Speaking in Tongues
Speaking in a foreign language may seem odd, but it is to encourage and build up all that hear that they may know what God is saying to them and be a sign that God is in their midst. This is described in scripture as being a normal sign from God.
Mar_16:17 And miraculous signs will follow to those believing these things: in My name they will cast out demons; they will speak new tongues;
Act 10:42 And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained of God to be the Judge of the living and the dead.
Act 10:43 All the Prophets give witness to Him, that through His name whoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.
Act 10:44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those hearing the Word.
Act 10:45 And those of the circumcision, who believed (as many as came with Peter), were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was poured out on the nations also.
Act_10:46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered,
1Co_14:21 In the Law it is written, “By other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and even so they will not hear Me, says the Lord.”
1Co_14:22 So that tongues are not a sign to those who believe, but to those who do not believe. But prophesying is not to those who do not believe, but to those who believe.
1Co 14:26 Then how is it, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a teaching, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be for building up.
1Co 14:27 If one speaks in a language, let it be by two, or at the most three, and in succession. And let one interpret.
1Co 14:28 But if there is no interpreter, let him be silent in a church; and let him speak to himself and to God.
1Co 14:29 And if there are two or three prophets, let them speak, and let the others judge.
1Co 14:30 If a revelation is revealed to another sitting by, let the first be silent.
1Co 14:31 For you may all prophesy one by one, so that all may learn and all may be comforted.
Speaking in tongues can be done in private or witnessed by the church where the prayer language should be interpreted for all to understand. The tongue may be in an earthly language different from the person’s normal language. The person speaking the tongue allows the Holy Spirit to take control of what is being said. There shall be an interpretation so that all may understand and be encouraged. The speaker may not understand what is being said, but the Spirit of the person will be strengthened.
After receiving Christ as lord, the convert should continue to earnestly pray to God, in the name of Christ, asking God to give a prayer language to him or her. In due time, God will respond. During any prayer, it is recommended to focus entirely on the prayer in a quiet, isolated environment. God is truly honored when you are seeking Him with all your heart.