Scripture

Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the Spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the Spirit, but I will also sing in words I understand.

Observation

Paul says he will pray and sing both in the Spirit, i. e. in tongues, and in words he understands. If you only ever use tongues in a meeting, others will not be able to join in your praises.

Paul speaks in tongues more than anyone but he would rather speak five understandable words to help others than ten thousand words of tongues.

Speaking in tongues and prophecy are both helpful for believers and unbelievers alike.

Application

Paul was a great believer and practitioner of speaking in tongues. He was also a pragmatist. He wanted all the gifts of the Holy Spirit to be used in a way that builds up all the church.

As far as a church gathering was concerned, he would do both – that is pray in tongues and in normal language.

Many churches have banned the use of tongues because they do not understand the gift, or because they have had a bad experience in the past. The solution is not to prohibit what God has given, but to ensure it is practised in a way that is orderly and useful.

Church leaders need to be creative in their approach to the gifts of the Holy Spirit. How can we encourage the gifts without going to excess?

Prayer

Thank you,Lord, for the wisdom of the scriptures. May your church always glorify you in all of our worship. Amen