Today’s verse is from 1 Corinthians 14:2. Here is the verse from three versions of the Bible.
For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. (version NIV)
For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the spirit he speaks mysteries. (version NKJV)
For one who speaks in an [unknown] tongue speaks not to men but to God, for no one understands or catches his meaning, because in the [Holy] Spirit he utters secret truths and hidden things [not obvious to the understanding]. (version AMPC)
You would have probably heard about praying in tongues. If not, you will hear more of it now.
Praying in an unknown tongue is the prayer language of the Holy Spirit. Some Christians have it, others can earnestly desire it, learn about it and get this. It’s a gift, the Holy Spirit is eager to give it to us.
This verse speaks about praying in an unknown tongue as a prayer language on Earth. It’s the prayer language of the Holy Spirit.
We know words can defile us, but when we pray in an unknown tongue, it cleanses us and purifies us.
Prayer in tongues in an unknown language is like having a hotline to God. It’s very powerful. It’s a secret language that only God can understand. The angel cannot understand, but most significantly, the devil cannot understand it.
Since it is a prayer in unknown tongues, it is a mystery to man, but known only to God.
For instance, as a student we might not know if it’s best to have the test tomorrow or better to get it postponed for a few days. We do not know what is right for us to pray for.
In another instance, the situation in an office, we may not know how to resolve it. Even in this situation, praying in tongues is the best option to proceed with.
Whatever the nature of the situation, when we pray in tongues, even if we do not know what we should pray for, the Holy Spirit knows precisely the matter that requires prayer. What precisely is the grace, wisdom, discernment that we require from the Lord?
The answers to prayers in tongues are packed with wisdom, simplicity, and uniqueness, that many of us will understand that we could have never come up with a beautiful, great solution like that. We will fully understand that this solution is only from the Holy Spirit. We get to prepare specific points ahead of meetings, ahead of exams, ahead of negotiations – all because of the great grace from the Holy Spirit we receive by praying in tongues. It’s just amazing.
Paul says “I thank my God, I speak with tongues more than ye all”. ( ref 1 Corinthians 14:18) . Should we not then pray in tongues regularly?
