Question for Spirit Filled Christian?

Question

Do you pray more in tongues or with your understanding?

To ease any confusion - I am a Holy Spirit filled follower of Jesus Christ who prays in tongues .

Answer 1

I don't know, I never stopped to keep track! lol

When I'm actually in prayer, whether praying over my family or seeking guidance, I tend to pray with understanding because I'm pretty clear on what I want to say. But if I'm driving or doing something else that requires my attention, I guess I tend more to pray in the Spirit.

During praise and worship though, I'm usually only "with" the praise team for the first, maybe halfway through the second song - then the words of man are simply not enough, and I just sing in the Spirit. Oh, what bliss.

I remember the first time the Holy Spirit used me to bring a message in tongues - singing. It was coming out of my mouth, but the voice - oh, the voice - so much sweeter and clearer than my natural voice, and the melody - it was so pretty, every note had been planned but I didn't know from one pitch to the next what was coming. I was as much listening as singing.

Then it ended, and there was silence. Pure silence as everyone present just stood in awe of His glory, basking in the glow of the moment. The pastor was given the interpretation, also sung, and I so wish it had been recorded. It was pure worship - words of praise I could never put together on my own, such an outpouring of love between the Father and His children.

I don't remember breathing for a while after that. Everything was so still. I'm pretty good with words, but I don't think the words exist that would express what I experienced. There have been other messages brought through me, both spoken and sung, and maybe it was because that first one caught me off guard, but it's never been that surreal again.

Sorry, I don't mean to ramble. Even talking about that day stirs up the Spirit within me, and in talking (or typing) about it I'm praising Him all over again, and He inhabits the praises of His people, and I'm so aware of His presence in and around me.

I've loved many people, and have been fortunate to have been loved right back - but God's love is beyond compare, it defies description or explanation - it ... just ... IS.

Thanks for reading.

Answer 2

I pray more with my understanding, but I try to make sure that I pray in tongues everyday. I don't pray in tongues as much as I use to. Sometimes very little and sometimes more than others. I try to let the Holy Spirit lead my prayer life.

"I thank my God more than you all that I speak in tongues."

Answer 3

Tongues was a gift of the Spirit at the time of the early Church. It was speaking in other languages for the preaching and teaching of the Gospel. It isn't the speaking of some unknown language or secret spiritual language. The Bible tells us that when tongues is spoken, there is to be an interpreter. We are never told in the Scriptures to pray in tongues. Like any gift, it is for the edification of the body of Christ (Church), not personal edification.

Answer 4

I pray to God as if I'm talking to a friend - yet there are times when I feel His Spirit strongly- and in these times of prayer I'm at a lack of words - His words start flowing through me-

So it really depends upon the situation- and where the Spirit is leading-

Answer 5

Not in tongues. Tongues is when the holy spirit is filled within you and the Lord gives you this gift...you just start speaking in tongues and you can't control it. (I have never done this...I use to go to a pentecostal church.

Answer 6

not all can i speak in tongues, i pray with more understanding.

Answer 7

with understanding, I pray in tongues mostly when I'm worshipping God or singing to him

Answer 8

when i dont understabd what is going on in my life or the reason i am frustrated i just pray in tongues or tell god to hurry up with my period.... lol im serious

Answer 9

i'm spirit-filled but I don't have the gift of tongues. It's not compulsory.

Answer 10

I pray with my understanding.