Is it o.k to pray in tongues?

Question

If you're in "sin" and you know that you're not living a righteous life and you have the baptism of the Holy Spirit with the outward evidence of speaking in tongues is it o.k to do so?

Answer 1

I would ask God for forgiveness for the sin first. It grieves him when we're in sin. but I think any communication with God is better than none so at least you're talking to him... whether it's in tongues or your regular language.

Answer 2

That whole teaching of speaking in tongues is false.
Read the Bible carefully and you will see that Paul taught against speaking in an unknown tongue without an interpreter. The "unknown tongues" that were spoken at Pentecost were the various languages of those who were in attendance--in other words, they all heard the gospel preached in their own native language simultaneously and miraculously. The only gifts of the Spirit that remain now in the present Church Age are faith, hope, and charity (love). This is taught in 1 Corinthians 13.

This false doctrine is very devisive to the church. One of the reasons has to do with your question. When Christians practice this while living sinful lives, and this sin becomes known to other believers, then it becomes a hypocritical "show" of spirituality that isn't sincere. It also seems to become a contest of who can show they are the "most Christian" by their outward display. This type of praying was criticized strongly by Jesus (see His parable about the publican and the Pharisee). The whole thing is about works rather than grace---there is nothing we can do to be right with God; it's about the grace He has given us through Jesus Christ. These outward signs of piety, whether it's baptism, or confession, or dress, or reciting certain prayers, or speaking in tongues, or snake-handling, or any number of other things are all about US, not God.

Find a church that can teach you to focus on the true worship of the heart, and get your heart right with God in a way that is pleasing to Him, not you, or your pastor, or others.

Answer 3

Speaking in tongues along with all the miracles being performed by Chrisitans in bible times were done to recommend Christianity. These sorts of things are no longer needed, however, you are right about "Love" being important. In fact, people have to be careful on not contacting "wicked spirit forces" that will disguise themselves as holy. The important thing now is to teach the Good News of God's Kingdom (Government) soon to be on earth. This is the Remedy the whole world NEEDS and it will SOON be here. Dan. 2:44, Ps. 37:10, 11, 2 Peter 3:9-13, Mt. 6:9, 10 Having this Love and Peace throughout the entire Earth will be something beyond what we can envision but it will come true.

Answer 4

It depends on the demonination in which you practice your faith. Catholics, for the most part do not believe in it. However, a lot of other Christian Sects believe in praying, talking, and singing in toungues. So yes, I think it's okay to do. If the spirit moves you, go ahead and let it. Don't be afraid of it or what others will think of you. It's your faith. And that makes it okay because it is what you believe. That's the important thing.

And contrary to popular belief, there are some Catholic Churches where even the priest speaks in tongues. One is Called St. Alphonsus Church in St. Louis Missouri, and the other is in Chicago, but I can't remember the name of the church.

Also another side note to everyone here who said speaking in toungues is not a true gift of the spirit. REMEMBER PENTACOST??? It is when the fire of the holy spirit came down on the apostles and they went out preaching the word of God. Remember how people said something to the effect of how can we understand them, we are canaanites, Jews, Greek, and Roman and yet we can all understand them.

Speaking in tongues is not fake, it is a real gift. Not everyone is able to do it. I've never been able to, but just because I've never done it doesn't mean it's fake. Remember Jesus said that blessed is this man who did not see but believed.

Answer 5

If you're not living a righteous life, the "tongues" you could be speaking are in all probability not righteous too. Evil spirits can influence unrepentant and unforgiven sinners.

Answer 6

My mother told me a long time ago that if I didn't know what I was saying, the smart thing would be not to say it. If you are choosing a life of disobedience to YHVH, then the Spirit controlling you would be the adversary, and I would certainly not recommend going there!

Answer 7

Yes it is OK. Everyone should live rightious but we don't. That is the whole purpose of Jesus. The bible says that Jesus is married to the backslider so you can still have spiritual gifts even in sin. Ask God to deliver you from whatever it is you are scared to let go of.

Answer 8

I don't really believe in tongues for today but..........yes, it's ok.

When you're saved......you're saved. There's no losing that.

Just ask for forgiveness.

And just a sidenote:
Tongues are really not evidence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit comes to live & dwell within us as believers at the point of salvation. Every believer has the Holy Spirit of God....with or without tongues

Answer 9

OK with whom? What you do in your worship is no ones business but your own.

Also, don't be too hard on yourself. We're all "in sin." Some are just humble enough to acknowledge it.

Answer 10

sure...makes as much sense as the rest... also, isnt it great that 1000's of yrs ago, in the smart-ages, mankind created all these rules and definitions of god and what HE wants...and put it in books... yet god HIMSELF has never authored a book, led a revolt, etc... hmmm.... something fishy here...

religion = mental illness. keep an open mind and google it.

cheers!