Reflection on the book “Why Tongues?”
The public side of praying tongues
Discussion Day 11 by Dayo Adeyanju
Having gone through the book chapters, here we want to see why speaking with tongues in public is important and different from speaking in tongues privately.
First, in this chapter, it is stated that unlike praying in tongues personally, speaking with tongues in the public starts with the spirit giving you utterances.
Second, speaking with tongues in the public must be with interpretation so it can edify (1 Corinthians 14:3-5), so that tongues with interpretation is same as someone prophesying. So, get the mind of God while we come to pray together in the public, whatever is said with tongues must be backed up with interpretation that comes from God’s word through the Holy Spirit.
It is also explained that to prophecy is not same as preaching because to preach, make preparations with notes gotten from time of studying Gods word (2Tim 2:15) and other Christian literature but when prophesying, it comes by the inspiration from the Holy Spirit because the things said are beyond the understanding of the individual(s) speaking, they are words not pre-planned to be spoken.
Additionally, speaking with tongues with interpretation not only edifies the church but also turns the unbeliever to God when used. It convinces the one who has not believed in God or accepted the Lord Jesus to do so without anyone pleading with the individual(s) (see also Mark 16:17-18).
In conclusion we must now do all things in order, not breaking ranks while praying in the public so that everyone is blessed and edified; so that we use the power generated during the time of praying together or praying alone to get all the benefits of praying with tongues.