Speaking in tongues is a significant way the Holy Spirit helps us as believers in prayer, providing you and I with a supernatural language to communicate directly with God. This spiritual gift, often referred to as “praying in the Spirit,” is an important biblical concept that empowers believers in God’s Kingdom to pray beyond their natural understanding, allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through them.
1. Speaking in Tongues as a Gift from the Holy Spirit
The ability to speak in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit, given to believers to strengthen their spiritual life, especially in prayer. In Acts 2, we see the first instance of speaking in tongues, where the Holy Spirit enabled the apostles to speak in languages they had never learned, proclaiming the works of God to people from different nations.
Acts 2:4:
“And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.”
In this case, speaking in tongues was a sign that they were filled with the Holy Spirit. In this example, speaking in the language of the Holy Spirit allowed the apostles to communicate God’s message to others from various nationalities. However, tongues are also given for personal edification in prayer.
2. Praying in the Spirit: Direct Communication with God
When believers pray in tongues, they are speaking mysteries to God. This is a form of direct, Spirit-led communication that transcends human language and understanding. It is a way for the Holy Spirit to express what may be beyond the believer’s natural ability to articulate.
1 Corinthians 14:2:
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries.”
Praying in tongues allows us as believers to bypass the limitations of our own intellect, praying the perfect will of God. This form of prayer is not necessarily understood by the one praying, but it is deeply effective because the Holy Spirit is interceding directly to the Father.
3. Tongues for Personal Edification
Speaking in tongues is not only for public ministry but also for personal edification. When a believer prays in tongues, they are spiritually building themselves up, allowing the Holy Spirit to strengthen and refresh their spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:4:
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.”
In this sense, speaking in tongues in prayer helps believers to grow spiritually, aligning their hearts with God’s will, and renewing their strength, especially in times of spiritual dryness or weakness.
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Intercession
As seen in Romans 8:26-27, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we do not know how to pray. Speaking in tongues is one of the ways this intercession happens, as the Holy Spirit prays through the believer according to God’s will.
Romans 8:26:
“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 with groanings which cannot be uttered.”
When a believer prays in tongues, it is the Holy Spirit making intercession on their behalf. The Holy Spirit is able to pray with perfect accuracy and precision, expressing what is needed in alignment with God’s will, even when the believer may not fully understand the situation or know the right words to say.
5. Praying in the Spirit as a Weapon in Spiritual Warfare
Speaking in tongues can also be a powerful tool in spiritual warfare, as it allows the believer to pray effectively, even in situations where they are unaware of the spiritual forces at work. Ephesians 6:18 emphasizes the importance of praying in the Spirit as part of the believer’s spiritual armor.
Ephesians 6:18 (NKJV):
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.”
In spiritual warfare, praying in tongues can break through barriers, as the Holy Spirit directs the believer’s prayers to address things that are not visible or understandable in the natural realm. It also allows for perseverance in prayer, as the Spirit sustains and strengthens the believer’s efforts.
As a young believer, I remember a man of God preaching one Sunday. He was a person whom God had delivered from the occult. He recounted that he was ‘flying’ on a mission in the spirit realm to carry out his diabolical activities. As he flew across the house of a believer, that believer was speaking in tongues, and fire came from heaven and brought him down. That day, he realised that Jesus Christ was the greatest power in the universe. This incident led to his salvation in Christ. Clearly, speaking in tongues is a powerful weapon of spiritual warfare!
6. Paul’s Example of Praying in Tongues
The Apostle Paul, who wrote extensively about the gifts of the Spirit, encouraged believers to pray in tongues. He saw the value of speaking in tongues both for personal edification and for building up the church. Although he emphasised the need for interpretation when tongues are used in a public setting, he made it clear that speaking in tongues was a regular part of his own prayer life.
1 Corinthians 14:18:
“I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all.”
Paul’s example shows that speaking in tongues is a valuable practice for believers, helping them to connect with God on a deeper level and engage in effective spiritual intercession.
Daddy GO (Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of RCCG worldwide) encouraged us in one of his sermons to pray in the Spirit (speak in tongues) more. If our father-in-the-Lord says it is vital to our growth in Christ and success in life, we should embrace this gift from the Holy Spirit with faith and determination. Start with 10 minutes a day, and as the Holy Spirit gives you grace, increase to 30 minutes a day. A time will come when you will find yourself praying in tongues for longer than you imagined
Conclusion: The Holy Spirit’s Help in Prayer through Tongues
Speaking in tongues is a powerful way the Holy Spirit helps believers in their prayer lives. It enables them to pray beyond their natural understanding, allowing the Holy Spirit to express the will of God through them. Whether for personal edification, spiritual warfare, or intercession, tongues are a gift that empowers believers to pray more effectively.
In times of uncertainty or weakness, the Holy Spirit steps in through tongues, interceding with perfect knowledge of God’s will. This divine help strengthens believers, allowing them to remain steadfast in prayer and connected to God’s purposes, even when they do not fully understand the situation themselves.
Through tongues, the Holy Spirit ensures that our prayers reach God in their most perfect form, resulting in spiritual growth, transformation, empowerment, and deeper communion with the Father.
God bless you in Jesus Name. Amen
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name
Prayer: Holy-Spirit, come upon me mightily today, and give me the grace to operate in the gift of speaking in tongues, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
Resource: The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Prayer – Feast of light
