How to Speak in Tongues: Your Journey to This Spiritual Gift

Knowing how to speak in tongues opens a supernatural doorway to deeper communion with God, increased faith, and powerful service in His Kingdom. This divine gift, available to every Spirit-filled believer, transforms your prayer life and equips you for greater spiritual effectiveness.

Whether you're taking your first steps to explore this unique gift of the Spirit or seeking to deepen your understanding, this comprehensive guide addresses the practical aspects, common questions, and biblical foundations of speaking or praying in tongues. Together, we'll explore how to embrace and activate this transformative gift that the Holy Spirit has made available to you.

How to Speak in Tongues: Receiving Your Spiritual Inheritance

Part 2 of 4 by Don Bell | ⏱️ 12 minute read

Concept Photo for How to Speak in TonguesDiscover How to Speak in Tongues Today
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Rest assured, the gift of tongues is available for EVERY believer. When you are baptized with the Holy Spirit, you receive the fullness of the Spirit complete with ALL His gifts waiting to be activated, including the gift of speaking in tongues, and the gift of interpretation of tongues. You don't just receive part of the Holy Spirit; He descends in His fullness.

To illustrate the importance of activating the gift of tongues, or any gift of the Holy Spirit, imagine receiving a valuable gift such as a genuine Rolex watch. If you choose to leave the gift unwrapped and unused on a closet shelf, hidden from sight, you have the gift, but you have not truly received it. But, suppose you unwrap the gift and wear the Rolex on your wrist. Now, it's plain to see that you've received it, and by activating it, you can use it to tell others the time of day.

In a similar way, when believers are baptized in the Holy Spirit, they also receive the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Choosing to activate these gifts is crucial to fully receiving them, benefiting from them, and serving others.

You do not have to wait upon the Holy Spirit before you start speaking or praying in tongues. The original followers of Jesus, including Mary, the mother of Jesus, waited in the Upper Room; however, once the Holy Spirit had been poured out and utterance had been given on the Day of Pentecost, there is no evidence in Scripture that suggests anyone ever needed to wait again.

Each believer's journey with the Holy Spirit is unique. Some are fluent in tongues, some are taking time to explore when and how they feel called to use this gift, while others are still discovering how to embrace and activate this spiritual gift.

If you're feeling at all hesitant about tongues, please keep an open mind. We all have reasons for not wanting to do something, and the Holy Spirit never forces His gifts upon anyone. He respects our freewill and allows us to make our own choices. Ask for His help in making the right choices.

By choosing to speak in unknown tongues, we can edify ourselves as God planned, and significantly increase our faith (1 Corinthians 14:4; Jude 1:20). We can also edify other believers and contribute to their spiritual growth when we're obedient to interpret the tongue when spoken in group settings.

Ultimately, we have the choice to activate the gift of tongues or not. The supernatural abilities given to us by the Holy Spirit are powerful tools that benefit our spiritual growth and equip us for serving others. They serve to help us fulfill our calling in the Body of Christ and advance the Kingdom of God.

Now that we understand our divine inheritance, let's explore the powerful purpose behind this supernatural gift.

Understanding the Supernatural Language

Speaking or praying in tongues is a supernatural ability that surpasses natural speech, and your first attempts will seem unusual and unfamiliar. Just like natural foreign languages, tongues can involve distinct sounds and syllables, sometimes leaving you wondering whether you are speaking a language at all.

It's essential to remember that heavenly languages are unknown to us and therefore confusing to our natural mind. We're so accustomed to our mother language that we forget how odd foreign languages can sound, and since unknown tongues are supernaturally manifested, they are beyond what our natural mind can analyze.

As Paul says, "if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful" (1 Corinthians 14:14). Any attempt to analyze the words and sounds will only end in doubt, so trust the Holy Spirit instead of your understanding.

How to Speak in Tongues: Your Practical Guide

Speaking in tongues is seen by some as mysterious or intimidating, but it's actually meant to be a normal expression of the Holy Spirit's work within believers. While many desire specific step-by-step instructions on how to speak in tongues, the manifestation of the gift flows from a supernatural connection with the Holy Spirit instead of from following prescribed steps.

Avoid Religious Misconceptions

You can be filled with the Holy Spirit and begin to speak in tongues anywhere, even in the privacy of your own home. There's no need for complex rituals, specific postures, waiting (known as tarrying in some circles), or special prayer meetings. Receiving this gift doesn't require shouting, shaking or babbling syllables in a highly emotional state. While some believers have received the gift through the laying on of hands, most have not.

Begin Speaking Your Prayer Language

To begin speaking in an unknown tongue, be mindful of these simple guidelines while maintaining faith that the Holy Spirit will give you the ability.

START SIMPLY:

  • Open your mouth, and start making the sounds of speech while moving your tongue.
  • Use your normal tone of speaking voice.
  • Allow sounds and syllables to form naturally.

LET THE HOLY SPIRIT LEAD:

  • Don't try to think up or plan the words.
  • Allow the unknown words to form on your tongue as you speak.
  • Trust the Holy Spirit to provide the language.

Real Experiences: Every Journey is Unique

Personal experiences are varied when it comes to being filled with the Spirit and speaking in tongues, even in The New Testament records. Some Charismatics expect an instant fluency and much emotion, but that's not always the case. Expectations that are not based on Scripture can lead to disappointment.

Speaking in unknown tongues has no more to do with our emotions than speaking in our mother tongue has. We can speak in tongues and feel little or no emotion. That's not to say we won't feel anything while exercising this gift; however, emotion is NOT the evidence!

A Personal Anecdote

Half a dozen well-meaning Spirit-filled believers surrounded me, laying on hands and speaking loudly in what I assumed were tongues. "That's it, you've got it, you're speaking in tongues," they exclaimed. I accepted by faith that I had received the gift, but I felt absolutely nothing, and the few strange syllables I had spoken didn't match what I'd imagined a heavenly tongue to sound like.

Later at home, I spent time in prayer and continued speaking syllables by faith. Within a few days, those strange syllables evolved into words and complete sentences, and I experienced a wonderful fluency in tongues.

While my initial experience had proven different from what I expected, it taught me that the Holy Spirit works uniquely with each believer, respecting each one's personality, and background. My absence of emotion didn't diminish the authenticity of the gift, it simply highlighted that God meets each of us where we are, in His perfect way.

Fellow believers genuinely want to encourage others in activating the gift of tongues, and their enthusiasm, though heartfelt and well-meaning, can sometimes feel intense when you're just beginning. Maintaining a relaxed, open, and patient approach allows the gift to develop spontaneously according to God's perfect plan for you.

Some might suggest starting off by repeating a single word or sound, but this is generally not helpful and can lead to getting stuck with a repetitive sound instead of genuine tongues. Instead of repeating a syllable, simply focus on trusting the Spirit as you learn how to speak in tongues naturally.

Initially, you might only speak a few words or phrases in an unknown tongue, but with practice, it will become easier, and you'll be able to speak fluently in the Spirit for longer periods of time. 

It's not uncommon for some believers to require several attempts before becoming proficient, and some choose to practice alone out of earshot of others. If you find the sounds of your new tongue challenging to speak, take a step of faith and begin speaking in another tongue. Remember, the Holy Spirit has given us multiple tongues.

A Personal Anecdote

While attending an out-of-town Church conference, I witnessed a believer delivering a long message in a strange "tongue" that seemed rehearsed instead of Spirit-led, with an exaggerated, high-pitched speaking voice that drew undue attention. Naturally, no interpretation followed.

This experience teaches an important lesson about how to speak in tongues authentically. When we speak an inspired tongue, it should flow as naturally as our mother tongue, without need for embellishment, or performance. God's gifts operate best through yielded vessels trusting in His Spirit without trying to enhance the result.

When speaking in tongues, try to maintain your natural speaking tone and volume. This is especially important when the Holy Spirit begins prompting you to speak a message in tongues in a group setting. You can add expression to your voice, but avoid going too far and sounding over emotional, shrill, or strange. Remember, you are always in control, and it's important to maintain authenticity when exercising spiritual gifts.

Trust the Holy Spirit to provide you with the words, but also understand that He will never force you to speak in an unusual manner. You always have complete control over your voice and manner of speaking.

Your Journey Is Unique

Discovering how to speak in tongues is a deeply personal journey, uniquely crafted by the Holy Spirit for your spiritual growth and effectiveness in God's Kingdom. Whether you're just beginning to speak a few syllables or already experiencing fluent prayer in the Spirit, remember that this gift is meant to build up your faith and deepen your relationship with God.

Avoid comparing your experience to others; instead, embrace your personal path with confidence, knowing that the Holy Spirit is faithfully guiding you. As you continue to exercise tongues, you'll discover new depths in your prayer life and experience the supernatural empowerment of faith that this amazing gift brings to your spiritual walk, as you allow the Holy Spirit to express Himself through you.

Above all, don't grow discouraged. Speaking in tongues is a normal progression of your Kingdom journey. With patience and faith, you'll develop fluency.

Using the Gift of Tongues in Group Worship

Before we shift into the public use of tongues, it's important to recognize the distinction between speaking in tongues privately and within a group setting. In our private devotion, we can speak or pray in tongues freely, as often as we desire, to build up our own faith and deepen our communion with God.

However, when gathered with other believers, the operation of tongues shifts in purpose: it becomes a message meant to edify the Body of Christ. In that setting, like prophesying, we must wait for the prompting of the Holy Spirit before speaking, so that what is uttered carries divine timing, meaning, and edification for all who hear.

When tongues are spoken in a group setting followed by an interpretation, they offer a unique means of group communication with God that surpasses normal prayer. That balance between private practice and public use is central to understanding when and how to speak in tongues for both personal edification and corporate benefit.

We'll begin by examining the difference between tongues and prophecy, and consider practical guidelines for maintaining proper order in their delivery.

Understanding Tongues and Prophecy

In his letter to the Corinthian Church, Paul contrasts the gifts of tongues and prophecy, saying, "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. But he who prophesies speaks edification and exhortation and comfort to men" (1 Corinthians 14:2–3).

Speaking in tongues involves believers speaking mysteries to God in inspired languages, while prophecy involves God speaking messages of encouragement to believers in their natural language.

Paul continues, saying, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. I wish you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied; for he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, UNLESS indeed he interprets, that the church may receive edification" (1 Corinthians 14:4–5, emphasis added).

Therefore, while a word of prophecy focuses on edifying believers, tongues will only edify the speaker of the tongue, UNLESS the tongue is interpreted in the language of those hearing it. Then, its message is easily understood and can edify believers.

the Power of Interpretation

How can the gift of tongues help to edify and inspire others? When you deliver a message in tongues within a group of believers followed by the gift of interpretation of tongues, the interpreted message can have a positive and unifying effect on everyone present.

The tongue and its interpretation are both inspired by the Holy Spirit, praising God's greatness, and declaring His love for His people. Hearing these heartfelt words can strengthen people's faith and remind them of their commitment to live for Christ, fostering connection with God in worship.

The phrasing of the interpretation can often sound similar to King David's Psalms. That's because the same Spirit who inspired David's heart to write the Psalms now inspires the interpreter of the tongue.

Why Interpretation of Tongues Matters

Paul explains why the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues is so important:

Word Meaning

The Greek term for "uninformed" is represented as ἰδιώτης (idiōtēs), implying a believer in Christ who lacks understanding and knowledge in the gift of tongues.

"Tongues are for a SIGN, not to those who believe but to unbelievers; but prophesying is not for unbelievers but for those who believe. Therefore, if the whole church comes together in one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those who are uninformed or unbelievers, will they not say that you are out of your mind?" (1 Corinthians 14:22–23, emphasis added).

A Personal Anecdote

Our Christian friend witnessed a Charismatic home prayer meeting one evening while on vacation, where participants sat about a living room engaging in speaking and singing in tongues. There were no interpretations of the spoken tongues given.

Later, she expressed to me her discomfort with the experience, saying "It wasn't God; it was absolute bedlam! It sounded like gibberish!"

Though I shared biblical context to help explain what was to her an unfamiliar form of worship, she remained unconvinced and held strong feelings against tongues. I could only pray that given time, she'll gain a proper understanding of this beneficial gift of the Spirit.

Tongues that are spoken without interpretation in the presence of unbelievers or the uninformed can create confusion and resistance, as demonstrated by our friend's negative reaction to the prayer meeting. Her summation of it being "absolute bedlam" and "gibberish" precisely illustrates Paul's warning about how the uninformed might conclude tongues speakers are "out of your mind."

Paul contrasts, saying, "But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or an uninformed person comes in, he is convinced by all, he is convicted by all. And thus the secrets of his heart are revealed; and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly among you" (1 Corinthians 14:24–25).

The interpretation of an unknown tongue glorifies God and the greatness of His works, and there are times when the interpreted message can act similar to prophecy by revealing the heart-cry of the uninformed, leading them to respond to God's call. As you grow in the gift, pair learning how to speak in tongues with sensitivity to interpretation, so the believers gathered receive clear edification.

Worship Guidelines for Maximum Edification

Always stand ready to use the gift of speaking in tongues FOLLOWED BY the gift of interpretation of tongues, whenever the Holy Spirit prompts you to deliver an edifying message for your fellow believers, the Body of Christ.

However, there are situations where spoken tongues are not proper in group settings, and having that awareness is all part and parcel of learning how to speak in tongues.

During Group Prayer

Paul says: "Since you are zealous for spiritual gifts, let it be for the edification of the church that you seek to excel. Therefore let HIM who speaks in a tongue pray that HE may interpret" (1 Corinthians 14:12–13, emphasis added).

For the most meaningful worship experience during believers' meetings, it's helpful to be mindful of others. When a message in tongues is accompanied by its interpretation, it allows everyone present to receive the full blessing and understanding of what the Holy Spirit is communicating.

HOWEVER, if you haven't been prompted by the Holy Spirit to deliver a message in tongues to the group, remain silent or speak in tongues quietly to yourself. That way, everyone present can have the opportunity to share or to clearly receive God's guidance through the Holy Spirit without distraction.

During Group Ministry Time

Multiple people surrounding someone and speaking loudly in tongues all at once can make it difficult for the person to receive their ministry and hear God's revelation clearly. This environment may also prevent other believers from contributing meaningfully to the ministry time.

Build up your faith at home by praying privately in tongues before ministering. This preparation helps you follow the Holy Spirit's guidance when meeting the needs of others. If you are led to speak in an unknown tongue while ministering, provide the interpretation right away so the message from the Spirit can encourage and build up the person seeking God's help without causing them confusion.

When Receiving Ministry

When receiving personal ministry, well-meaning believers sometimes pray in tongues, but this can actually make it harder for them to hear and discern what God is saying through those who are ministering. Instead of praying, this is their moment to quietly receive by listening for God's revelation through the spiritual counsel, spoken prophecy, or words of knowledge, and wisdom.

As Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 14:33, "God is not the author of confusion but of peace." You can gently suggest, "Let's be quiet together and listen for what God wants to say."

The Importance of Maintaining Order

Part of maintaining order in worship is knowing how to speak in tongues responsibly so the gift builds people up instead of adding confusion. Always strive for correctness when ministering, as any misuse of the gifts of the Spirit can bring about disorder and hinder what the Holy Spirit desires to accomplish. Paul cautions, "Let all things be done decently and in order" (1 Corinthians 14:40).

Therefore, when you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to deliver a message in tongues in a group setting, wait for the suitable moment so you're not interrupting, then speak clearly so everyone can hear — AND — be prepared to follow the tongue with the interpretation.

Your Next Steps in the Journey

You've journeyed from examining how to speak in tongues privately to understanding how delivering an inspired message in tongues with its interpretation can enrich the Body of Christ's experience with God.

Be sure to continue to the companion article on the Gift of Interpretation of Tongues, as understanding interpretation is the natural next step for using tongues to edify the fellow believers and reach the uninformed by bringing clarity to the inspired messages.

Next, discover How Tongues Are a Sign for Unbelievers through the demonstration of God's supernatural presence, or explore that age-old question: Did Jesus Speak in Tongues?

In This Series


About the Author

Don Bell of Kingdom Anointing

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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