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I need to pray more in the Spirit to take more of this study in. Lately it seems I have been feeling dull and distracted when doing the studies. I have a question that perhaps someone can help with. The question came up here and when I was doing another study as well.

The study teaches that God's purpose for the gift of speaking in tongues is for translating God's Word into foreign languages so that all people who hear can hear in their native language. My experience is that speaking in tongues is primarily a prayer language between myself and my Father. I also believe that this language is unique and specific for me and the Spirit to use when speaking to the Father and that the enemy can not interpret this language. I have found nothing in the study to support this view. Honestly, I'm not sure which scripture I would use to support my experience but I believe it to be true....I do understand that speaking in tongues should be a private matter and not used in public without a interpretation. I also understand and agree that speaking in tongues is just one of many gifts given by the Spirit and that it is not a "merit badge" that a believer needs to earn to "advance in God's Kingdom." No matter what our gifts are of course they need to be administered in love. Love conquers all.

God Bless u all today

Jamie

Hello Jamie

God bless you this day.

I'll share what my thoughts and beliefs are regarding "speaking in tongues".

I Corinthians Chapter 14 is a blessed read about "speaking in tongues". The Apostle Paul speaks to both the topic of "speaking in tongues" as a group, as well as "speaking in tongues" as a prayer language, in this Chapter. I think you'll will be blessed by meditating on the blessed scriptures.

Paul goes on to say :...I Corinthians 14:18 I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all:
I Corinthians 14:19 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 agree with you that in a group situation that we are instructed to only speak aloud in tongues, if there is someone there to interpret.
I Corinthians 14: 27-28
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.
28 But if there be no interpreter, let him keep silence in the church; and let him speak to himself, and to God.

Paul further explains in I Corinthians 14:22 Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe.

Many use a prayer language. I do on occasion, when I'm perhaps overwhelmed and unable to formulate my words -- an heart's cry, if you will, and only when I'm alone in my prayer closet with The Lord. It is sweet knowing that The Lord understands me and my heart's cry, even when I can't find the words to express my deepest thoughts.

Romans 8:26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.

I know that many churches and congregations embrace everyone speaking in tongues, all at the same time, without the benefit of interpretors -- almost as chantings or praises to our Lord. I, personally, find it distracting and chaotic.

I Corinthians 14:2 For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.
(3) But he that prophesieth speaketh unto men to edification, and exhortation, and comfort.
(4) He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.

So if would seem that it is a matter of edification. Speaking in tongues while alone with The Lord, edifies or builds us up in The Lord. Yet, speaking in tongues as a group fails to edify the group, unless there is interpretation.

To date, I've not personally been in a situation where I've witnessed The Lord use "speaking in tongues" to reach non-believers who speak a different language than what I speak (English). But, I live a rather sheltered life, too. However, that does not mean that in the future God won't use me to deliver a message to another in a tongue unknown to me, but that will speak to another in their own language...different from mine. I am mindful that it is for God's purpose and the edification of others, that He would do so. So, God's blessed will be done. \o/ \o/ \o/

I hope what I have shared has honored my Lord and His Word.

God bless and keep you, Jamie.
In Christ Jesus' love,
Sister Mack