How to Pray in Tongues in 3 Easy Steps

Have you ever been really excited about the prospect of a new job, or opportunity, only to be disappointed once you got it?

A nervous trainee asked me once about the first time that I ever waited on a table. That was more than 30 years ago, but I remember the experience like it was yesterday. I had only been a cashier for a few months, at Red Lobster, before the position i was hired for was phased out. I was thrust, head on, into my new life as a server.

 As a young single mother, I was excited about the new role, and the potential to nearly double my income, especially at Christmas. Shirt pressed, apron on, pens on deck and black book in hand, I was ready for my first day; but it wasn’t long before that day took a drastic turn for the worst. This was long before corporate style training. Back then training was sink or swim style, and i was drowning.

The confusion and chaos quickly reduced me to tears, in the middle of the dining room. "I quit." I mumbled, as i walked right out the front door. My manager, Maurice, rushed behind me, mostly because I still had their money in my pocket. Nevertheless, he calmed me down, and we quickly recognized that the problem wasn't all me. As excited as I was to serve, I had not been properly trained to do so effectively. It was assumed, since I already worked in the restaurant, that I would automatically pick up on things with just a brief overview of the job.

I felt the same fearful excitement when I first thought about the idea of praying in tongues. I researched it, read about it, and watched on from my seat as others around me engaged. I knew that I wanted to do it. I even recognized why I needed to do it. The problem was that I had no idea how to do it.

The Spirit filled churches, especially in the 80's, leaned towards leading through example. An information nerd like me can sometimes feel at a loss in the 'how to' department. Even turning to research, and asking elders, everything that I read, or heard, further served the why, and not the how. 

The common answer on the how was only what I already knew, to simply pray about it. While it truly is that simple, my mortal mind felt the need to need to fill in some details. So, for my fellow information geeks, here it is: How to pray in tongues, in three easy steps.

Step One:

The first step is not really something that you should do, as much as it is something that you should not do. As you prepare to take this step with God, try to keep it personal, between you and Him. Its ok to look for guidance from spiritual leaders, but I would avoid discussing the endeavor with nonbelievers for now.

The Spiritual weapon that you are about to pick up is a mighty one, and your adversary, the devil, will go to great lengths to keep you from ever picking it up, or learning how to use it. He will join forces with the nay sayers that he has strategically planted in your life.

 

Step 2:

Talk to God about the process. Yes, pray. Pray specifically, and secretly, about the feelings or apprehensions that you are having, and seek His word to overcome them. If you are feeling overwhelmed, ask God to increase your faith in this area.

 As a young Christian, my first exposure to this type of prayer was during a nine-week revival, at a Spirit filled, Pentecostal church, in rural Georgia. My second, as a young adult, was during a healing crusade that my mom and stepfather brought me to, somewhere in the Panhandle of north Florida. I was pretty sick at that time, and I did believe that God could heal, even then.

To be honest though, I felt quite intimidated by the thought of tongues both times, but not because I didn't believe in the validity of it. Praying in tongues is definitely Scriptural. I have Bead that enough for myself. This may sound silly, but the thought of losing control of myself, or my mouth, was pretty terrifying to me, but I still wanted to do it though.

 Over the years, I stood in line for prayer, whenever the subject came up. I felt like I was standing in line for the debut of a new roller coaster; nearly paralyzed by fear, yet anxiously anticipating my turn. Most times, I would chicken out, and slip back to my seat; but privately, I asked God to increase my faith.

Now, I like practical solutions. So, for this step, it helped me to think of God whispering a secret into the ear of my spirit. Then, me attempting to repeat what I heard in my spirit using my mouth. Doing this will help keep your mind centered on God’s, listening for His voice.

 

 

Step 3:

Last, but certainly not least, it’s time to start making sounds. The next time you are in silent prayer, or emersed in worship, just start making sounds; not necessarily words, just sounds. We are free will beings, and God will only go with us as far as He is welcomed. Parting our lips, and releasing sound, is our part to do. I found it  most natural to lean into this step by way of worship.

 Louis Armstrong is credited with the origin of scat singing. The idea came to him completely by accident actually, when he dropped his sheet music while recording his 1926 hit song Heebie Jeebies. While performing, his sheet music blew away, out of his reach. He filled in with a vocal improvisation. The audience assumed that he had revised the rendition on purpose. Since then, jazz vocalists have prided themselves on their ability to use their voices as instruments, creating music from wordless phrases like doo, be, shoo, bop, ooh, dee, doo, sha-bam. This is the closest natural equivalent that I can offer, for the spiritual practice of singing in tongues. 

 

In Short:

Having finally resolved, that I wanted to pray in tongues, the first thing I did was ask. I brought my desire honestly before the Lord. I asked God to increase my faith in this area, removing any carnal thoughts of intimidation, or inadequacy.

Next, I brought my request to the alter. In church, we tend to sit in the same area, around the same people, every Sunday morning. For a few weeks, I purposely sat somewhere else, on the opposite side of the sanctuary, until I could finally venture to the front.

I found it helpful to step away from the comfort of my usual seat for two reasons. One, I had to crucify my fear. The alter had been a place of intimidation for me. That was a feeling that needed to die. Secondly, at the altar, I could immerse myself in worship. Absent of distraction, I could be fully present in my prayers. I sat quietly for a while, taking in the music and silently praying the words. Then, I began to hum.

 The most difficult part of praying in tongues is the decision to open your mouth. We can receive the most beautifully wrapped gift, adorned with lavish bows, but we will not enjoy its contents until we make the choice to open the box. The Holy Spirit can fill us to the brim with His glorious presence, but opening your mouth, and releasing sound, will always be your decision to make. Finally, I parted my lips and quietly scatted a verse. Before I could take a second thought, I was belting out ballads of praise, and I have been every since.