J
Joysong
Guest
When a baby wishes to give utterance to his parent and communicate with them long before it understands language or knowing how to talk, he simply manifests pleasant sounds of “glossalalia” to make baby-talk with the parent. Mom and dad take particular joy in listening to these goo-goos, and there is a realization that the baby is manifesting, in its own limited way, its love to the parent. Wonder to behold, they seem to understand each other, not by words, but by the spirit of love and affection being communicated.
This is my understanding of prayer tongues. If people come before God in prayer, have their hearts and minds filled with love for Him, and utter nonsensical sounds of praise to adore Him, who of us can say it is not pleasing to Him? The intent of praising, loving, adoring God is what the Lord sees within, irregardless of whether the sounds are intelligible, or are a specific language.
Many people who use this method of communication in its prayer to God would not wish to concentrate on language, for it can be a distraction to deeper prayer. They simply lift up their hearts, and pour out their spirits in sounds, rather than remain silent. You have probably seen some persons issue forth in joyful tears when their spirit becomes so full that it overflows in an emotional release. Their loving emotion is sent forth through prayer “utterances” whether or not their mind comprehends what it speaks. The baby is communicating at its own level even though it doesn’t understand what it babbles. It is in communion with its parent.
So who can authentically say one is NOT praying? Who can read the heart, but God alone? If you are conscious of being in communion with God, does it really matter if your sounds are not in your known native language? Language is not the only criteria of authentic prayer, but it is the attitude of heart. If it helps you to release your heart without distracting your mind by composing words, then go for your prayer language, even if it is only “goo-goo.” God hears you!
Some confuse this type of prayer tongue with the prophetic tongue uttered supernaturally (though rare) in a prayer gathering. Yes, that is the type Paul referred to that needs interpretation, for the person is speaking for the Lord under His anointing. This is not the same as the simple prayer form mentioned here and which is legitimately spoken aloud in a prayer meeting or in private. It may, or may not be supernaturallly prayed, but the person’s spirit is definitely in prayer. This form does not require interpretation!