One of the greatest privileges a believer has is the ability to pray in other tongues. It is a gift given to the Church by the Lord Jesus Christ and is a vital key to spiritual strength and success. Yet many neglect this gift. They do not understand the value of praying in the Spirit daily. Because of this, they miss out on much of what God desires to do in their lives.
A person who prays much in other tongues will stay sensitive to the Holy Spirit. This is a truth I have proven time and again. Praying in the Spirit is not just for special occasions or when a crisis arises. It is something that should be practiced daily. It keeps your spirit built up. It keeps you in tune with God. It enables you to be led accurately by the Holy Spirit.
Many believers struggle to hear God’s voice clearly. They ask, “Why can’t I seem to know what the Lord is saying?” In most cases, the reason is simple — they have not spent sufficient time praying in the Spirit. The more you pray in tongues, the more sensitive you become to the inward witness. The inward voice becomes clearer. The leadings of the Holy Spirit become unmistakable.
Praying in the Spirit edifies you. Paul said, “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.” It is a divine means of spiritual strengthening. When you pray in other tongues, you are building yourself up spiritually. You are charging your spiritual battery, so to speak. A weak spirit cannot hear well. A strong spirit hears clearly. Daily praying in the Spirit is how you keep your spirit strong.
Many Christians are spiritually weak because they do not take advantage of this gift. They are easily confused, easily led astray, easily discouraged. But those who maintain the habit of praying in the Spirit daily walk in greater stability. They are not tossed about by every wind of doctrine. They are not moved by circumstances. They stay steady because their spirits are strong.
I have also found that praying much in the Spirit brings revelation of the Word. As you pray in tongues, the Holy Spirit will open your understanding to scriptures you have read many times. He will illuminate truth to your heart. Many of the greatest insights I have received from the Word came after extended times of praying in other tongues.
Another benefit is that praying in the Spirit helps you pray out God’s plan for your life. Paul said that when we pray in tongues, we are speaking mysteries — divine secrets. Much of what God desires to accomplish in and through you must be prayed out first in the Spirit. As you give time to this, you are cooperating with God’s plan in a way your natural mind cannot grasp.
It is not difficult to begin this habit. Set aside time each day to pray in the Spirit. It is not about how long you pray, but about consistency. Begin with what you can do and build from there. As you do, you will find that it becomes a vital part of your walk with God. You will notice greater clarity, greater strength, and greater effectiveness in your Christian life.
Many fail in life and ministry because they do not give themselves to prayer, especially praying in the Spirit. They try to operate in the flesh. They lean on their own understanding. But spiritual things are spiritually discerned. If you want to walk in the Spirit, you must pray in the Spirit. There is no substitute.
The Holy Spirit is urging the Church to return to this. We must make it a priority once again. The days ahead will require believers who are strong in spirit, who can hear clearly, and who can stand firm in the face of adversity. Praying in the Spirit daily is one of the primary ways to stay ready.
Do not neglect this gift. Do not let it lie dormant. Use it every day. As you do, you will be prepared for all that God has called you to do. God is with us!
