—1 Corinthians 14:4 NLT

Why does the enemy fight so hard to keep you from praying in tongues? First Corinthians 14:4 gives a powerful reason: he doesn’t want you to be strengthened. The stronger you are in spirit, the stronger you are for Christ—and the greater threat you are to Satan’s kingdom.

Just as your car’s alternator recharges your battery, praying in the Spirit recharges your spirit. It drives away fear, depression, and negativity. It builds you up in ways that cannot be expressed. When you pray in tongues, you increase your capacity to house the presence and power of God.

Are you regularly or rarely praying in the Spirit? If regularly, how often and for how long? If rarely, why?

What happens inside you when you invest time into praying in tongues? What other fruit and manifestations of the Spirit have you witnessed as a result? How do these encourage you to pray?

How do you usually respond to stressful, draining situations? Have you tried praying in the Spirit? Pause and pray, “Holy Spirit, change my natural, negative response into the supernatural, positive response of praying in tongues. Fill me with You like never before!”

What actions is the Holy Spirit telling you to take that will make Him a greater part of your everyday life? Write them down, and put them into practice.

No doubt, the enemy has brought thoughts to your mind and stirred up feelings in your flesh to keep you from praying in tongues. He does this to most believers. Below are some of the common reasons and excuses he offers. Sound familiar? Write down any others you can think of; then pray and ask the Holy Spirit for a God-empowered reply to every lie the enemy brings.

That’s not God; you made that up.

I feel/sound so silly.

You’re just repeating what somebody else said.

This doesn’t do any good.

I just don’t feel like praying in tongues.

All I have is a word or two.

What would so-and-so think if they heard me?

Friend, don’t let the enemy dupe you into thinking you shouldn’t pray in tongues. Cast down his thoughts and push past those feelings. Open your mouth daily and “carefully build yourselves up in this most holy faith by praying in the Holy Spirit” (Jude 20 The Message).

Chapter 5 - Discussion Questions

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

If you are using this book as part of the Messenger Series on the Holy Spirit, please refer to video session 5.

1 | Praying in tongues (the language of the Spirit) is extremely beneficial. Take a few minutes to name as many of the benefits as you can remember. Of these, which is most valuable to you at this time in your life? If you feel comfortable, share why.