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 basic principles and biblical foundations 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. Whenever 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.

• "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, praying in the Holy Spirit..." (Jude 1:20)

Who It's For

This gift is not just reserved for the five-fold ministry and a select few "super-Christians," it's a grace gift 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).

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 12:14). 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.

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.

Prayer inspired by the Holy Spirit can be beneficial for edification, intercession, overcoming, 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 Fervently: 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, emphasis added).

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's effective and always produces a result.

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

Channel Emotions in Prayer: Pray With Fervor and Self-Control

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 controlled, 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.

Make Praying in Tongues a Daily Practice

The Holy Spirit desires us to be led by Him, for us to experience greater freedom in our prayer life. The ability to pray in tongues is an important component of this.

How to Pray Continuously: Let the Holy Spirit Lead Your Rhythm

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, 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.

Practical Ways to Integrate Tongues Daily

The Holy Spirit desires to lead us into greater freedom in our prayer life. 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
  - Before falling asleep
• Create Prayer Triggers:
  - When you wake up
  - At rest breaks
  - At specific times you set
  - When facing challenges
  - Before you sleep
• 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 6:14,18) 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, consider these essential practices:

1. Set aside dedicated time daily for praying in tongues:
   - Start with 15 to 30 minutes
   - Gradually increase duration as led by the Spirit
   - Choose a consistent time that works best for you
   
2. Build your faith systematically:
   - Begin each session with thanksgiving
   - Focus on God's faithfulness and promises
   - Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer
   
3. Maintain consistency in your practice:
   - Create a prayer journal to track your journey
   - Note any spiritual insights received
   - Document answers to prayers
   

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 developing the art of listening to God.

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 engaging 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, "‘[It's] not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts" (Zachariah 4:6).

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

Balance Speaking and Listening: Create Space to Hear God

Have you ever noticed that people who have the tendency 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 simply to rest in His presence, allowing space for both speaking and listening.

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).

So, 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).

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 is wanting 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

The primary use of tongues is private prayer for personal spiritual growth (edification). If the Holy Spirit prompts you to pray (speak) in an unknown tongue while in a gathering of believers, it's to deliver a message from God to the gathering, and you should be prepared to exercise the gift of interpretation of tongues so that everyone can understand (1 Corinthians 14:13).

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 mind. This form of prayer 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.

Praying in Tongues Without Ceasing: Live in Constant Communion

Praying in the Holy Spirit is a practice that 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).

How to Start Praying in Tongues Today

If you have asked Jesus to baptize you with the Holy Spirit but haven't yet released your prayer language, you can step out in faith right this moment. It's not something that you "work up"; it's a gift you simply receive and act upon.

1. Prepare Your Heart

Take a moment to quiet your mind. Repent of any known sin to ensure your heart is open before the Lord. Focus your attention on Jesus, the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit, and thank Him for His love and grace.

2. Ask in Faith

Jesus promised that the Father would give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him (Luke 11:13). Simply pray, "Lord Jesus, I ask You to fill me to overflowing with Your Holy Spirit. I receive the gift of tongues by faith right now."

3. Stop Speaking English

You can't speak two languages at once. To speak in tongues, you must stop speaking your native language. Surrender your tongue to the Holy Spirit as you begin to speak, trusting that He will provide the words as you provide the voice.

4. Speak Out the Sounds You Hear

This is the step of faith! The Holy Spirit gives the utterance (the words), but YOU must do the speaking (Acts 2:4). Open your mouth and speak out the syllables, sounds, or words that seem to be bubbling up from your spirit. Don't analyze them; just speak them out boldly.

5. Continue Daily

Like any language, fluency comes with practice. Don't be discouraged if it starts with just a few words. Use your prayer language daily, and you will find it flowing more freely as your faith grows.

Frequently Asked Questions About Praying in Tongues

If you still have questions about the validity or practice of this unique gift, you are not alone. Here are biblical answers to some common questions.

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 lead extraordinary lives in the Holy Spirit.

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Hi, I'm Don…

It's great to meet you! I'm not a pastor or a 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.