Praying in Tongues Privately

Explore the many benefits and practical aspects of praying in tongues privately to God. This form of prayer, also called "praying in the Spirit," allows believers to bypass the limitations of their natural mind and communicate directly with God in a pure, heavenly language.

This first in a series of three articles emphasizes the importance of fervency and faith in prayer, as well as our need to merge praying in tongues into daily routines. It also emphasizes the need for balance, incorporating both praying in our known language and with the Spirit in tongues, and the need for maintaining a close relationship with God to align our prayers with His will.

Praying in Tongues for Self-Edification

Part 1 of 3 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 8 minute read

The gift of praying in tongues allows believers to edify themselves by strengthening and building their faith. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit" (Ephesians 618) differs from praying in a known language since it bypasses our natural mind with its natural limitations.

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 an unknown language, bypassing our natural mind, and neither we nor those who hear us can understand our prayer.

Paul emphasises, "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).

Our prayer communication with God takes place in a pure, heavenly language, free from doubts, human manipulation, cultural biases, and demonic interference. Consider tongues as an Earth-to-Heaven direct-line to God.

How to Increase Prayer Power

To increase your prayer power, set aside time to pray in tongues daily. This practice will build up your most holy faith (Jude 1:20). Later, whenever someone asks you to pray in the natural, you'll find that your prayer of faith will yield significant results.

Embrace Fervent Faith-Filled Prayers

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.

While it is true that we should not base our prayers solely on our feelings and emotions, it doesn't mean we should not have any emotional response 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 rule over us. Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the Spirit.

Our prayers should be based on faith, not feelings. 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.

Maintain Your Fervency in Prayer

It's common for believers to feel excited when they first begin speaking in tongues, but over time, the excitement can fade. This may lead to feeling dry and empty, as if the Holy Spirit's anointing has lifted.

To maintain fervency in prayer, routinely speak in tongues as a way to build up your faith. This will empower your prayers and bring added confidence when ministering to others.

Never forget that it's God who’s doing the work; it's not you! As the Scripture confirms, "‘[It's] not by might nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts" (Zachariah 4:6).

Know that you are God’s chosen vessel, an available conduit for His anointing to flow through and touch others. Simply pray fervently and let it flow!

Incorporate Tongues Into Daily Prayer

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

Paul urges, "Stand therefore, … praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints" (Ephesians 6:14,18). The Greek word δέησις (deēsis) translated as supplication simply means praying for a need or request.

But, how can we be "praying always" for a need? Not only is it difficult to keep our minds focussed, 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 without repetitive phrasing despite our human frailties.

Since tongues bypasses the mind, praying in tongues can easily be integrated into our daily routine. It does away with the need for a specific setting or atmosphere, and whether we’re waking up, cooking our meals, driving to work, doing the laundry, or falling off to sleep, we can still pray in tongues.

The gift of tongues provides a divine means of communicating with God without any repetition or disruption.

Pray Quietly or Silently in Public

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.

Did you know that it's possible to pray in tongues silently in your thoughts when privacy is lacking? After all, as King David reminds, "'The Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts'" (1 Chronicles 28:9). God has no difficulty in understanding our thoughts during silent prayer.

While praying aloud in tongues is always recommended when alone, praying silently in your thoughts allows you to pray using the exact syllables and words Holy Spirit would guide you to use, without moving your lips or making any sound.

This practical method allows you to pray supernaturally in a way that no one else can hear or even be aware of, as it's solely in your mind and spirit. It's not a form of intellectual thinking, but rather a way for your mind and spirit to communicate with the Holy Spirit, separate and unique from your physical body.

Balance Mind AND Spirit

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 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.

Balance Praying AND Listening

Have you ever noticed that people who have the tendency to talk a lot rarely listen to what you have to say? Don't chatter on to God about your many needs when He already knows the things you need (Matthew 6:8).

Remember, He's your heavenly Father, and He desires a close relationship with you, so balance prayer life with listening. Develop an intimate relationship with God and your prayers will conform more to His will than yours!

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 conventual prayer, take a few moments to embrace silence. Silence before God is a form of prayer too! God asks of us, "'Be still, and know that I am God …'" (Psalms 46:10).

Also, 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).

Job says, "How small a whisper we hear of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?" (Job 26:14).

Be Open to Hearing God

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 to pray in tongues. 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, emphasis added).

More in This 3-Part Series

Additional articles offer deeper insights into praying in tongues privately for needs, intercession, overcoming, spiritual warfare, fasting, revelation, healing, and greater intimacy with God.

Part 2: Praying in the Holy Spirit.

Part 3: Praying in Tongues for Healing.

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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, and my prayer is that Kingdom Anointing™ will help you build faith, walk confidently in the nine gifts of the Holy Spirit, and realize your full potential in the Kingdom of God.

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