let’s get right into the details, shall we?

Must all believers speak in tongues?

This question is just like asking if one must eat food. One can eat, or not, but not eating food for an extended period can negatively affect the body.

As Jesus was leaving for Heaven, He said: “ And these signs will accompany those who believe: in my name they will cast out demons; they will speak in new tongues; they will pick up serpents with their hands; and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay their hands on the sick, and they will recover.” Mark 16:17. This means that speaking in tongues is not limited to specific people; it is for all who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. No one should condemn it or say that it is only for certain individuals. Since you are a spirit and God is a spirit too, speaking the spirit language should be a priority.

Speaking in tongues is a sign that one has been filled with the Spirit The disciples were waiting for the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost. They were in one accord.

Cloven tongues as of fire sat upon each of them. Look at Acts 2:4. “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.”

In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit came upon kings, priests, and judges so that they could carry out the work and teach God’s people. So He first sat upon them as tongues of fire. After, He filled them. However, in the New Testament, the Holy Spirit dwells in us and makes us His temple. He comes upon you to fill you. The evidence that you are filled with the Holy Spirit is the evidence of the sign of speaking in tongues. Being with the Holy Spirit and being filled with the Holy Spirit are not the same things. Those that are filled with the Holy Spirit speak in other tongues. So, speaking in tongues is not meant for the pastors, Bishops, and evangelists alone, it is for everyone.

Why then should you speak in tongues?

1. It builds you up “The one who speaks in a tongue builds up hims elf, but the one who prophesies builds up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:4. To edify means to build, to construct, and to establish. Jude 1:20 (AMP) says: “But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit. ” So he tells us to build ourselves in the most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit. That is how important praying in tongues is. As you speak in tongues, you are edified, and you become bigger than the circumstances you are facing. Beautiful, isn’t it?

Are you facing a challenge or a condition that seems to have no solution? Is it about your health, your family, your community, or the nation? You have the power to effect changes in everything that concerns you. Speak in tongues, keep speaking in tongues, and changes will be effected.

Hallelujah!

2. Speaking in tongues charges you up In the same book of 1 Corinthians, the one who speaks in tongues edifies themselves. This word also means charging up. When you speak in other tongues, you are generating power and energy.

Did you charge up in the morning? As you go to class, charge up. Before going to church, charge up. When you start studying, you will operate well because you have charged up. Praise the Lord!

4. Speaking in other tongues refreshes you As a Christian, whenever you feel the need to cool down, perhaps when your mind is overwhelmed with anything, any issue, speaking in tongues refreshes you. God can speak to you, guide you, and bring you peace during those moments. “For by people of strange lips and with a foreign tongue the LORD will speak to this people” Isaiah 28 11.

5. Speaking in tongues allows us to fellowship with the Holy Spirit When we speak in tongues, we are speaking the language of the Holy Spirit. It's a way to relate with Him and receive His wisdom, courage, and boldness. This is why everyone should speak in tongues. When you speak in tongues regularly, you can never be defeated. You will know what to do and you will be guided by the God of Heaven and Earth, ensuring you stay on the right path. Hallelujah!