Both public and private speaking in tongues are called speaking to God."

Praying In Tongues - Praying In The Holy Spirit
Ray Watson

The Scriptural Basis For The Gift Of Speaking In Tongues

The gift of speaking in tongues as promised by Jesus to His disciples (Mark 16:17, Luke 24:49)

•the sign of a believer

•the purpose of speaking in tongues

•public versus private use of tongues


Speaking In Tongues - A Sign Of A Believer In Jesus Christ

Speaking in tongues is perhaps one of the most controversial gifts in the Body of Christ today.

Jesus however specifically mentions tongues in Mark 16:17 as a sign of a believer, one who would follow Him. He also told His disciples not to leave Jerusalem until they had received the promise of the Father, and be endued with power from on high. Of all the nine gifts of the Spirit, speaking in tongues is the only gift not already found in the Old Testament.

This is perhaps why Jesus mentions tongues as the sign of a New Testament believer. There are many people who wish Mark 16:17 wasn't there. Well, it's there. My heart grieves for the dear folk who have had a wonderful christian heritage, but have been denied this one truth.

My own personal experience of tongues has been one of power, wonderful deliverance, and intimate communion with the Lord. If Jesus told the New Testament disciples not to leave town without it, He must have had good reason.

We need the power of the Spirit.

Is Speaking In Tongues Necessary For Salvation?

No. When a person is "born again" by the Holy Spirit they are saved and have the nature of God in their spirit.

The Purpose Of Speaking In Tongues

Spiritual edification - 1 Corinthians 14:4, Jude 20

Speaking divine mysteries - 1 Corinthians 14:2

To magnify God - Acts 10:46

Praying according to the will of God - Romans 8:26,27

Giving thanks - 1 Corinthians 14:17

Strengthening our inner man - Ephesians 3:16

A sign to unbelievers - 1 Corinthians 14:22; Mark 16:17

Praying In The Holy Spirit


"A believer operating the manifestation of the spirit called tongues will be edified spiritually, spiritually built-up. He can operate this manifestation in two situations: in public and in private.

(1) The bulk of a believer's speaking in tongues is in his own private life. As such, speaking in tongues in private will be prayer or praise to the Father and, therefore is never interpreted. This prayer and praise is spoken of as "praying in the spirit." When you speak in tongues it is the spirit in you which is in direct communication with your heavenly Father, and as such your spirit is edified.


(2) A believer can speak in tongues publicly in a believer's meeting.

When a person publicly speaks in tongues, he must always interpret.

A public message is never a prayer however; it is a communication from God meant for the people present.

Both public and private speaking in tongues are called speaking to God." Redbay.com

I have written this brief article on tongues, because in many of the spontaneous songs that I have recorded there are times when I break forth into "singing in the spirit" or singing in the heavenly language of tongues.

I hope this helps answer some of the questions people may have.

If you have more questions about the biblical basis for speaking in tongues go here -

An Apologia - Objections, Questions & Answers to Praying in Tongues.