Praying in Tongues: The Believer’s Guide to Breakthrough

Part 1 of 3 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 12 minute read

Praying in tongues privately opens a direct channel of communication with God that transcends our human understanding. This supernatural gift allows believers to pray beyond their natural limitations, accessing a pure, heavenly language that builds faith and deepens their relationship with God.

This comprehensive guide explores the foundational principles and biblical basis of praying in unknown tongues. We'll cover everything from the benefits of this gift of the Spirit to its practical application in daily life for edification, intercession, and spiritual growth.

New to Praying in Tongues?

If you are curious about this gift or wondering whether it's available to you, it's important to know that God's heart is to empower His Church. Here's a simple overview to help you get started.

What It Is

Praying in tongues is a supernatural way to communicate directly with God. When you speak in tongues, your spirit is praying by the power of the Holy Spirit, bypassing your natural mind to speak divine mysteries and perfect prayers. Scripture confirms this beautiful truth:

• "For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, ..." (1 Corinthians 14:2).
• "But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith [strengthening and maturing your faith], praying in the Holy Spirit" (Jude 20)

Who It's For

This gift is not just reserved for the five-fold ministry (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) and spiritually elite believers, it's a gift of grace available to every believer who desires to walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Himself promised that signs would follow those who believe, including speaking with new tongues (Mark 16:17).

While often associated with Pentecostal denominations, praying in tongues is a biblical gift of the Spirit available to all believers regardless of denominational background.

Praying in Tongues Explained: Your Direct Connection With God

Praying in tongues differs greatly from praying in your known language. Paul says, "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" (1 Corinthians 14:2).

Whenever we pray audibly in a known language, the prayer is rooted in our understanding, and both we and those who hear us understand the prayer's content. However, when we pray audibly in tongues, our spirit prays in unknown languages, bypassing our mind with its natural limitations, and neither we nor those who hear us can understand our prayer.

As Paul says, "If I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Corinthians 14:14). "My understanding is unfruitful" means my mind doesn't comprehend what my spirit is praying. This ensures our prayer communication with God is pure and understood only by Him. It's private and free from doubts, human manipulation, cultural biases, and demonic interference. Consider tongues as an Earth-to-Heaven direct line to God.

Now that you understand what praying in tongues is and how it creates a pure connection with God, let's explore the transformative power this gift releases in your life.

Experience the Power of Praying in Tongues for Faith and Breakthrough

Are you longing for a deeper, more intimate connection with God? Do you desire to see your prayers answered and experience spiritual breakthroughs in your life? Make use of the powerful practice of praying in the Holy Spirit.

Why Praying in Tongues Brings Breakthrough

Prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit can be beneficial for edification, intercession, overcoming obstacles, receiving revelation, engaging in spiritual warfare, and offering heartfelt praises to God. It helps overcome weaknesses, brings emotional healing, strengthens your faith, and fosters greater intimacy with God.

Paul says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" (Philippians 4:6).

We can pray in tongues at will for needs and prayer requests, not just for ourselves but also for others. And, we can always expect results because we are praying in perfect alignment with God's will.

Believing is the key to receiving what you ask for in prayer, and praying in tongues helps build up your faith to believe that God can answer your prayer and overcome any situation.

Pray With Spirit and Understanding: Use Both Tongues and Mind

Paul says, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. What is the conclusion then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding" (1 Corinthians 14:14–15).

When praying in private, engage both your mind and your spirit by using your known language as well as tongues. A balance between the two prayer expressions is vital for effective prayer and a wholesome prayer life.

For example, begin by praying for a need in your known language. As you find yourself running short of words, switch to praying in tongues until you sense a release. The more you pray in the natural and in the Spirit, the more your prayer life will grow and improve.

Similarly, begin singing a hymn or familiar chorus, and then switch to singing in an unknown tongue using the familiar tune. Eventually, ask the Holy Spirit to give you both the tongue and the tune.

Praying and singing in tongues combined with praying and singing in the natural will add depth to your spiritual life by boosting your faith along with your inner peace. Adopt this form of prayer for a more intimate connection with Father God.

Building upon these practical steps, we'll now explore the vital role of fervency in prayer.

Pray With Fervency: Engage Spirit and Faith for Desired Results

James says, "The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. ... The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much" (James 5:15–16).

The Greek word ἐνεργέω (energeō), often translated as "fervent," implies that our prayers should be charged with "energy" when delivered, balancing passion and faith. According to James, it's a motivated prayer of faith that is effective and always produces results.

We must put effort into our prayers to receive the desired results. Fervent prayers require fervency — they demand our full engagement! Pray from your innermost being — your spirit, not just from your intellect.

Channel Emotions in Prayer

This raises an important question: what role do our emotions play in fervent prayer?

While it is true that our prayers should be based on faith, not feelings, it doesn't mean we should not feel anything when praying. Lack of emotion can leave room for doubt, leading to uninspired, unanswered prayers.

After all, God created us with emotions, and when properly channeled, they serve us well. However, we must never allow our emotions to rule over us. Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit.

Pray trusting in God, not in your emotions. Never allow your feelings to dictate your prayer life. When praying in tongues, pray clearly in a normal voice with fervency and conviction, just as you would in a known language.

Pray Without Ceasing: Live in Constant Communion

Praying in the Holy Spirit connects you to God's transformative power and enables you to experience His perfect will for your life.

Paul urges, "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you" (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, emphasis added).

"Understanding "Pray Without Ceasing"

The Apostle Paul endorses "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Ephesians 6:18). But how can we be "praying always" for needs? Not only is it difficult to keep our minds focused, but we eventually run out of words and end up repeating ourselves.

Thankfully, God in His mercy understands our human limitations, so He gave us the gift of tongues to help us compensate. The gift of speaking in tongues allows believers to pray anytime and anywhere without repetitive phrasing despite our human frailties.

As this testimony beautifully illustrates, the key to experiencing these benefits is making praying in tongues a regular part of your daily walk with God.

Make Praying in Tongues a Daily Practice

The Holy Spirit desires to lead us into greater freedom in our prayer life. The ability to pray in tongues is an important component of this.

Practical Ways to Integrate Tongues Daily

Here's how to integrate tongues into your daily routine:

During Regular Activities

• While preparing meals
• During your commute
• During exercise
• While doing household chores

Create Prayer Triggers

• When you wake up
• At rest breaks
• When facing challenges
• Before falling asleep

Maintain Spiritual Awareness

• Respond to Holy Spirit's promptings
• Stay sensitive to prayer opportunities
• Remember you can pray silently when needed
• Keep your spirit attuned to God throughout the day

This integration allows for "praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, ..." (Ephesians 6:18) without the limitations of our natural mind or the need for specific settings.

Build Prayer Power Systematically: Time, Faith, Consistency

To increase your prayer power, establish these three essential practices:

Dedicate Time Daily

Start with 15 to 30 minutes of focused prayer in tongues each day. Choose a consistent time that works best for your schedule — early morning, lunch break, or before bed. As the Holy Spirit leads, gradually increase your prayer time.

Build Your Faith

Begin each session with thanksgiving, focusing on God's faithfulness and promises. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer, trusting that He is interceding through you according to God's perfect will.

Maintain Consistency

Create a simple prayer journal to track your journey. Note spiritual insights, promptings, and answers to prayer. This record will encourage you during dry seasons and reveal patterns of God's faithfulness.

This systematic approach will build up your most holy faith (Jude 1:20), resulting in more effective prayers when others request your intercession. While establishing a consistent prayer routine is essential, equally important is maintaining the vitality and freshness of your prayer life over time.

Maintaining Prayer Momentum: Keep Tongues Fresh and Faith-Filled

While the initial excitement of speaking in tongues may settle over time, leaving you feeling somewhat dry and empty, you can maintain a vibrant prayer life by regularly praying in tongues as a way to build up your faith.

This consistent practice will empower your prayers and bring increased confidence when ministering to others. Never forget that it's God who’s doing the work; it's not you! Scripture confirms, "'Not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,' says the Lord of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

You are God’s chosen vessel — a conduit for the flow of His anointing. Simply pray and allow His anointing (power and presence) to flow out to touch lives!

Balance Speaking and Listening: Create Space to Hear God

Have you ever noticed that people who tend to talk a lot rarely listen to what you have to say? As you develop your prayer life, remember that God already knows your needs before you even speak (Matthew 6:8).

Your Father in Heaven desires a genuine relationship more than lengthy petitions. Take time to rest in His presence, allowing space for both speaking and listening.

The Practice of Sacred Silence

King Solomon wisely urged, "Do not be rash with your mouth, and let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; therefore let your words be few" (Ecclesiastes 5:2).

Instead of immediately voicing your needs in prayer, take a few moments to embrace silence. Silence before God is a form of prayer! God asks of us, "'Be still, and know that I am God'" (Psalms 46:10).

The Psalmist writes, "Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; wait, I say, on the Lord!" (Psalms 27:14). To "wait on the Lord" means to pause in His presence with patient expectation.

As we learn to be still before God, we must also develop our ability to recognize His voice.

Recognize God’s Voice: Learn to Discern Promptings as You Pray

Always be open to hearing God's voice and guidance, whether it comes as a thought, an image in your mind's eye, a Scripture passage, or a gentle prompting. Allow God the freedom to speak with you in whatever way He chooses.

Avoid preconceived notions of what you think God wants to communicate, as this can hinder your ability to clearly hear from Him. Most importantly, hear Him! Jesus says, "'My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me'" (John 10:27).

Praying in Tongues in Public: Pray Wisely With Love and Order

While most of your praying in tongues will be in private communion with God for personal growth, there may be times when the Holy Spirit prompts you to use this gift in corporate settings.

If the Holy Spirit prompts you to audibly speak an unknown tongue while in a gathering of believers, it's to deliver a message from God to the assembly, and you should be then prepared to exercise the gift of interpretation of tongues so that everyone can understand (1 Corinthians 14:13).

Otherwise, in public settings, it's important to maintain order and respect for others by praying quietly in tongues. Remember, your prayer can be effective, whether spoken aloud or whispered quietly under your breath.

Silent Tongues: Pray Anywhere, God Understands

Did you know that silent prayer in tongues is possible, even in public places? Scripture says, "'The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts'"(1 Chronicles 28:9). God understands our thoughts completely.

You can pray silently by focusing on the prayer language that the Holy Spirit speaks in your thoughts. This isn't about thinking logically but about connecting spiritually with God, and you can practice it anywhere and anytime you choose.

When you pray silently in tongues, you can communicate with God without speaking out loud. No one around you will know you are praying, as you won't move your lips or make any sound.

Frequently Asked Questions About Praying in Tongues

As you begin this journey of praying in tongues, you may have questions. Here are biblical answers to the most common concerns believers have about this gift.

Ready to Unlock the Full Power of This Gift?

Learning how to pray in tongues is just the beginning of your journey. You may be wondering, "What actually happens in the spirit realm when I pray this way?" or "How does this gift change my daily life?"

God has packed this gift with incredible power for your personal edification, spiritual warfare, and intimacy with Him. To discover what awaits you, let's move on to "The 9 Powerful Benefits of Praying in Tongues."

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About the Author

Don Bell is the creator of the Kingdom Anointing website and a dedicated follower of Jesus Christ. He shares insights from his spiritual journey to encourage ordinary believers to seek God's Kingdom and walk in the fullness of the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or theologian, but a believer who discovered the power of the Holy Spirit through personal experience. My prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you — a fellow believer — build your faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God. Let's discover together what God has in store for you.