For a long time the gift of praying in tongues was forgotten, and even seemed to have disappeared from the Church
Prayer in tongues is a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12.10). St Paul makes various quotations on this charism and its importance for those who put it into practice. We see the Apostle and in instruction to the Corinthians about the use of the gift of tongues and in the exaggeration that sometimes occurred; We realize that this was a gift used frequently, a common gift for them and so was, in the early days, to the Church.
Photo: Yamin/cancaonova.com
However, for a long time it was forgotten and even seemed to have disappeared from the Church, but again this form of prayer has gained expression and is increasingly common practice amid the Charismatic Renewal.
How many times we seem lost, not knowing how to pray? We have the words. Other times we began to praise God and we’re not able to stay even five minutes in his praise. Other times, still, we feel our hearts pounding almost out of our chest and we can’t wait to talk to Him, but every word that comes to us appears to be insufficient.
The spirit prays in us
It’s good to know that we are not alone, the spirit even comes in aid to our weakness.
Because we don’t know what we should ask for or how to pray as we ought, He even is willing to pray for us. It is God’s own spirit, that dwells in our hearts, which is our temples, to pray for us. The Scripture says that he does with groans, ineffable ways that human intelligence is unable to understand.
It is moaning, syllables combined in a manner intelligible, but of great significance. It is God, being a parent and knowing our heart, wants to take us to a deep prayer.
Prayer in tongues does not say things that human intelligence understands
The one who prays in tongues does not say things that human intelligence is able to understand;his prayer springs from his heart, his spirit into the heart of God; No one understands, not even himself, because he says mysterious things under the action of the Holy Spirit. That is an obstacle to people who rationalize everything. This prayer is a humiliation for intelligence. How many people praying in tongues are asking themselves if they’re not doing something stupid, even feeling ridiculous for consent to start such a form of prayer. It would be contradictory to understand it when the Scripture says it is not possible to do so.
There are many who say they don’t want to the gifts, that the charity is enough for them, as if you were prioritizing the charisms and vice versa. The Holy Spirit teaches us: seek to live in charity. Aim also the spiritual gifts. We should aspire to the charity at the same intensity, the same shape and depth that the spiritual gifts (which turn out to be a charity’s own operation).
Prayer in tongues is the only building facing personal charisma
Happy are those who seek and venture, even when feelings contradict the intention to launch this wonderful experience, since he who so pray edifies himself. All other charisms are for other people; prayer in tongues is the only charism focused on personal edification. We should not waste it.
Excerpted from: “Quando só Deus é a resposta” (When only God is the Answer)