SPLIT: Speaking in Tongues (Revisited)

[St_Gabriel]

St Gabriel and others,

As I said to another poster, I’m not here to argue the gifts but to explain the differences between gifts. Also, I am not here to convince anyone to accept anything. All I want to do is to explain the two gifts of tongues so that one can make an informed decision. One does not have to belong to a prayer group in order to pray to God in tongues.

It is very difficult for me to go into depth regarding the common gift of praying to God in tongues when it appears that it is being confused with the very rare gift of speaking a message from God to the community. Nor can I go into the very rare gift of speaking a message from God when it is confused with praying to God.

The difficulty with Paul’s letters is that he knows that his readers know which gift he is talking about.

Years ago, when I was in school theatre, there was a saying that theatre required a “willing suspension of disbelief” from the audience. Instead of worrying about unknown languages and missing interpretations, it really would be nice to talk about just one gift at a time. In my humble opinion, it is so much easier to start with the common gift praying to God in tongues. If only those pride-filled Corinthians could be suspended from our thoughts…

Blessings,
granny

“The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?”
from the poem “Christmas” by George Herbert

Sure. I have no problem with discussing one gift at a time. Feel free to correct anything that I write that does not agree with your knowledge of the subject (as I said before, I am totally ignorant on this subject which is why I keep posting questions). I am hoping that someone here will have a straight answer. I appreciate all your help Granny and don’t see any of your comments being argumentative. I hope that mind aren’t coming out that way either. I am looking for a Catholic approach to understanding what these gifts are. I already know that they are for the building up of the individual and of the Church, so I don’t have any questions in regards to how they relate to the sacraments. My main question is to distinquish the difference between the two gifts.

OK. So, we know that there are only two forms of tongues.

1. Praying in tongues is for private use. The only ones who are involved are the one who is praying and God and there is nobody else. It primarily is used to worship God, but it is prayer and as such it contains our innermost thoughts and feelings (which God already knows). It is directed to God alone but we can receive a response to that prayer. That response should always lead us back to God and make us good christians. It can lead us to participate in the sacraments and to follow or hold on to the teachings which were handed to us through the apostles, Sacred Tradition and God’s Word (the scriptures). It can build up the virtues of Hope, Faith and Love in the one who prays using this gift.

Human words are used for communicating with other humans. So in this case, they really are not necessary, because we are communicating directly to God who does not need language to know how we feel and what should be said. It can come out as a moan, whisper or a groan etc… It does not necessarily need words or structure. It may only last a few seconds or could go for a while longer.

Have I confused this with contemplative prayer? The two appear similar to me except that, contemplative prayer is totally silent and in contemplative prayer we hear our Lord speak without words whereas in tongues He hears us speak (and so may someone else who is eavesdropping).

1. Speaking in tongues is for public use. It’s used in conjunction with the gifts of prophesy and interpretation. In this case, a message from God is given by one individual with this gift to give to the group (community). The gift of interpretation is needed so that the person(s) who hear the one who is speaking in tongues will know what is the message. I would guess that this form of tongues needs structure inorder to be fully understood by an interpretator.

Let’s leave the Corinthians out of this for now. I know that they placed too much emphasis on the gift of tongues and not enough on the others.

Have I got it right? Maybe I need to check the catechism.

 

[jaq1966]

Here’s a few questions for you. Did you ever hear those “tongue speakers” actually speak in tongues? Were they all speaking the same words at the same time? Any interpreters? How did it make you feel?

Did you ever hear those “tongue speakers” actually speak in tongues? And if you did, did it sound like a language (more than one syllable words, with variety in sentence structure and pauses)?
I apologize if you took that derogatorily that wasn’t my intent, I call them this because I don’t don’t really know what to call them “people with gifts” that implies I might be getting presents, nice thought, but not correct, “gifted people” maybe, maybe not I’ve seen no IQ scores. So I settled for “tongue speakers” because it seemed to best describe. The first time they did this in my presences I didn’t hear them at all, and that scared me. The second time I heard the droning but they were to far away to hear any form of speech, my brother who was directly behind them described it as “babytalk/gibberish”. the few directly behind me were all speaking a long drawn out series of the soft “s” sound. Like an air leak in a bicycle tire. And the reason I describe it that way is because my thought process was “hissing=snake, biblical snake=devil, DEVIL= AHHHH.” but I was definitely in the dark, and a leaky bike tire in the dark will most definitely make you jump on a chair." and if I’m going to understand them, I need to come out of the dark.

Any interpreters?
None that I know of, but as far as I knew ,no one asked for an interpretation either, but I asked one later what is was saying when he did this, he said he didn’t know the holy spirit uses his body to pray to god, I asked when do you pray to god, he said “I don’t.” That actually may me feel very sad for him.

How did it make you feel?
Terrified at first, my but my material instincts were on high alert, my 4 children where scattered all over, one son was among the groomsman, one son was told to stand in the back, one daughter (the bride) was surrounded by his family, and my other daughter(maid of honor) was standing directly next to what at that time I deemed the head demon of all of them …their priest. I couldn’t be in 4 places at once, I know that terrified me . and, The fact that this was presented to me as “exactly the same as Roman Catholic.” which created a very serious fun house like effect in my former roman catholic mind, so yeah, it terrified me.
When he (the priest) started explain how silly and stupid the Russian Orthodox marriage ritual was, because they put silly wreaths on your heads (I thought they are crowns, moron) and it goes on for like an hour (thought, bah, try closer to 2 hours for the service, 2 days for the ceremony, dummy.) and how Nick (my son in law) said “Yeah that stupid , I don’t want any part of that.” (I thought, awwww, Nicky? Why would you say that? and welled up a bit, because that really hurt me.) so to directly answer your question… and the whole ceremony not just the hissy tongue speaking parts. I felt confusion, terror, disapproval, straight up contempt, sorrow for the hurt, and back to terror. not very clear eyes to view a new religion through at all. Huh?

And that answers the biggest question I have in all of this “why I feared it?”
I once acted as an ambassador for my hospital as a witness to a Santeria last rites ritual for a dying patient, it was most cool, and smelled wonderful with the incense and fragrant candles, the dead chicken was a little yucky but I just looked away for those parts.
I stood witness to my brother’s broom jumping ceremony to his beautiful caring Wiccan wife,
it was beautiful. Hope the memory stays with me until I’m old ,Grey, and feeble.
but I knew they were a Santeria last ritual, and Wiccan marriage ceremony, would I have felt the same if either were presented to me as “exactly like Roman Catholic.”? I’m now thinking not.
And I stand by what I said, this “priest” was mean spirited and in no way a spiritual leader, but if I dig around in my brain enough I bet I can remember a few RC priest whom can be described the same way.

 

[St_Gabriel]

Posted by jaq1966 I apologize if you took that derogatorily that wasn’t my intent

No problem here. I didn’t take it derogatorily. It sounds like you had a very scary experience.

The fact that this was presented to me as “exactly the same as Roman Catholic.” which created a very serious fun house like effect in my former roman catholic mind, so yeah, it terrified me.

The question I’d like to ask you is, was this person who told you that it was Roman Catholic, actually Roman Catholic? I have never ever heard a Roman Catholic speak in tongues and I have been Roman Catholic for more than 40 years. Hence, all my questions to the experts and I am hoping that more will step up to the plate, since my experience is very limited – too limited. There very well could be people that pray like that who are Roman Catholic. I don’t know if it’s authentic but the Holy Spirit knows and God can make sense out of all (He knows what is true) for as my signature reads, “For with God nothing will be impossible”.

I heard and watched a guy on TV (a contestant on a game show) who was preparing to win the grand prize of $50,000 for doing a dare stunt. He did something that sounded like “babytalk” before he was going to do his stunt while he was sitting in his car. When the host of the program had asked him what he was doing, he replyed, “I was praying in tongues!”
And you know something, I believe that he really thought that he was. I can’t say whether or not it was authentic, but this guy knew there were cameras on him. At the time, I thought it seemed rather odd to use tongues as a way to petition God, but maybe he couldn’t come up with the right words? Who knows?

 

[rainy64]

I had an unusual experience when I was 14 yrs old… I was in a church (Charismatic) thanking God…thanking Jesus for dying for me all he took on…I couldn’t say enough…something came out of my mouth…a sentence or two. It scared me…startled me actually. I covered my mouth with my hand. Nothing for years… Heard a sister in my school speak in tongues… then I realized what had happened to me. When it happened I was crying and so full of love for Jesus I felt amazing!
Years later, age 42, I was extremely ill. Near death. Quietly reading the Bible and praying and saying God is good… he has control of this. I’m not afraid to die. AGAIN… another sentence came out–in Tongues----I kept it going this time. (Use it or lose it).
Once I ran into a couple who were coming inot a church and were preparing for the rosary that morning (I hadn’t returned to work yet, at that time, but while I was sick I couldn’t eat much…ended up being 40 days before I could eat normally.(Another weird coincidence). I asked the couple how are you doing? The wife said she was fine, and she said but my husband here isn’t doing so good. I asked if he wanted me to pray for and with him. I started out in tongues… that’s what came out. HE started crying… and yellow chunks came out of his eyes (he was wearing heavy sunglasses and walking with a cane). (Later, they told me that he had prayed for a “Special sign” something he would know came form the Holy Spirit i helping his healing. The tongues was exactly what he needed at that time! )
We have a family member who is involved in witchcraft and I pray in tongues before she comes and after she leaves–It’s a “dark” feeling when she’s around. The tongues lightens it.
I’ve never had anyone translate it. I don’t shout it. I pray i tongues frequently…I could go on 3 hrs of sleep if I speak in tongues for 15 minutes! I can’t convince anyone. I do know that the few people who have heard me speak out loud…said I’m not repeating just one sentence and they have felt peace with it. I know it brings me peace and if it can benefit those who need a “sign” and if it is some code directly to God… a perfect prayer that we can’t mess up with our own thoughts(Or one that Satan can’t understand)… then I’m all for it.
I have seen a deaf woman speak in tongues with no “deaf” sound in her voice! That to me was amazing! I have known her for 8 years. when she speaks English she sounds like she has a very bad cold…to almost totally un-understandable, depending on the date.
Tongues are real. They are powerful…but they are used incorrectly, counterfeited by some… and many use them as a one-upmanship of another. Tongues in Order is Paul’s request. Pray with the spirit or with your understanding…I like to use it—have had some “evil” to pray off (And I didn’t shout). I prayed in English and in tongues. But that’s another thread…
Thanks.
Rainy:thumbsup:

 

[St_Gabriel]

Thanks for sharing those wonderful experiences Rainy64. So in both of your situations (age 14 and praying with the ill man), it sounds like praying in tongues was not something that was forced. It was just sort of automatic response?

 

[St_Gabriel]

My next question:

While praying in tongues is the person in like a trance like state (some might prefer the term ecstasy)?

 

[jaq1966]

No problem here. I didn’t take it derogatorily. It sounds like you had a very scary experience.

The question I’d like to ask you is, was this person who told you that it was Roman Catholic, actually Roman Catholic? I have never ever heard a Roman Catholic speak in tongues and I have been Roman Catholic for more than 40 years. Hence, all my questions to the experts and I am hoping that more will step up to the plate, since my experience is very limited – too limited. There very well could be people that pray like that who are Roman Catholic. I don’t know if it’s authentic but the Holy Spirit knows and God can make sense out of all (He knows what is true) for as my signature reads, “For with God nothing will be impossible”.

I do know for fact that This entire group of people are Roman Catholic, The First Thing I did when returning from the wedding was start to investigate charismatic christian. I started with the internet, I found a lot of soured opinions from former members, but noting really fact based, so I tried the Roman catholic church that this group is governed by, I told the very nice deacon I spoke to I was researching the charismatic faith. and asked him a myriad of questions, He told me “…as a requirement of the local charismatic chapter, that roman catholic church, hold the records for and the members are required to be members of the his church as well. Most attend masses in that roman catholic church at least 4 times a year, but the rest of the time just attend mass in their building near by.” So I do know they are at the very least what my mom used to call PACE Catholics (the ones who show up for Passover, Ash wednesday, Christmas, and Easter) I assume that is what he meant by "4 times"and Pace Catholics are still roman Catholics. However my mother also used the term “speaking in tongues” as a euphemism for sassing, sibling arguments, and anything she conceived to be a blasphemy. her Mantra was “Don’t you speak in tongues in my house, young lady!!” I just don’t know which side of the coin to believe.

I heard and watched a guy on TV (a contestant on a game show) who was preparing to win the grand prize of $50,000 for doing a dare stunt. He did something that sounded like “babytalk” before he was going to do his stunt while he was sitting in his car. When the host of the program had asked him what he was doing, he replyed, “I was praying in tongues!”
And you know something, I believe that he really thought that he was. I can’t say whether or not it was authentic, but this guy knew there were cameras on him. At the time, I thought it seemed rather odd to use tongues as a way to petition God, but maybe he couldn’t come up with the right words? Who knows?

praying in tongues? or Tongue tied while praying? … interesting concept, worthy of further contemplation.

 

[grannymh]

Sure. I have no problem with discussing one gift at a time. Feel free to correct anything that I write that does not agree with your knowledge of the subject (as I said before, I am totally ignorant on this subject which is why I keep posting questions).

We are good discussion partners.

OK. So, we know that there are only two forms of tongues.

Correct. Your explanation of praying in tongues is excellent. If I may, I would like to add to it.

1. Praying in tongues

is for private use.
Would you believe that I kept thinking about this as if I were meditating on it? This may be due to the fact that I usually defend the reality of Adam and Eve and the complete human nature of body and soul. My two favorite paragraphs from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, Second Edition are #355 and #356. Catechism link www.scborromeo.org/ccc.htm
Through Adam, not only are we individuals different from all of creation, but we are called to share through knowledge and love in God’s own life – we are created in the “Image of God”.

Prayer connects us to God. God, on the other hand, has given us a variety of ways of praying, the best being the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. God knows us as individuals who have a private life as well as living in community.

The only ones who are involved are the one who is praying and God and there is nobody else.

This is true. Going back to my kind of meditating on prayer, Adam, and human nature – The reason this is true is that having a spiritual soul, we have intellect and will. Thus, on our own, we sort out how we wish to pray and then do it. God becomes our complete focus.

It primarily is used to worship God, but it is prayer and as such it contains our innermost thoughts and feelings (which God already knows).

This is very insightful.

It is directed to God alone but we can receive a response to that prayer. That response should always lead us back to God and make us good christians. It can lead us to participate in the sacraments and to follow or hold on to the teachings which were handed to us through the apostles, Sacred Tradition and God’s Word (the scriptures). It can build up the virtues of Hope, Faith and Love in the one who prays using this gift.

Correct. I would like to add that all of the above happens when we practice humility in the presence of God. This will lead to further questions/discussions.

Humility can be as simple as kneeling on the floor next to one’s bed. Formal prayers can help us realize our humble status. Contemplative prayer relies on our humility so that we can listen to God.

Prayer is an act of humility in that it acknowledges our dependence on God. Thus we both petition God and thank Him. Prayer acknowledges our free will which we abuse when we sin. Thus prayer acknowledges our willful failings, expresses our sorrow, and asks for mercy. At the end of the day, we realize how great our God is and we adore Him.

Being in a position of humility opens us up to God so that He can respond with His graces which in turn aid us to participate in the Sacraments and the rest you mentioned above. You are the first person I’ve heard who included the virtues of Hope, Faith and Love. This is so true. Thank you for teaching me.

Praying in tongues is a form of humility in that we have yielded to the Holy Spirit so that He can pray from “our innermost thoughts and feelings” because as you said above, God already knows these. Even so, it takes true humility for us to express our hidden LOL self.

Continued on Post 88

 

[grannymh]

Continued from Post 87

Human words are used for communicating with other humans. So in this case, they really are not necessary, because we are communicating directly to God who does not need language to know how we feel and what should be said. It can come out as a moan, whisper or a groan etc… It does not necessarily need words or structure. It may only last a few seconds or could go for a while longer.

Correct. I would like to expand this by saying that we are “so human” that we like to have the physical expressing the spiritual. Remember the story about the little boy who was afraid of the dark when he went to bed. His mother told him that Jesus was always there. “But,” responded the little boy, “I want a Jesus with skin.”

Human words are the sign or skin of our communication with other humans. When we pray in tongues, it is our own skin which in a very broad sense is the sign that we are communicating with God. Yielding to the Holy Spirit means we give Him control of our speech mechanisms, lips, tongue, and larynx.

At this point it must be remembered that the gift of praying to God in tongues is under our control. We have to begin. We open our own mouths. We are the ones who have to let our lips relax so that we can feel the sound coming forth. We let our tongue move as in speaking a language. Sometimes it is just our breath we feel, like a whisper or moan as you mentioned. You are right in commenting that we don’t necessarily need words or structure. All we need is our decision to yield to the Holy Spirit.

As sounds are made, we accept them as coming under the direction of the Holy Spirit. This is not the time to analyze them. This is the time to be humble like the child we once were.

Have I confused this with contemplative prayer?

The two appear similar to me except that, contemplative prayer is totally silent and in contemplative prayer we hear our Lord speak without words whereas in tongues He hears us speak (and so may someone else who is eavesdropping).

No, you have not confused praying in tongues with contemplative prayer. On the other hand, praying to God in tongues can be used as a way to begin contemplative prayer in the same manner that the Our Father or Hail Mary can be used. This may sound off the wall, but praying to God in tongues is a way of quieting our soul. This is due to the humility involved with a gift of tongues.

Regarding sound of prayer tongues. Prayer tongues can employ our entire speech faculty so that sound is produced. I cannot speak for others, but from my own experience, when I pray silently in tongues, only my tongue moves slightly. Sometimes, my lips may move slightly in unison with my tongue, but there is no breath and no sound. No one around me can detect my praying.

One last point. While prayer tongues is private, it can be used in a group setting.
This is where misuse and abuse comes in. Let’s talk about this in another post.
For now, praying in tongues in a group should be similar to praying the Our Father during the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Focusing on God is primary. Being respectful is very important.

I’ve handed you quite a bit. Let’s hold off on the other gift of speaking God’s message to the group. Looking forward to your comments and questions.

Blessings,
granny

“The shepherds sing; and shall I silent be?”
from the poem “Christmas” by George Herbert

 

[St_Gabriel]

*** He told me “…as a requirement of the local charismatic chapter, that roman catholic church, hold the records for and the members are required to be members of the his church as well. Most attend masses in that roman catholic church at least 4 times a year, but the rest of the time just attend mass in their building near by.” So I do know they are at the very least what my mom used to call PACE Catholics (the ones who show up for Passover, Ash wednesday, Christmas, and Easter) I assume that is what he meant by "4 times"and Pace Catholics are still roman Catholics.

This really doesn’t make sense with me. All these people who supposedly received the gift/charism of Tongues not going to mass to fulfill their Sunday obligation, unless they are going to the other RC church the rest of the time? hmmm…

 

[grannymh]

My next question:

While praying in tongues is the person in like a trance like state (some might prefer the term ecstasy)?

Very good question.

Normally, praying in tongues is simply praying which is why it is considered a common gift. There is no real need or reason to be in a trance like state.

The reason I am a bit hesitant in answering is that the Gifts of the Holy Spirit continued in the lives of various saints down through the centuries. These saints experienced a deep prayer life which is beyond the understanding of most of us. Therefore, praying in tongues could very well be a part of their experiences.

Another reason I am hesitant is that sometimes people can induce their own trance like state. On the other side, sometimes people are so truly overwhelmed by the presence of God, that they appear to faint.

Besides needing humility for the gift of praying in tongues, one also has to trust in the Holy Spirit. Being “so human” we are bound to have a variety of experiences or no experiences connected with praying in tongues. Normally, we understand our feelings of joy or amazement, etc. If there is ever doubt, one should check with an experienced Catholic charismatic or with their pastor, or with the Charismatic Renewal liaison in the diocese.

A trance like state does not necessarily belong to the gift of praying in tongues. However, religious experiences can have different temporary effects. Temporary is the operative word.

Bottom line is that praying in tongues is simply praying. Joy and peace are a bonus.

When God is calling someone to prayer experiences similar to the saints, one will know it. God does call us to contemplative prayer. Prayer in any form helps us to respond with a humble yes.

Blessings,
granny

Human life is sacred.

 

[grannymh]

This really doesn’t make sense with me. All these people who supposedly received the gift/charism of Tongues not going to mass to fulfill their Sunday obligation, unless they are going to the other RC church the rest of the time? hmmm…

My apology to St Gabriel, Jaq 1966 and others. I will be traveling.

Jaq 1966, is the other building a recognized Catholic Parish? You mentioned “but the rest of the time just attend mass in their building near by.” I am beginning to understand what may be happening. It may be like something which happened in our town long before I moved here. Unfortunately, I think most of the people who know have moved away or are dead.

Blessings,
granny

John 3: 16-17

 

[jaq1966]

My apology to St Gabriel, Jaq 1966 and others. I will be traveling.

Jaq 1966, is the other building a recognized Catholic Parish? You mentioned “but the rest of the time just attend mass in their building near by.” I am beginning to understand what may be happening. It may be like something which happened in our town long before I moved here. Unfortunately, I think most of the people who know have moved away or are dead.

Blessings,
granny

John 3: 16-17

that is an excellent question, The sign says “visitation house” the priest and the grooms family, told my daughter and son in law to “tell your mother it’s a roman catholic church.” after one of the meetings she had with them. My daughter and son in law argued about this in the car on the way to my house, because my daughter knows in addition to a very strict catholic background; I also have 5 years of Fine Arts, and a large portion of that is dedicated to the Renaissance, especially the very specific design of the Roman Catholic church. The building is a former house, a lovely Victorian with amazing gables. I didn’t believe it, to me no narthex, no nave, no apse, no transepts, not a catholic church. sometime over the past 20 years (since I have been in art school) the catholic church might have changed this, but that seems unlikely. Since the flying buttress was invented to stabilize churches rather then change the overall design. history wise I know that the grooms dad started it in 1967, with 6 other men, at the time they weren’t charismatic christian, It was formerly called “the vineyard house” but sometime in the late 70’s ,early “80” they changed it “the visitation house.” and then "adopted? “converted to…?” Charismatic christian. They have always had a bad rep around town, but I put little stock in what the townsfolk say, it’s mostly gossip. I’ve heard It’s a cult, a halfway house, a Hippy opium den, the list goes on and on. Don’t get me wrong my neighbors aren’t bad people, but I always take what is being said with a gain of salt.

Have a great and safe trip Granny, and thanks again,
Jacquie

 

[jaq1966]

This really doesn’t make sense with me. All these people who supposedly received the gift/charism of Tongues not going to mass to fulfill their Sunday obligation, unless they are going to the other RC church the rest of the time? hmmm…

It does and it doesn’t (sorry to further confuse this issue). It does if this is just ritual, If I kneel and clasp my hands together, that’s my catholic way, and muslin kneel and bow to the east , that is their ritual, etc. I have no problem if it is just symbolic. I just feel it’s not. I take issue with the priest most of all, he told me things that I could identify immediately as a lie, and if he “lies all the time about… well everything, haha” as I was told by one of the bridesmaids that has known him her whole life. Isn’t that a false prophet by definition?
I can understand speaking in tongues, it seems rude, and distracting to those who would be trying to listen to their Sunday service. I was raised to believe, you shouldn’t speak when someone else is speaking. and if that is how charismatics go about praying who am I to judge, but I just can’t understand why the holy spirit would make anyone do things like not eat correctly for weeks, not get enough sleep, flap and flail around in “convulsion” and a variety of other activities that can harm us, if our bodies are temples. Spiritual maybe , but holy I question.
I have never allowed my children to own a Ouija board, and instructed them to not play with others, because, sure it’s fun to try to scare your friends by moving the little triangle and denying it, but sometimes they work, and you can’t control what comes through. I apply this same theory to my body. I do my best in life to do right by god, I have a charitable heart, but I am far from pure, just a sinner like the rest of the planet. and I can’t imagine the holy spirit choosing anything less than an absolute pure vessel to use to pray to god. Laymen wouldn’t be chosen for this, saints would. I hardly thing I attended this wedding with a large pack of saints.

 

[St_Gabriel]

Regarding sound of prayer tongues. Prayer tongues can employ our entire speech faculty so that sound is produced. I cannot speak for others, but from my own experience, when I pray silently in tongues, only my tongue moves slightly. Sometimes, my lips may move slightly in unison with my tongue, but there is no breath and no sound. No one around me can detect my praying.

This is interesting. I always thought that prayer tongues had to be vocal and produce a sound, otherwise, it would be mental prayer. In your example, your tongue is moving to produce the sound, but no sound comes out.

 

[grannymh]

This is interesting. I always thought that prayer tongues had to be vocal and produce a sound, otherwise, it would be mental prayer. In your example, your tongue is moving to produce the sound, but no sound comes out.

If mental prayer means prayer which is silent then any kind of prayer can be silent. Whether silent or vocal, praying in tongues comes from the Holy Spirit. Our silent prayer comes from a human mind and soul.

The reason that there is no sound is that the rest of the speech faculty is not in use.

Blessings,
granny

Human life is sacred

 

[grannymh]

St Gabriel and others,

It just occurred to me. The gift of praying in tongues continues as a Holy Spirit gift each time we pray in tongues. In other words, the Holy Spirit continues to form our sounds or language each time we choose to pray in tongues.

We keep using this special gift over and over again. It can happen that our sounds or language changes; nonetheless, the Holy Spirit is still involved.

Blessings,
granny

John 3: 16-17

 

[jaq1966]

St Gabriel and others,

It just occurred to me. The gift of praying in tongues continues as a Holy Spirit gift each time we pray in tongues. In other words, the Holy Spirit continues to form our sounds or language each time we choose to pray in tongues.

We keep using this special gift over and over again. It can happen that our sounds or language changes; nonetheless, the Holy Spirit is still involved.

Blessings,
granny

John 3: 16-17

I completely agree the Holy Spirit is involved in ALL prayer.

I know this is what I was taught in catholic school about the Holy Trinity, I don’t remember if there is actual scripture to back this up, or if was during one the sisters’ lectures. We pray to God through Jesus, and the Holy Spirit helps us to find the right words. I pray all the time, and I believe in the power of prayer. I have had prayers answered. So I’m pretty sure there is no language barrier between myself and heaven. Why is this so for me , and not for others? Why can God understand my words in english, but for some he must hear them is a foreign, ancient, or unknown tongue, and eliminate the man who is praying from “the three-way conversation” (lack of better term again St.Gabriel This can’t be to trick the Devil. I was also taught that the most dense angel in all of Heaven, or Hell, is still far, far, more intelligent the smartest man on earth, and Lucifer was the smartest angel of all, because he was able to sway more then 2/3 of God’s angels to his side with his lies. I doubt there is a language that can be used by man, that the devil could never understand.
This part I’m pretty sure was just lecture, but I was taught… Don’t think for a second you can out wit demons, they have walked among us for thousands of years observing and mimicking us. They can read the bible,and quote scripture, They don’t fear earthy Icons, and holy water doesn’t have the ‘burning’ effect on them that TV/ movies would lead to believe, but we have free will and can make reason out of allegory, simply by reading between the lines, and trusting our Gut instincts.
Demons and the devil will also not appear to us in their natural form. They will appear to us as just other people, sometimes even as divine or holy people, so if you meet a man of the cloth, who just doesn’t seem “right” be wary of them, because you never know. I’m not saying ALL people who speak in tongues, or ALL Charismatic Christians… but there is something a miss with this one particular “man of the cloth” that I have encountered, and I will remain vigilant. Because that is what 12 years of Catholic school education has taught me.

 

[Hiskid1973]

I completely agree the Holy Spirit is involved in ALL prayer.
This can’t be to trick the Devil. I was also taught that the most dense angel in all of Heaven, or Hell, is still far, far, more intelligent the smartest man on earth, and Lucifer was the smartest angel of all, because he was able to sway more then 2/3 of God’s angels to his side with his lies. I doubt there is a language that can be used by man, that the devil could never understand.

Hello my Spirit filled bother…Grace and peace to you…You make a lot of good points…But only 1/3 fell…Satan is smart and can appear as an angel of light … Those who choose not to follow Christ have him as their father…Sometimes when I am in intercession am filled with tears and it just sounds like moaning/groaning if someone would be listening…I’m in a secret place and with the Holy Spirit, God know my heart cries…Thank God He provides us with His armor and gives us understanding that we are not engaged in a battle with flesh and blood…

BTW Jac1966, is 1966 your birth year or conversion date…With Hiskid1973 I had a powerful conversion experience in August of that year…K

 

[grannymh]

Why can God understand my words in english, but for some he must hear them is a foreign, ancient, or unknown tongue, and eliminate the man who is praying from “the three-way conversation” (lack of better term again St.Gabriel

My apology for taking the above out of context. I have read and reread your original post and found a lot of inspiration in it.

Nonetheless, a tiny correction needs to be made to your question. Please omit the words "for some, He [God] must hear them in a foreign, ancient, or unknown tongue… There is no “must hear” with God. God is open to all prayers regardless of how they are said.

God gave us intellect and will so that we are free to choose how we pray to God. Of course, the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is primary. Beyond that, if we are multi-lingual we can pray in any language. Older people who have spoken English for most of their lives, tell me that when they pray they go back to the native language of their childhood. One can view the gift of prayer tongues in a similar way. Instead of praying in our childhood language or in a newer learned language, we are praying in the language of the Holy Spirit. God does not limit us to one kind of language or another. It is our free choice as to how we pray to God – just as long as we do so.

Blessings,
granny

1 Timothy 2: 1-2