A person who has received the Holy Spirit will have the ability to speak in tongues or pray in tongues for some reason. Tongue is a very useful communication tool if used according to the instructions described in the Bible.
Step
Step 1. Know that speaking in tongues is an ability that will accompany believers according to the promise of Jesus
“These signs will accompany those who believe: … in my name they will speak in tongues new to them.” (Mark 16:17)
Step 2. Remember that this ability comes from the Holy Spirit, not from yourself
"Then they were filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak in other tongues, as the Spirit gave them to speak." (Acts 2:4)
Step 3. Realize that you are communicating with God when speaking in tongues
Sometimes, a person is able to understand tongues as if they were vernacular as happened on the day of Pentecost, but the main goal is to talk to God.
“He who speaks in tongues does not speak to men, but to God. For no one understands his language; by the Spirit he speaks secret things.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)
Step 4. Use the ability to speak in tongues to improve character and develop spiritual life
Instead of being for your own good, you must grow in spirit in order to help or motivate others. "He who speaks in tongues builds himself up, but he who prophesies builds up the Church." (1 Corinthians 14:4)
Step 5. Don't try to understand what you're saying
Control the volume and speed of speech, but you don't need to understand the content. This is in accordance with the bible verse about praying in tongues: "For if I pray in tongues, my spirit prays, but my mind does not pray." (1 Corinthians 14:14)
Step 6. Use tongues as often as possible when you are alone
Paul appreciated the benefits of speaking in tongues so much that he said: "I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you." (1 Corinthians 14:18)
Step 7. When you're with other people, it's a good idea to speak in everyday language so the other person can understand what you're saying
"But in congregational meetings I prefer to speak five understandable words to teach others too, than thousands of words in tongues." (1 Corinthians 14:19)
Step 8. Thank God that you were given the ability to pray in tongues which shows that you are blessed by the Holy Spirit
However, use tongues only in private prayer because the other person does not understand what you are saying. “For, if you give thanks with your spirit alone, how can ordinary people who are present as listeners say "amen" to your thanksgiving? Doesn't he know what you're saying? For although your thanksgiving is very good, others are not built by it.” (1 Corinthians 14:16-17)
Step 9. Never say bad things about God or Jesus Christ while speaking in tongues
“Therefore I want to assure you, that no one speaking by the Spirit of God can say: "Cursed Jesus!" and no one, can confess: "Jesus is Lord", except by the Holy Spirit". (1 Corinthians 12:3)
"But after that I will give the nations other lips, clean lips, so that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder." (Zephaniah 3:9)
Step 10. Know that speaking in tongues means praying in the spirit
In addition to praying in tongues (tongues), pray in everyday language so that you yourself will understand the meaning. For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind does not pray with me. So, what should I do? I will pray with my spirit, but I will also pray with my mind; I will sing and praise with my spirit, but I will also sing and praise with my mind.” (1 Corinthians 14:14-15)
Step 11. Pray in tongues (speaking in tongues) to strengthen faith
"But you, my beloved brethren, build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit." (Jude 20)
Step 12. Know that in the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah prophesied about speaking in tongues as a sign to the Jews
(Isaiah 28:11, 1 Corinthians 14:21, Matthew 11:28-30)
Step 13. Know that praying in the spirit is one of God's weapons
The Word of God in Ephesians 6:10 and 18 says that we must put on the armor of God. "Pray at all times in the spirit and watch in your prayers with unceasing supplication for all the saints." (Ephesians 6:18)
Step 14. Understand the meaning of the scripture verse that says “Therefore the gift of tongues is a sign, not for believers, but for unbelievers”
(1 Corinthians 14:22). This verse does not contradict the words of Jesus which said that believers will speak in tongues as a sign for them. Think what a sign is for. A large sign reads “Welcome to the City….” and directions are usually needed by first-time visitors to the city, but locals don't need signs and road signs anymore. However, the sign is still there and still useful. The same applies to tongues. People who have just received the Holy Spirit need a sign in the form of tongues, but for those of you who are used to speaking in tongues, this sign is no longer needed.
Step 15. Remember that you must be an example to others when using or speaking in tongues and this must be done in the context of love
(1 Corinthians 14:26, 1 Corinthians 13:1)
Step 16. Understand the procedure for using tongues in church
During worship, at most 3 people speak in tongues and they must give each other interpretations according to the understanding that God has given. Everything must be done in an appropriate manner according to applicable ordinances (eg politely) and the use of tongues should not be prohibited in worship. (1 Corinthians 14:23-27 and 39-40)
Tips
- Speak clearly when you speak in tongues. Give yourself completely to be used by God. Move your mouth and tongue according to God's will, don't mumble.
- If you've never spoken in tongues and want to use it, find more information by reading the wikiHow article “How to Receive the Holy Spirit according to the Bible.”
- Don't worry if you talk like a stutterer or just repeat the same words over and over again. (Isaiah 28:11). The ability to speak in tongues will get better if it is used regularly and is always appreciated.
- You may pray in tongues with a non-speaking person (if he agrees) after telling him what you are going to do so that he is not surprised or frightened.
- Explore the possibilities of practicing tongues. Many people who pray long enough (even up to several hours) in tongues get answers to their prayers, see revelations from God, feel more called to live the Christian life, are more motivated to proclaim the word of Jesus, and get other benefits.
- If you haven't spoken in tongues in a long time and are unsure whether you're still capable, ask God to help you. Jesus said that the Holy Spirit will be with us forever. (John 14:16). So, once you have it, this ability will remain.
- Praying together in tongues (family members, friends, etc. who speak in tongues) can be very beneficial, as long as no one else joins in.
- Find information about people who have experience speaking in tongues by reading books or on the internet.
Warning
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The purpose of speaking in tongues is to glorify God, but according to the message of the Apostle Paul, we must provide an understandable explanation for the benefit of others:
” But in congregational meetings I prefer to speak five understandable words to teach others too, than thousands of words in tongues(1 Corinthians 14:19)
- To speak in tongues is not to preach the gospel. On the day of Pentecost, tongues were understood by those who were listening, but those who spoke did not understand so Peter had to explain what was going on in everyday language.
