Where Did Tongues Come From?

The gift of tongues was first given by God to man right after Jesus’ ascension to heaven. This day is commonly called Pentecost.

When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:1-4

Spoken by 1st Century Believers

It was common throughout the book of Acts for believers to speak in Tongues (Acts 10:46; 19:6;).

Spoken by Believers Today

Speaking in Tongues is something that all believers can do and is evidenced all around the world.

And these signs will accompany those who believe: … they will speak in new tongues; Mark 16:1

What is Tongues?

It is a language not known to us but known to God. The words for it come from the Holy Spirit inside of us and not from our mind like our natural language.

Why Do I Need Tongues?

There are many reasons to speak in Tongues, but we have listed three of the most powerful here.

Pray the Perfect Will of God

Have you ever wanted to pray for someone and didn’t know exactly what to pray. You had a burden for that person but just wasn’t sure how to intercede. Praying in Tongues solves that problem. When you pray in Tongues for someone, you may not know the exact words you are saying, but you can feel that your prayer has power and is accomplishing something.

This is because the Holy Spirit is marrying up your burden with the exact words to say and taking your prayers to the throne room. You can be confident that you are praying the perfect will of God.

Spiritual Refreshing & Intimacy

A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally in the Lord, …1 Corinthians 14:4

When you speak in Tongues you have to do so by the Holy Spirit. It causes us to shift our focus from our circumstances and our problems to the world of the Spirit. Anytime that we do this it brings a spiritual refreshing and a renewed intimacy with the Holy Spirit.

So whenever the circumstances of life start affecting you negatively you can start praying in Tongues and you will receive a refreshing.

But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. Jude 1:20

Gateway to Other Revelatory Gifts

Praying in tongues helps the other revelatory gifts of prophecy, word of wisdom, and word of knowledge to flow. When you are praying spirit to spirit in tongues don’t be surprised if you get these gifts for others or yourself. It is a gateway to other things of the spirit.

Power

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; …Acts 1:8

Power comes from a relationship with the Holy Spirit. His power in us is used to overcome sin, create faith for living, flowing in the fruits and gifts of the Holy Spirit, etc. These are all supernatural things that requires a supernatural source—the Holy Spirit. One of the best ways to release that source is praying in Tongues. It helps us to hear clearer the Holy Spirit’s voice in knowing what to do or how to minister to others. Doing this helps us to clear our mind of our own thoughts and focus on God’s.

How Do I Get Tongues?

You simply ask God for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of speaking in tongues. This is what happened at Pentecost. It is a gift that God freely gives. When you ask Him for something you don’t have to worry about Him not giving you a good gift.

“Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! Matthew 7:9-11

After you ask for the Baptism of the Holy Spirit start praising the Lord in English. When you feel something coming up from your spirit inside of you say what you feel. It will seem like gibberish at first and you may seem silly. It is no different than if you repeat a foreign language somebody speaks to you that you don’t understand. Your mind may say that you are out of control. But rest assured that you are in control. Your mind is just not use to taking directions from your spirit. Speaking in Tongues is something you do voluntarily. The Holy Spirit never takes control of you and makes you do anything. It is simply a gentle nudge from Him that you have to follow.

Sometimes when you ask for tongues (also called a prayer language) it flows easily and quickly. Other times it takes longer to flow freely. If the gift of tongues does not flow immediately relax. The gift will come. Sometimes it is instantly and other times it may take several days. But it will happen. Continue to pray to the Lord and enter into praise and worship regularly using your natural language. The gift of Tongues will come as you humbly seek the Lord.