Bible Verses About Praying by the Holy Spirit in Tongues
After the experience of salvation, we need the supernatural gift of tongues, in order for our spirits to speak and pray to God, edify ourselves, bring to pass Godly desires in our lives, unselfishly edify other saints, put on the "armor of God" per Ephesians 6, and strengthen our weak spots. All this by allowing the Holy Spirit to pray according to God's perfect unsearchable will, not ours.
Tongues are to be spoken in private, and in public if there is someone who can interpret them.
Much of 1st Corinthians 14 is dedicated to praying in the Holy Spirit. To think the folly that "tongues have passed away" you'd have to believe that the Lord God who can see through time would fill His Bible with useless outdated information for us living in the 21st century.
No, not at all. As J.B. Phillips noted, "Your God is too small".
What follows are the verses I could find regarding praying in tongues, and the benefits they confer on the believer, their lives, and the church, followed by steps one should take to receive the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with evidence of speaking in tongues.
Tongues are For Today's New Testament Christians
Tongues have not passed away, since we still also need knowledge and prophecies, until we are in heaven. Tongues and all spiritual gifts including healing and miracles are active now, they have not passed away. For a full discussion of why praying in tongues is still for today, along with miracles and healings, please read Cessationism Refuted at this link.
I Corinthians 13:8 – Charity never fails: but whether [there be] prophecies, they shall fail; whether [there be] tongues, they shall cease; whether [there be] knowledge, it shall vanish away.
Tongues are mentioned throughout 1 Corinthians 14:1-28, because the LORD does not fill the Holy Bible with useless, outdated information. “The Bible is the most up to date book there is.” - Dr. J. Vernon McGee
II Timothy 3:16 – All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
What Synonyms are Used for Tongues Throughout 1 Corinthians 14:1-28?
“in the spirit” - where one “speaks mysteries” “to God” and “no man understands” what is said.
I Corinthians 14:2 – For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men, but to God: for no man understands [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
“speaks in an [unknown] tongue” – Is how one “edifies himself”
I Corinthians 14:4 – He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.
“pray with the spirit” – the same as “pray in an [unknown] tongue]
I Corinthians 14:14-15 – For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
“bless with the spirit” – the same as “pray in an [unknown] tongue]”
I Corinthians 14:16 – Else when you shall bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupies the room of the unlearned say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, seeing he understands not what you say?
“speak with tongues” – the same idea
I Corinthians 14:18 – I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
Other Ways the New Testament Mentions Tongues
“praying in the Holy Ghost” has the result of “building up” the believer, which is the same as “edifies” in 1 Corinthians 14:4
Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost,
We know “in the spirit” means praying in tongues per 1 Corinthians 14:2, so in Ephesians 6:18 it means the same thing in the context of how to put on “the whole armor of God” of Ephesians 6:11 that we need for victorious spiritual combat.
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Who Spoke in Tongues
Paul the Apostle spoke in Tongues
I Corinthians 14:18 – I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all
John the Apostle, since I Corinthians 14:2 says “in the spirit” means Tongues.
Revelation 1:10 – I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet,
What Tongues Are
Tongues are necessary.
I Corinthians 14:39 – Wherefore, brethren, covet to prophesy, and forbid not to speak with tongues.
I Corinthians 14:5 – I would that ye all spake with tongues, but rather that ye prophesied: for greater [is] he that prophesies than he that speaks with tongues, except he interpret, that the church may receive edifying.
Tongues are prophesied of in the Old Testament...
Isaiah 28:11-12 – For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people … yet they would not hear.
…and fulfilled in the New Testament.
I Corinthians 14:21 – In the law it is written, With [men of] other tongues and other lips will I speak unto this people; and yet for all that will they not hear me, saith the Lord.
Tongues are a gift from God.
1 Corinthians 12:8-10 – For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another [divers] kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues:
I Corinthians 12:7 – But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.
Gifts from God are perfect.
James 1:7 – Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.
Tongues are speaking to God in a secret language.
I Corinthians 14:2 – For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
I Corinthians 14:15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
Tongues are your spirit praying.
I Corinthians 14:14 – For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
Tongues are not understandable to human beings ...
I Corinthians 14:2 – For he that speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not unto men, but unto God: for no man understands [him]; howbeit in the spirit he speaks mysteries.
I Corinthians 14:14 – For if I pray in an [unknown] tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful.
I Corinthians 14:15 – What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.
I Corinthians 14:18-19 – I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all. Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, that [by my voice] I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in an [unknown] tongue.
I Corinthians 14:23 – If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
...unless there is an interpreter.
I Corinthians 14:27 – If any man speak in an [unknown] tongue, [let it be] by two, or at the most [by] three, and [that] by course; and let one interpret.
Tongues and receiving the Holy Spirit are an experience separate from believing and baptism.
Acts 8:12-17 – But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost.
Tongues are supernatural, just like the other four “signs that follow”, since “signs” are supernatural and not natural.
Mark 16:17-18 – And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues; They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.
I Corinthians 14:22 – Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying [serves] not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.
Tongues have many varieties.
I Corinthians 12:28 – And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healing, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.
What Tongues Do
Tongues make the believer spiritually strong
I Corinthians 14:4 – He that speaks in an [unknown] tongue edifies himself; but he that prophesies edifies the church.
Jude 1:20 – But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost
Acts 4:33 – With great power the apostles [testified] to the resurrection of the Lord...
Acts 5:12–16 – The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people...Crowds gathered also from the towns around Jerusalem, bringing their sick and those tormented by evil spirits, and all of them were healed.
Tongues are how a believer puts on the “whole armor of God” of Ephesians 6:11.
Ephesians 6:18 – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;
Tongues strengthen our weak spots.
Romans 8:26 – Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.
Tongues allow the Holy Spirit to intercede for “the saints” according to God's perfect will (Romans 12:2), removing selfishness from prayer.
Romans 8:27 – And he that searches the hearts knows what [is] the mind of the Spirit, because He makes intercession for the saints according to [the will of] God.
Tongues help us speak the truth – since per Jude 1:20, “in the Holy Ghost” also means Tongues.
Romans 9:1 – I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost
Tongues fill us with joy – since per Jude 1:20, “in the Holy Ghost” also means Tongues.
Romans 14:17 – For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
Tongues are part of the Gospel, and power, and assurance – since per Jude 1:20, “in the Holy Ghost” also means tongues.
I Thessalonians 1:5 – For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
In the Book of Acts, All Five Times Anyone or Everyone Was Filled With the Holy Ghost, They also Spoke in Tongues
1/5 – Tongues in the Upper Room at Pentecost
Acts 2:1-4 – And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.
2/5 – Paul the Apostle was Filled with the Holy Ghost and Later Spoke in Tongues
Acts 9:10-18 – And there was a certain disciple at Damascus, named Ananias; and to him said the Lord in a vision, Ananias. And he said, Behold, I [am here], Lord. And the Lord [said] unto him, Arise, and go into the street which is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for [one] called Saul, of Tarsus: for, behold, he prays, And hath seen in a vision a man named Ananias coming in, and putting [his] hand on him, that he might receive his sight. Then Ananias answered, Lord, I have heard by many of this man, how much evil he hath done to thy saints at Jerusalem: And here he hath authority from the chief priests to bind all that call on thy name. But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel: For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house; and putting his hands on him said, Brother Saul, the Lord, [even] Jesus, that appeared unto thee in the way as you came, hath sent me, that you might receive your sight, and be filled with the Holy Ghost. And immediately there fell from his eyes as it had been scales: and he received sight forthwith, and arose, and was baptized.
I Corinthians 14:18 – I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
3/5 – The Holy Ghost Fell on Gentile Believers, and they Spoke with Tongues
Acts 10:44-46 – While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word. And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost. For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
4/5 – Believers at Upper Coasts of Ephesus Got the Holy Ghost and Tongues
Acts 19:1-7 – And it came to pass, that, while Apollos was at Corinth, Paul having passed through the upper coasts came to Ephesus: and finding certain disciples, He said unto them, Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed? And they said unto him, We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost. And he said unto them, Unto what then were ye baptized? And they said, Unto John's baptism. Then said Paul, John verily baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying unto the people, that they should believe on him which should come after him, that is, on Christ Jesus. When they heard [this], they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. And when Paul had laid [his] hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them; and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all the men were about twelve.
5/5 – Simon “Saw” With His Eyes That the Holy Ghost Had Fallen on the Samaritans, Since They Were Speaking in Tongues...
Acts 8:12-19 – But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. Then Simon himself believed also: and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip, and wondered, beholding the miracles and signs which were done. Now when the apostles which were at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent unto them Peter and John: Who, when they were come down, prayed for them, that they might receive the Holy Ghost: (For as yet he was fallen upon none of them: only they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) Then laid they [their] hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost. And when Simon saw that through laying on of the apostles' hands the Holy Ghost was given, he offered them money, Saying, Give me also this power, that on whomsoever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Ghost.
… then Peter told Simon that Simon had “neither part nor lot in this MATTER”, where according to Strong's Concordance the Greek word translated to “matter” is the same Greek word that is translated to “word”, “saying”, “speech”, “account”, and “Word” about 88% of the time.
Acts 8:21 – Thou hast neither part nor lot in this MATTER: for your heart is not right in the sight of God.
MATTER=3056 logos {log'-os} from 3004; n m
AV -- word (218)
-- saying (50)
-- account (8)
-- speech (8)
-- Word (Christ) (7)
-- thing (5)
-- not translated (2)
-- misc (32)
[total number of times “3056/logos” occurs in the NT = 330]
Where Does One Speak in Tongues?
In private
I Corinthians 14:23 – If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in [those that are] unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad?
In public, if there is someone who can interpret
I Corinthians 14:28 – But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.
How to Receive the Holy Spirit and Pray or Speak by the Holy Spirit in Other Tongues
- Understand that God has already freely gifted the Holy Spirit to all Christians. No begging, only receiving. God doesn't give the Holy Spirit to any Christian, the Christian only receives what's already given. Acts 19:2 says "have you RECEIVED the Holy Spirit since all of you believed?" Nothing about God still being in the act of giving the Holy Spirit. See also Acts 8:15 for "receive"
- Receiving the Holy Spirit is immediate for any Born Again Christian per Acts 2:37,38. Confess all known sin, per 1 John 1:8-10 and receive now. Just as for salvation and healing, God has already given at the cross, and the time is now. God counts you as perfect if you don't quit trying to be perfect per Philippians 3:12-15.
- While firmly trusting God's Word that God has already given the Holy Spirit to all those Born Again, lay hands on the believer and say, "Receive the Holy Spirit now, expect and receive Him right now by faith."
- Remind the Christian that though the Holy Spirit gives the utterance, the Christian does the speaking per Acts 2:4, 10:46, 19:6, 1 Corinthians 14:2,4,5,14,15,18,27,28
- The Christian can't receive the wrong spirit per Luke 11:11-13 if they are sincere
- Tell the Christian to use their own vocal cords and tongue and make noises, while thinking, "I have received the Holy Spirit and he speaks now by faith." by John 7:37-39.
- Minimize distractions, have others pray in tongues. No tarrying, receive now and be blessed.
Amen.
- Updated 03/02/2022