This personal prayer language is different from the public gift of tongues described in 1 Corinthians 12, which is accompanied by interpretation. Not every believer will minister publicly through the gift of tongues, but every Spirit-filled believer can pray personally in tongues.
3. It edifies the believer.
“ He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:4 NKJV
The Greek word translated edify means to build, rebuild, or construct. When we pray in union with the Holy Spirit, He strengthens our spiritual lives and builds into us what we need for His purposes. We all agree that believers should edify the church, but we must first allow God to strengthen us. As the Spirit builds us, His gifts can be released through us to minister to others.
4. It allows you to drink of the Spirit.
Paul wrote that believers“ have all been made to drink into one Spirit”( 1 Corinthians 12:13). Jesus explained that those who thirst could come to Him and drink, and rivers of living water would flow from within them. He was speaking of the Holy Spirit( John 7:37-39).
Ephesians 5:18 tells us to be filled with the Spirit. The original language conveys continual filling. We should consistently drink of His presence and never allow ourselves to run dry. As we open our hearts, yield to the Spirit, and speak in our prayer language, His living water flows through us, bringing strength, power, rest, and refreshing.
5. It strengthens intercessory prayer.
Sometimes we know someone needs prayer, but we do not know what to pray. At other times, we do not even know how to pray for ourselves. In those moments, the Holy Spirit helps us.
“ Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us.” Romans 8:26 NKJV
The Holy Spirit does not take over our prayer life. He helps us as we yield to Him. Through our spiritual language, He can pray a perfect prayer and set things in motion for our good and the good of others.
Years ago, I was driving through the Ozark Mountains with my wife and daughters while praying in tongues. Suddenly, I saw a vision of a semi-truck overturned on a curve, its tires still turning. In my heart, I heard,“ Slow down to 25 miles an hour.” I immediately obeyed. Moments later, we rounded a curve and found a truck and trailer lying on their
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