Glossolalia or speaking in tongues

[ltwin]

I know of the Sisterhood of Mary and their piety. Do they practice speaking in tongues?

canaaninthedesert.com/prayer_garden.php#

*The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements *has an entry for Mother Basilea. It says,

In 1945, in the ruins of Darmstadt, Schlink and Madauss witnessed a revival, including a manifestation of the spiritual gifts among the girls in their Bible study, in which repentance was a key factor. From this revival grew the Sisterhood of Mary.

However, it’s pretty vague on their theological understanding of tongues. Donald G. Bloesch’s The Holy Spirit: Works and Gifts (pp. 187-188) says this:

Mother Basilea Schlink . . . distinguishes between conversion and the gift of the Spirit but contends that tongues are only one of the evidences or manifestations of the Spirit. . . While appreciative of the spiritual gifts as promoting the common good, she is quite firm that “they were never the decisive factor of our spiritual life, the source of which lies in repentance, and love for Jesus.”

 

[EvangelCatholic]

*The New International Dictionary of Pentecostal and Charismatic Movements *has an entry for Mother Basilea. It says,

In 1945, in the ruins of Darmstadt, Schlink and Madauss witnessed a revival, including a manifestation of the spiritual gifts among the girls in their Bible study, in which repentance was a key factor. From this revival grew the Sisterhood of Mary.

However, it’s pretty vague on their theological understanding of tongues. Donald G. Bloesch’s The Holy Spirit: Works and Gifts (pp. 187-188) says this:

Mother Basilea Schlink . . . distinguishes between conversion and the gift of the Spirit but contends that tongues are only one of the evidences or manifestations of the Spirit. . . While appreciative of the spiritual gifts as promoting the common good, she is quite firm that “they were never the decisive factor of our spiritual life, the source of which lies in repentance, and love for Jesus.”

Thanks for the info on Mother Basilea.

Question: is singing in tongues a common occurrence in charismatic services? That had the most impact for me.

 

[ltwin]

Question: is singing in tongues a common occurrence in charismatic services? That had the most impact for me.

I think there may be a subtle difference between classical Pentecostals and charismatics when it comes to singing in the Spirit. Singing in the Spirit is not unknown in Pentecostal churches (in the early days it was called the “heavenly choir”), and it happened often at the Pensacola Outpouring at Brownsville Assembly of God in the late 90s/early 2000s.

However, personally I have never heard someone sing in tongues from the platform nor have I ever heard a congregation sing in tongues in concert. In my experience, you’re more likely to hear a congregation pray or worship in tongues all at once than you are to hear singing in the Spirit.

However, I know charismatic or neo-Pentecostal groups where congregational singing in the Spirit is VERY common. You should check out some of the music of IHOP (AKA International House of Prayer) in Kansas City.

Try searching on youtube for “IHOP singing in the spirit” and you should get some hits.

 

[EvangelCatholic]

I think there may be a subtle difference between classical Pentecostals and charismatics when it comes to singing in the Spirit. Singing in the Spirit is not unknown in Pentecostal churches (in the early days it was called the “heavenly choir”), and it happened often at the Pensacola Outpouring at Brownsville Assembly of God in the late 90s/early 2000s.

However, personally I have never heard someone sing in tongues from the platform nor have I ever heard a congregation sing in tongues in concert. In my experience, you’re more likely to hear a congregation pray or worship in tongues all at once than you are to hear singing in the Spirit.

However, I know charismatic or neo-Pentecostal groups where congregational singing in the Spirit is VERY common. You should check out some of the music of IHOP (AKA International House of Prayer) in Kansas City.

Try searching on youtube for “IHOP singing in the spirit” and you should get some hits.

It was different than the videos. I don’t recall any instruments. Keep in mind, it was probably 500 people including many religious. Like a hymn of voices that descended on the gathering; beautiful but unintelligible.

 

[ltwin]

It was different than the videos. I don’t recall any instruments. Keep in mind, it was probably 500 people including many religious. Like a hymn of voices that descended on the gathering; beautiful but unintelligible.

Ok. More like this then. The video is John Wimber (founder of the Vineyard movement) and a church service. Singing in the Spirit starts at 1:24. It’s preceded by singing “Spirit of the Living God.”

This was when Wimber was still alive. I’ve heard in recent decades the Vineyard movement has tended to downplay public exercise of the gifts, so I don’t know if singing in the Spirit is still common in most Vineyard churches today.

The way it sounds in this video is how it happened often at Brownsville (I wasn’t there but they used to have an archive of the revival services online and I watched quite a few). Also, the first Pentecostals did not use instruments when they sang in tongues either.

P. S. In the video at 5:00 there is a prophecy given by someone in the congregation. Pretty neat, wasn’t expecting that!

 

[EvangelCatholic]

Ok. More like this then. The video is John Wimber (founder of the Vineyard movement) and a church service. Singing in the Spirit starts at 1:24. It’s preceded by singing “Spirit of the Living God.”

This was when Wimber was still alive. I’ve heard in recent decades the Vineyard movement has tended to downplay public exercise of the gifts, so I don’t know if singing in the Spirit is still common in most Vineyard churches today.

The way it sounds in this video is how it happened often at Brownsville (I wasn’t there but they used to have an archive of the revival services online and I watched quite a few). Also, the first Pentecostals did not use instruments when they sang in tongues either.

Yes, it was more like the Vineyard video. Outward devotion to Jesus. As we were reciting the Our Father a choir emerged thoughout the assembly.

 

[ltwin]

Yes, it was more like the Vineyard video. Outward devotion to Jesus. As we were reciting the Our Father a choir emerged thoughout the assembly.

Those things are more common during God-sent revivals or times when God seems to be moving in a special way. It’s often noted among Pentecostal/charismatic Christians that there are times when it seems as if there is an open heaven and other times it feels as if there is a spiritual drought.

I have been in services somewhat like this. However, the speaking in tongues had less melody, so it couldn’t be called “singing.”

 

[Medawlinno]

Itwin,

Yes, you’re correct in that the speaker does not have control, as it were, over what the syllable string will be or what it will sound like; the “construction” process happens instantaneoulsy within the brain’s language functions. Again, just as if a person was imitating someone speaking a foreign language. In this instance, you don’t really think about what you’re saying (with the exception here, as opposed to glossolalia, you’re obviously trying to imitate the acent), you just do it - the best comparison I can make is sort of like the “Swedish Chef” on the Muppetts; it’s just done ad lib; the voice over guy’s not thinking about what he’s going to say, he just says it.

Same with a person speaking in tongues - no one thinks about what they’re going to say or how it’s going to be said; you just open your mouth and out it comes.

 

[ltwin]

Itwin,

Yes, you’re correct in that the speaker does not have control, as it were, over what the syllable string will be or what it will sound like; the “construction” process happens instantaneoulsy within the brain’s language functions. Again, just as if a person was imitating someone speaking a foreign language. In this instance, you don’t really think about what you’re saying (with the exception here, as opposed to glossolalia, you’re obviously trying to imitate the acent), you just do it - the best comparison I can make is sort of like the “Swedish Chef” on the Muppetts; it’s just done ad lib; the voice over guy’s not thinking about what he’s going to say, he just says it.

Same with a person speaking in tongues - no one thinks about what they’re going to say or how it’s going to be said; you just open your mouth and out it comes.

Well, how do you explain Agnes Ozman speaking in tongues in 1900 at Charles Parham’s Bethel Bible School? There were no Pentecostal Christians or churches that she could imitate (either consciously or subconsciously). She had no example to follow.

How do you explain what happened to my Southern Baptist high school classmate who didn’t know anything about speaking in tongues but one day in her room while praying she suddenly couldn’t understand the words coming out of her mouth?

Not everyone who speaks in tongues does so in the context of a group or even in a context where speaking in tongues is known and approved.

 

[ccmcmg]

In Pentecostal/charismatic Christianity, singing in tongues is called “singing in the spirit.” There is a reference to it in 1 Corinthians 14.

There are youtube videos of IHOP (as in International House of Prayer, not Pancakes ) worship where they sing in tongues. There is also a youtube video of a meeting led by John Wimber (founder of the Vineyard Movement) where the he leads the congregation in singing in the Spirit.

I think there may be a subtle difference between classical Pentecostals and charismatics when it comes to singing in the Spirit. Singing in the Spirit is not unknown in Pentecostal churches (in the early days it was called the “heavenly choir”), and it happened often at the Pensacola Outpouring at Brownsville Assembly of God in the late 90s/early 2000s.

However, personally I have never heard someone sing in tongues from the platform nor have I ever heard a congregation sing in tongues in concert. In my experience, you’re more likely to hear a congregation pray or worship in tongues all at once than you are to hear singing in the Spirit.

However, I know charismatic or neo-Pentecostal groups where congregational singing in the Spirit is VERY common. You should check out some of the music of IHOP (AKA International House of Prayer) in Kansas City.

Try searching on youtube for “IHOP singing in the spirit” and you should get some hits.

I’d just like to say to be careful how much stock you put into IHOP. I am not bashing the members or their faith, but their leadership has been under a lot of scrutiny, including during the murder investigation of one of their members, a wife of one of the leaders.

 

[grannymh]

Originally Posted by JonNC forums.catholic-questions.org/images/buttons_khaki/viewpost.gif
*speaking in tongues means nothing if there is no one able to interpret/understand what is being said. In the account of the Apostles speaking in tongues, there were people who understood what they said, in recognizable languages. Otherwise, it is simply babble. *

Jon

This is the Roman Catholic position as well (that is not to say you will not find some Catholics partaking).

In fact, unless there is someone to interpret or understand, how do you know the influence is from the Holy Spirit?

First. Itwin is doing a magnificent job answering questions. Thank you, my friend.

Regarding Acts 2: 5-11 where the crowd heard the apostles preaching in their native language. The Catholic position is that this is a miracle of hearing due to a special manifestation of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Regarding Tongues. There are two separate gifts of Tongues. There is the classical gift of speaking God’s message to the assembly or group. This gift is in St. Paul’s list of nine gifts in 1 Corinthians, 12: 4-11. This gift or ministry requires an interpreter to share God’s message in the native tongue of the assembly or group. Normally, there is a protocol of discernment which affirms the source of the message.

The second gift of Tongues is known as the common gift of Prayer Tongues where an individual yields her or his speech mechanism to the Holy Spirit. Being prayer, the person’s vocal sounds are directed to God so there is no reason for people to eavesdrop.

An easy way to understand the difference between the two gifts which employ Tongues is to picture an arrow coming down from heaven and landing in the middle of a group. The arrow represents God’s message coming from heaven to a particular group on earth.

When a person prays in tongues, the arrow does not go sideways to eavesdroppers. The arrow, representing prayer tongues, goes straight up to God in heaven.

 

[ltwin]

I’d just like to say to be careful how much stock you put into IHOP. I am not bashing the members or their faith, but their leadership has been under a lot of scrutiny, including during the murder investigation of one of their members, a wife of one of the leaders.

Well, I don’t put much stock in any human organizations. I’m not even citing them because I agree necessarily with their entire theology or the way they do things. But they do make singing in tongues a regular part of their worship, and so I mention them.

First. Itwin is doing a magnificent job answering questions. Thank you, my friend.

You’re welcome, friend!

 

[ccmcmg]

Well, I don’t put much stock in any human organizations. I’m not even citing them because I agree necessarily with their entire theology or the way they do things. But they do make singing in tongues a regular part of their worship, and so I mention them.

No worries. Wasn’t a criticism by any means. A lot of media coverage on IHOP, for good reason, and I want people to be aware, in case they are enticed.

 

[Medawlinno]

Concerning Agnes Ozman, aside from the obvious fallacies and fallouts of the incident, the fact remains that she is one of the first modern documented cases of glossolalia in the US. I was going to try and summarize my take on it, but I came across a copy of a paper which summarized it far better than I ever could. The article may be found here: you may need to “cut and paste: it into your browser.

twp.duke.edu/cms/aMediaBackend/original?slug=delib2011liu&format=pdf

 

[JonNC]

First. Itwin is doing a magnificent job answering questions. Thank you, my friend.

Regarding Acts 2: 5-11 where the crowd heard the apostles preaching in their native language. The Catholic position is that this is a miracle of hearing due to a special manifestation of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost.

Regarding Tongues. There are two separate gifts of Tongues. There is the classical gift of speaking God’s message to the assembly or group. This gift is in St. Paul’s list of nine gifts in 1 Corinthians, 12: 4-11. This gift or ministry requires an interpreter to share God’s message in the native tongue of the assembly or group. Normally, there is a protocol of discernment which affirms the source of the message.

The second gift of Tongues is known as the common gift of Prayer Tongues where an individual yields her or his speech mechanism to the Holy Spirit. Being prayer, the person’s vocal sounds are directed to God so there is no reason for people to eavesdrop.

An easy way to understand the difference between the two gifts which employ Tongues is to picture an arrow coming down from heaven and landing in the middle of a group. The arrow represents God’s message coming from heaven to a particular group on earth.

When a person prays in tongues, the arrow does not go sideways to eavesdroppers. The arrow, representing prayer tongues, goes straight up to God in heaven.

I appreciate the information in your post, and share your praise for Itwin. His (name removed by moderator)ut is always worth reading, thoughtful, and charitable.

I don’t think what you’ve said here disputes what Concrete and I were saying about what appears to be a shared position between our communions.

Jon

 

[mario_brothers]

Speaking in Tongues - Gift of Tongues

Just some questions that come to mind

Does every christian receive the Holy Spirit speak in tongues?
Does speaking in tongues prove Holy Spirit has come to a person?
Are those that speak in tongues are more spiritual or closer to God than those who do not ?
What Roll in Church meetings?
Does every christian receive the Holy Spirit speak in tongues?
Does speaking in tongues prove Holy Spirit has come to a person?

1. Are those that speak in tongues are more spiritual or closer to God than those who do not ?

2)Why was tongues brought about in the first place? Acts 2:41 Pentium - to win Souls 3000.
Luke 24:46-49 …Preaching Repentance and remission of sins…all nations. Isaiah 28:11 / 1 Corinth 14 foreign tongues

Deut 28:49 stammering lips and other tongues. Curses blessings.

Jer 5:15 Behold, I will bring a [t]nation against you [t]from afar, O house of Israel,” says the Lord. “It is a mighty nation, It is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know.

Biblical speaking the gospel in “tongues” (an unlearned language) was only a valid gift during the period of the early First Century. Tongues was a sign gift to the unbelieving Jews as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:22.

It is precisely for the reason of validating God’s acceptance of the Gentiles to the Jews and this acceptance by God for all people was at a specific time in history (Walvoord and Zuck 1984, 408)

This is what is meant by “rightly dividing the Word of God” (II Tim 2:15) and “scripture is of no private interpretation” (II Pet. 1:2)

3)If it for today it must be according to the bible

1. NOT all have the same gift, 1 Corinthians 12:30
   30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

5)The Baptism of the Spirit is into the Body of Christ, not into tongues.

1 Corinthians 12:20
Ability to speak in tongues not the evidence of being filled with the Spirit
“whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Cor. 13:8).

6)IF one speaks in tongues in CHURCH should there be interpretation. Are woman allowed to speak in tongues.

6)Are tongues initial evidence of the Holy Spirit? Sign for the unbelievers.

1. Tongues were known languages.

8)Mathew 12;39 …evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign?

A good question for the person who “prays” in ecstatic speech should ask themselves is this: “How do I know if God answered my prayer when I do not know what I prayed for?”

9)Does tongues profit a church? 1 Corinthians 14:6. 6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by [t]revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?

10)If tongues for today why were they not mentioned
as a requirement for pastors and Deacons, Titus 1:8 and Tim 3:3.

11)IF you do not know what you are saying could you be cursing God without knowing it, like the Corinth church.

12)If tongues is to edify the speaker, why does Paul say 1 Corth 14:14 we need understanding for edification.

13)Where is it the bible to receive the gift of tongues one must start in the flesh and then the Spirit will take over?

1. Tongues not fruit of the Spirit Galations 5:22:23 love, peace, longsuffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,
2. Grieving the Holy Spirit…if everyone should speak in tongues and according to … Not all do not. The holy Spirit would fail at his JOB

 

[grannymh]

Speaking in Tongues - Gift of Tongues

Just some questions that come to mind

Does every christian receive the Holy Spirit speak in tongues?

No.
We receive the Holy Spirit in the Sacrament of Baptism. Praying in tongues is separate.

Does speaking in tongues prove Holy Spirit has come to a person?

No.

Are those that speak in tongues are more spiritual or closer to God than those who do not ?

No

What Roll in Church meetings?

There are all kinds of Church meetings. Sometimes praying in tongues may be part of the meeting. Sometimes praying in tongue is not part of the meeting. It depends on the purpose of the meeting.

1. Are those that speak in tongues are more spiritual or closer to God than those who do not ?

We should not judge other people.

2)Why was tongues brought about in the first place? Acts 2:41 Pentium - to win Souls 3000.
Luke 24:46-49 …Preaching Repentance and remission of sins…all nations. Isaiah 28:11 / 1 Corinth 14 foreign tongues

Deut 28:49 stammering lips and other tongues. Curses blessings.

Jer 5:15 Behold, I will bring a [t]nation against you [t]from afar, O house of Israel,” says the Lord. “It is a mighty nation, It is an ancient nation, A nation whose language you do not know.

Biblical speaking the gospel in “tongues” (an unlearned language) was only a valid gift during the period of the early First Century. Tongues was a sign gift to the unbelieving Jews as Paul states in 1 Corinthians 14:22.

It is precisely for the reason of validating God’s acceptance of the Gentiles to the Jews and this acceptance by God for all people was at a specific time in history (Walvoord and Zuck 1984, 408)

This is what is meant by “rightly dividing the Word of God” (II Tim 2:15) and “scripture is of no private interpretation” (II Pet. 1:2)

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal follows the teaching of St. Paul. Tongues is used in two ways. First, we can pray to God in tongues.

The second way we can use tongues is a very special gift or ministry to a community or group. This separate way is used to bring God’s message to an assembled group who are meeting tighter.

The difference between the two different ways of using tongues is that the first way is praying to God. And the second way is God “speaking” to us.

Answers to post 75 will be continued in the next post.

 

[grannymh]

Continued from granny’s post 76

Speaking in Tongues - Gift of Tongues

Just some questions that come to mind.

3)If it for today it must be according to the bible

1. NOT all have the same gift, 1 Corinthians 12:30
   30 Do all have gifts of healings? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret?

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal follows St. Paul’s description of the two separate gifts of the Holy Spirit which use tongues. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 12 , St. Paul lists nine classical gifts or ministries. In 1 Corinthians, chapter 14, there is a comparison between praying to God in tongues and giving God’s message to a group.

5)The Baptism of the Spirit is into the Body of Christ, not into tongues.

This is correct.

1 Corinthians 12:20
Ability to speak in tongues not the evidence of being filled with the Spirit
“whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away” (1 Cor. 13:8).

In heaven, we are in the direct presence of God. In heaven, we will not need earthly gifts.

6)IF one speaks in tongues in CHURCH should there be interpretation. Are woman allowed to speak in tongues.

This is a reference to two of the classical gifts or ministries listed by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12. When tongues is used to bring God’s message to a group, then there has to be a person with the classical gift of interpretation. In the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, women can receive and use the gifts of the Holy Spirit.

6)Are tongues initial evidence of the Holy Spirit? Sign for the unbelievers.

This is a reference to a description of the two different gifts which use tongues used by St. Paul in 1 Corinthians, chapter 14

1. Tongues were known languages.

This is a reference to Acts 2: 5-11. It is considered a miracle.

8)Mathew 12;39 …evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign?

This is not a reference to the special gifts of the Holy Spirit which were given to the Catholic Church at Pentecost.

A good question for the person who “prays” in ecstatic speech should ask themselves is this: “How do I know if God answered my prayer when I do not know what I prayed for?”

In the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, there is always a purpose for prayer. The general purposes of prayer are 1. to praise, love, adore God. 2. to be sorrowful for our sins and ask God for mercy. 3. to thank God for all that He has done for us, especially when He is present in the Catholic Eucharist. 4. to pray to God for others.

When we pray in our native language, we usually pray for one or more of the above general purposes. When we do not have a specific intention for our prayers, we say to God “Here I am Lord.” In other words, prayer of any kind puts us in the presence of God.

The Catholic Charismatic Renewal teaches that when we want to pray in tongues, we yield our speech mechanism, tongue, lips, sound, etc., to the Holy Spirit. In a general way, we are thinking about one or more of the above purposes for prayer; however, we want the Holy Spirit to form our prayer. The Holy Spirit does this by using our speech mechanism to make the sounds of prayer. We let the sounds come in our humility. When we pray either in our native language or in tongues, we hope that God will answer and we trust in God’s judgment.

More answers to post 75 will be continued in the next post.

 

[grannymh]

Continued from granny’s post 77.

Speaking in Tongues - Gift of Tongues

Just some questions that come to mind.

9)Does tongues profit a church? 1 Corinthians 14:6. 6 But now, brethren, if I come to you speaking with tongues, what shall I profit you unless I speak to you either by [t]revelation, by knowledge, by prophesying, or by teaching?

St. Paul is referring to building up the Church of Jesus Christ. In that sense, praying in tongues to God benefits the individual. Giving God’s message in tongues to the assembled community benefits the community.

10)If tongues for today why were they not mentioned
as a requirement for pastors and Deacons, Titus 1:8 and Tim 3:3.

1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus are known as St. Paul’s “pastoral epistles”. As with all of St. Paul’s letters, they have a specific audience and they address the needs of that audience. We need to remember that Corinth was not the only place which had the Holy Spirit gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians, chapters 12 and 14. Not every place needed the “corrections” which St. Paul gave to the Corinth community.

Regarding the use of tongues today after a long absence. The word “renewal” in Catholic Charismatic Renewal refers to the Holy Spirit “renewing” the Pentecost gifts.

11)IF you do not know what you are saying could you be cursing God without knowing it, like the Corinth church.

St. Paul does not address the sin of cursing God in 1 Corinthians chapter 14. He addresses the sin of pride – the same pride which exists today when someone thinks they are more spiritual or closer to God than those of us who pray in our native language. Note that St. Paul does not deny the gift of prayer tongues. He wants it to be used properly in relationship to the classical gift or ministry of presenting God’s message to the assembled community.

12)If tongues is to edify the speaker, why does Paul say 1 Corth 14:14 we need understanding for edification.

There are two, totally separate and distinct gifts of the Holy Spirit which use tongues.
Unfortunately, there are times when the word “speak” is used for both gifts. (1 Corinthians 14: 18) To tell the difference, one has to read the entire context. (1 Corinthians 14-15) Edification can be applied to the speaker who is praying to God in tongues and also to the assembled community who listens to the speaker who is giving God’s message to this community.

13)Where is it the bible to receive the gift of tongues one must start in the flesh and then the Spirit will take over?

1 Corinthians 12: 7. “To each individual the manifestation of the Holy Spirit is given for some benefit.”

1. Tongues not fruit of the Spirit Galations 5:22:23 love, peace, longsuffering, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance,

The gift of tongues is a separate gift from all the many gifts of the Holy Spirit. For example the gifts in Isaiah 11: 1-3, wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord. (Paragraph 1831,* Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition*)

In the Catholic tradition, the fruits of the Holy Spirit are perfections that the Holy Spirit forms in us as the first fruits of eternal glory. They are charity, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, generosity, gentleness, faithfulness, modesty, self-control, chastity.(paragraph 1832,* Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition*)

1. Grieving the Holy Spirit…if everyone should speak in tongues and according to … Not all do not. The holy Spirit would fail at his JOB

In 1 Corinthians 12: 4, St Paul emphasizes the different kinds of spiritual gifts, plus the different forms of service. “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, …” (Corinthians 1: 12: 12-31) We will never be clones of each other. The Holy Spirit sees us as individuals. The Holy Spirit will do an excellent job with us, if we let Him. We are not the ones who determine what kind of language or tongues everyone has to use.

Thank you for your questions. It is by asking questions that together, we find God’s truth. If you have more questions, please do not hesitate…ask.

Links to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition

usccb.org/beliefs-and-teachings/what-we-believe/catechism/catechism-of-the-catholic-church/

scborromeo.org/ccc.htm

Link to basic information about the gifts of the Holy Spirit which are mentioned in 1 Corinthians, chapters 12 and 14

brendancase.com/uploads/Key_to_the_Charismatic_Renewal.pdf

Link to the Catholic Charismatic Renewal. Refer to menu on the left.

nsc-chariscenter.org/AboutCCR/

 

[ccmcmg]

Well, thanks Granny! I was going to answer similarly from what I know, and you did a much better job of it.

So consider this post a ‘ditto’ of everything GrannyMH said. <3

The one question that stuck with me that I will answer from my own heart:
How do we know if God hears/answers our prayers if we don’t know what we said?

God knows us better than we do. He sees us with complete love **and **justice. I would say very few people see themselves 100% clearly; God does. He also knows what we need most, and what is deepest in our hearts. Have you ever had ‘thoughts’ that you couldn’t find the perfect words for, but you still knew what you meant? The Holy Spirit does the same with our deepest feelings, wants, needs. Praying in tongues is new to me. Are my prayers better? Not as I’m aware, but they are different. I still find great comfort and satisfaction in praying in English, but I’ve also found great comfort and satisfaction in praying in tongues.

When you pray in tongues, you are not necessarily praying better; you are just praying differently. I trust that God knows what is in my heart. I do still pray in ‘English’ also, but isn’t that more for me, anyway? Is prayer in English better than prayer in Spanish, Russian, Latin? Nope.

Praying in tongues ‘frees’ my mind, my heart, my soul, from the confines of language. I don’t have to think about if I’m using the right words, or phrasing something correctly. Some might view it as using God’s native language, one our heart and soul know and God knows, but unable for our minds to understand.

Of all the gifts I’ve received (and opened!) from the Holy Spirit, wisdom or knowledge, and understanding are ones that are challenging me, while at the same time blessing me. Praying in tongues is a different gift as GrannyMH described it, and will have different fruits. For me, so far, praying in tongues is much easier than sharing the other gifts.

How do I know that praying in tongues is real? And how do I know the gifts that I’ve received are real? While the gifts are perfect, I am not. Let me say that first. I’m still learning and absorbing. Just as a surgeon isn’t taught on the first day how to do brain surgery, or even pinky surgery…I’m still learning. To answer how I know…I just do. When something is placed in your heart by God… Sure there are people who think that they have certain gifts, but actually do not…just as there are anorexic people who think that they are fat. But we have to trust in God, trust in the Holy Spirit, to guide us. My own human intellect has been growing for almost 45 years. I’ve used it, honed it. Opening up and receiving these gifts is still fairly new to me, and I’m still learning, and always will be. As with the analogy above, a heart surgeon isn’t given a scalpel on the first day and told to cut; he has to learn. God bless us in our learning how to use His Gifts.

And Mario, ‘welcome’ to CAF; I see this was your first post since you joined. I hope you find the answers here you need.

(PS: as with anything I type, if something made sense, please give all Glory and Praise to God; if something is wrong, or doesn’t make sense, then please accept my apologies; I’m a mere human.)