My first encounter with Holy Spirit baptism, marked by speaking in tongues, was through my mum. We were sleeping one night when I woke up to her speaking in an unfamiliar language. Concerned, I thought something was wrong, but she motioned that all was okay. Later, I came to understand that “strange language” as one of the greatest blessings for believers.
Friend, there are numerous benefits of praying in the Holy Spirit (Psalm 68:19). This is why the devil would not want you to engage in it. He would make you feel awkward while engaging it. He would sometimes organise mockers around you to make you feel ashamed of it (Romans 1:16).
As it was in Acts, the response of people to tongues is the same today (Acts 2:12-13). Some people wondered, doubted, mocked, and a few asked what it meant. Some believers also doubt their own tongues. They wondered if it could mean anything serious in the realm of the spirit (1 Corinthians 14:20).
Like Peter explained, praying in the Holy Spirit is the fulfilment of the prophecy of Joel (Acts 2:16). It is the consequence of the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days. It is for every born-again person, irrespective of status or calling. It is not only for preachers or pastors. It is for all (Acts 2:17-18).
When something is your advantage, you don’t need to ask if it is compulsory (John 16:7). You need to take advantage of your advantage, or else, the devil will take advantage of you. Unlock the benefits of praying in tongues. Really, the devil cannot handle a Christian who prays regularly in tongues (1 Corinthians 14:2).
Praying in tongues helps you to pray accurately (1 John 5:14). Many people pray for long but wrongly. It helps you to pray with the energy of the Spirit. If confuses the devil about your affairs. You can combine it with your daily schedules; driving, office work, laundry, cooking, etc. So, what’s stopping you from praying in tongues regularly (1 Thessalonians 5:17)?
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria