My mother lives in Florida, so I don’t know exactly what is going on in her life right now. I don’t know what is going on with my sister who lives in California. But the Holy Spirit knows the perfect will of God for both of them, and He will intercede through me as I yield to partner with Him in prayer. The Spirit searches all things and knows all things. Great peace accompanies the knowledge that we are allowing the Holy Spirit to pray through us!

Clarification About Private Tongues

It is important to note an exception regarding the two types of tongues I have referred to as “private.” There are occasions when believers who are all filled with the Spirit pray together in tongues. In these times, it is appropriate for all of them to pray together in the Spirit. There are other times when believers should refrain from praying publicly in their prayer languages. Paul made this statement:

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 14:23)

Two groups are identified in this passage. First, Paul mentions unbelievers. This refers to those who have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord—those who are outside the faith. The second group is the uninformed. These people are believers in Jesus, but they have not been taught about the language of the Spirit. A person belonging to either group would be uncomfortable in an atmosphere where others pray together in tongues. They could easily think of those speaking, Are you out of your mind?

Sadly, I have witnessed one or two instances in Sunday morning worship services where many people were praying aloud in tongues all at once—and were encouraged to do so by leadership. In fact, in the past, I have even led people in this way because of a lack of understanding. In these services, as in a typical Sunday morning service, there were most likely visitors present, many of whom would fall into the categories of unbelievers or uninformed. They probably thought to themselves, Are these people out of their minds? I have observed that these churches struggle in growing and reaching their communities. Could the reason be that they are not following the wisdom given in 1 Corinthians 14:23? I believe if they continue this practice, the uninformed and unbelievers will not return.

On the other hand, there are times when a church calls for a believers’ prayer meeting (say, on a Saturday morning or Monday evening). In these meetings all are informed and believers. It is perfectly fine for all to pray in tongues as a group when gathered in ministry to the Lord or for intercession.