Exercising Effective Dominion Through Kingdom Communications
Praying in tongues is a divine gift, offering believers a unique way to communicate with God. This celestial language, often referred to as praying in the Spirit, is more than just a spiritual exercise; it is a powerful means of aligning our prayers with God's perfect will. It serves as an encrypted communication channel, through which believers can release heaven's hosts on earth, calling upon divine intervention in the most mysterious and efficacious ways.
The Encrypted Perfect Prayer
The Bible teaches that praying in tongues is a perfect prayer, transcending human understanding. Romans 8:26-27 (AMP) states: "In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offer or how to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself knows our need and at the right time intercedes on our behalf with sighs and groanings too deep for words. And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf of God’s people in accordance with God’s will."
This passage highlights the profound mystery of praying in tongues, where the Spirit intercedes with deep groanings that words cannot express. These groanings are a direct line to God's heart, bypassing our limited human understanding and ensuring that our prayers are perfectly aligned with His will. This divine intercession means that even when we are unsure of what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf, making our prayers not only heard but also effective.
The Holy Spirit, like Jesus, speaks only what He hears from the Father, showcasing the perfect alignment within the Holy Trinity. In John 16:13 (AMP), it is stated: "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth [full and complete truth]. For He will not speak on His own initiative, but He will speak whatever He hears [from the Father—the message regarding the Son], and He will disclose to you what is to come [in the future]." This is further supported by Jesus' own words in John 12:49-50 (AMP): "For I have not spoken on My own authority; but the Father who sent Me gave Me a command, what I should say and what I should speak. And I know that His command is everlasting life. Therefore, whatever I speak, just as the Father has told Me, so I speak." This demonstrates the harmonious operation of the Holy Trinity and allows believers to participate in this divine communication as vessels on earth, cooperating with God's will.
Releasing Heaven's Hosts
The concept of praying in tongues as a means to release heaven's hosts is beautifully illustrated in 1 Corinthians 13:1 (AMP): "If I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love [for others growing out of God’s love for me], then I have become only a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal [just an annoying distraction]." Here, Paul likens the sound of tongues to a war bugle, a signal that stirs the heavenly armies into action.
However, praying in tongues does more than just call on angels; it gives voice to God's will through our "tongues of fire," a concept rooted in the events of Pentecost as described in Acts 2. When the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples, they began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. This phenomenon, described as "tongues of fire," symbolizes the purification and empowerment of our speech by the Holy Spirit. As James 3:6 highlights, the tongue is a powerful instrument, capable of both life and death: "The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Proverbs 18:21 reinforces this concept: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit." The Bible further emphasizes the choice between life and death in Deuteronomy 30:19, where God presents a choice of blessing or cursing, directly linked to what we speak. In Spanish, the words for blessing and cursing—bendecir and maldecir—literally translate to "to say good" and "to say bad," respectively. This linguistic nuance highlights the power of our words to shape reality, as expressed through blessings or curses.
James 3:4-5 elaborates on the tongue's power, comparing it to a ship's rudder: "Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts." This analogy suggests that a tongue anointed and controlled by the Holy Spirit can steer the course of events in our lives, communities, and even creation, collectively as the Church.
In praying in tongues, believers yield their tongues to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to purify and direct their speech. This act of surrender enables them to pray God's will through their bodies, exercising their authority as legal leaseholders on the earth. Charles Capps, in his teachings on "The Tongue: A Creative Force," emphasizes the significant role of speech in shaping reality. He asserts that our words have creative power, and when aligned with God's Word, they become a conduit for His will to manifest on earth.
The Will of God in Prayer
1 John 5:14-15 (AMP) assures us: "This is the [remarkable degree of] confidence which we [as believers are entitled to] have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, that is, consistent with His plan and purpose, He hears us. And if we know [for a fact, as indeed we do] that He hears and listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know [with settled and absolute knowledge] that we have [granted to us] the requests which we have asked from Him."
This confidence in prayer is foundational for believers. Praying in tongues assures us that our prayers are in perfect alignment with God's will, which is crucial for the assurance that He hears us. When we pray according to God's will, we are guaranteed that our prayers will be answered, bringing about His purposes on earth. Romans 8:28 (AMP) encapsulates this promise: "And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose."
Personal Edification and Spiritual Strength
Praying in tongues is not only a tool for intercession but also a means of personal edification and spiritual growth. Jude 1:20 (AMP) encourages believers: "But you, beloved, build yourselves up on [the foundation of] your most holy faith [continually progress, rise like an edifice higher and higher], pray in the Holy Spirit." This act of praying in the Spirit builds up the believer's faith, strengthening them spiritually and enhancing their capacity to walk in God's power.
This spiritual strengthening is akin to the experience Jesus describes in John 7:38-39 (AMP): "He who believes in Me [who adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Me], as the Scripture has said, ‘From his innermost being will flow continually rivers of living water.’” But He was speaking of the [Holy] Spirit, whom those who believed in Him [as Savior] were to receive afterward." This imagery of rivers of living water represents the continuous and life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit, flowing from within believers and providing them with spiritual refreshment and sustenance.
The benefits of this spiritual refreshment are profound. Studies suggest that up to 80% of organic diseases are attributed to stress, which releases harmful toxins in the body. The experience of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17) is an essential element of the salvation experience, affecting the mental and material realms. This divine communion provides a profound sense of peace, joy, and holiness, which are beneficial not only for the spirit but also for the mind and body. Being in communion with God and in community with His Church fosters a holistic sense of well-being, promoting health and healing.
Transformational Power and Deliverance
Praying in tongues has also been associated with remarkable testimonies of deliverance, particularly for those struggling with addiction. Numerous accounts highlight how individuals have been freed from the bondage of drugs and alcohol through the power of the Holy Spirit, often experienced through praying in tongues. This spiritual practice has been reported to alleviate withdrawal symptoms, providing a supernatural means of healing and liberation.
One testimony involves a former drug addict who shared that after receiving the Holy Spirit and praying in tongues, he was miraculously delivered from severe withdrawal symptoms. This experience transformed his life, giving him a newfound sense of peace and strength that he had never felt before. He described the experience as being filled with rivers of living water, a metaphor Jesus used to describe the Holy Spirit's continual and life-giving presence (John 7:38-39).
Another testimony comes from a woman who struggled with alcoholism. After receiving the baptism of the Holy Spirit and beginning to pray in tongues, she experienced an immediate and profound deliverance from her addiction. She reported that the cravings and urges for alcohol completely disappeared, and she felt an overwhelming sense of freedom and peace. This transformation was attributed to the work of the Holy Spirit, who provided her with the strength and resilience to overcome her addiction.
This deliverance is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, often referred to as drinking from the rivers of living water. This metaphor emphasizes the idea that true satisfaction and fulfillment come from a relationship with God, rather than from substances like alcohol or drugs. The Bible warns against the dangers of intoxication, associating it with sorcery (pharmakeia in Greek), and describes its effects as akin to a serpent's sting (Proverbs 23:31-32). In contrast, Ephesians 5:18 (AMP) advises: "Do not get drunk with wine, for that is wickedness (corruption, stupidity), but be filled with the [Holy] Spirit and constantly guided by Him."
Spiritual Warfare and Strategic Prayer
The necessity of strategic prayer in the Spirit is emphasized in Daniel 10:12-13, where an angel explains to Daniel that his prayer was heard from the first day, but the prince of the Persian kingdom resisted him for 21 days. The angel only broke through with the help of Michael, one of the chief princes. This passage highlights the spiritual warfare that can occur when we pray, as forces of darkness may attempt to obstruct the answers to our prayers.
This account in Daniel feeds into Paul's teaching on spiritual warfare in Ephesians 6:12 (AMP): "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places." This reveals the necessity of praying in the Spirit, as it provides believers with a means to engage in spiritual warfare effectively, aligning our prayers with God's will and overcoming any resistance from the enemy.
Praying in tongues acts like an encrypted communication channel between heaven and earth. Just as an encrypted message is secure and cannot be intercepted, prayers in tongues are a secure communication line with God. The enemy cannot understand or intercept these prayers, giving heaven the advantage in spiritual warfare. This divine encryption ensures that God's will is carried out without interference from adversarial forces, allowing for the swift execution of His plans and purposes on earth.
People who spend time praying in the Spirit often become so full of light and God's glorious presence that demons manifest in those around them. This phenomenon is reminiscent of the physical manifestations experienced by the Philistines when they captured the Ark of the Covenant, resulting in tumors and an outbreak of rats in their land (1 Samuel 5). The New Testament reinforces this concept, stating that "light makes everything visible" (Ephesians 5:13) and that "the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" (John 1:5). The author has personally witnessed unexpected demonic manifestations in the presence of ministers filled with the Holy Ghost and God's presence, a testament to the power of the Spirit's indwelling light to expose and expel darkness.
Accessing God's Resources and Forgiveness
The prayer also includes a petition for daily bread, symbolizing our dependence on God's provision for our needs. Paul's prayers reflect a deep concern for the provision and well-being of believers. In passages like Philippians 4:19, Paul emphasizes that God will supply all our needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. This assurance of provision is not just about material needs but also spiritual and emotional support. Praying in tongues can be a way to access and affirm this provision, as it connects believers with God's abundant resources, ensuring that they are equipped for every good work.
It also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, both receiving it from God and extending it to others. This act of forgiveness is crucial for maintaining a clear conscience and boldness in prayer, as described in 1 John 3:21-22 (AMP): "Beloved, if our heart does not convict us [of guilt], we have confidence (complete assurance and boldness) before God; and we receive from Him whatever we ask because we [carefully and consistently] keep His commandments and do the things that are pleasing in His sight [habitually seeking to follow His plan for us]."
In a personal testimony, the author shares an experience of the miraculous power of praying fervently in tongues. After signing a lease for an expensive generator to operate a gold mineral processing plant in Peru, the generator exploded on the same day it was installed, leaving the author responsible for the cost. Suspecting sabotage, the author fervently prayed in tongues for what felt like five hours (though it was likely only two). The next day, the leasing company contacted the author, asking for a copy of the signed "Anexo B" page of the lease agreement, which held the author responsible for the damages. Miraculously, this crucial page had gone missing, absolving the author of any financial liability. This event recalls the biblical account of Peter's miraculous release from prison in Acts 12, where an angel led him out of captivity in response to the church's fervent prayers.
Overcoming Temptation and Walking in the Spirit
Peter and James both emphasize the importance of submitting to God and resisting the devil, promising that the devil will flee from us when we do so (James 4:7; 1 Peter 5:8-9). Praying in the Spirit is an act of submission to God, engaging with the Lord in the heavenly realm. It allows believers to become mindful of being seated with Christ in heavenly places at the right hand of the Father, as described in Ephesians 2:6. This heavenly perspective fosters a sense of authority and identity in Christ, which is crucial in spiritual warfare.
Believers are also described as temples of the Holy Spirit, housing His tangible presence, often referred to as the Shekinah Glory of God. This presence, characterized by a palpable and overwhelming sense of God's holiness and power, was so thick in the Old Testament that people could not stand under it (2 Chronicles 5:14). The Shekinah Glory also consumed sacrifices, particularly when blood was sprinkled on the altar of the Ark of the Covenant (Leviticus 16:14-15). This imagery parallels the cleansing of our hearts by the blood of Jesus, as described by Peter, when he speaks of our hearts being sprinkled clean from an evil conscience (1 Peter 1:2). This cleansing keeps us by the power of God through faith, allowing the glory of God to rest upon us, especially when we are persecuted for His sake (1 Peter 4:14).
Furthermore, as believers offer themselves as living sacrifices to the Lord and offer up the sacrifices of thanksgiving and praise, they invoke God's tangible presence. The Psalms remind us that God inhabits the praises of His people (Psalm 22:3), and these praises can still the paths of the avenger (Psalm 8:2). This presence is not merely a passive experience but an active anointing of the Holy Spirit upon us, empowering us to preach the gospel to the poor, heal the brokenhearted, proclaim liberty to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed (Luke 4:18).
A powerful example of the tangible presence of God's glory is seen in the New Testament with Peter. The Bible recounts that people were healed just by coming into contact with Peter's shadow as he passed by (Acts 5:15). This manifestation of the Holy Spirit's power through Peter's shadow demonstrates the profound impact of God's presence upon a believer's "tabernacle," or body. It contrasts sharply with the account of the Philistines, who suffered boils and tumors when they mishandled the Ark of the Covenant, a symbol of God's holy presence (1 Samuel 5). This teaches us the principle of respecting and reverencing the power of God's presence. The severity of this reverence is further illustrated by the incident involving Uzzah, who was struck dead for irreverently touching the Ark of the Covenant (2 Samuel 6:6-7).
As born-again believers, however, we are invited to approach the throne of grace with confidence, assured of our spiritual compatibility and eternal security in Christ (Hebrews 4:16). This new and living way into God's presence, made possible through the blood of Jesus, sanctifies us and imparts to us His divine nature (2 Peter 1:4). This reality is not just a spiritual concept but a tangible experience, bringing heaven to earth starting within our spirits, flowing through our minds, and overflowing our bodies. Our bodies, like Aaron's rod that budded (Numbers 17:8), can manifest signs of life and the power of God's fiery love.
The Role of Interpretation and Specific Guidance
Praying in tongues often comes with the gift of interpretation, providing specific guidance for particular situations. This divine insight allows believers to take authority over circumstances, commanding God's will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. The joy that follows such prayers serves as a confirmation of a successful prayer transaction, reflecting the inner assurance that comes from the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. Paul frequently referenced this joy in his prayers, as seen in Philippians 1:4 (AMP): "In every prayer of mine I always make my entreaty and petition for you all with joy (delight)."
The Necessity of Fervent Prayer
Finally, James 5:16 (AMP) emphasizes the power and necessity of fervent prayer: "Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) can accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]." This fervency, combined with a righteous life and a heart aligned with God's will, makes prayer a powerful force for change and transformation.
In conclusion, praying in tongues is a powerful, divine communication tool that enables believers to align their prayers with God's perfect will. It serves as a conduit for divine intervention, releasing heaven's hosts on earth and fulfilling God's purposes. This mysterious and efficacious prayer not only brings about God's will in the world but also edifies and strengthens the believer, making them an effective agent of His kingdom. Through this gift, believers can experience the fullness of God's joy, peace, and power in their lives, and see His will accomplished on earth as it is in heaven.
References
Charles Capps, "The Tongue: A Creative Force": Capps, Charles. The Tongue: A Creative Force. Harrison House, 1976.
Testimony of deliverance from drug addiction through praying in tongues: "Transformation Stories: The Power of the Holy Spirit." Global Awakening.
Testimony of deliverance from alcoholism through praying in tongues: "Testimonies of Deliverance through Prayer." Christian Broadcasting Network.
Jaijind.com article on Paul's prayers and provision: "Paul's Prayers and Provision." Jaijind.com.
Stress and Disease: Research indicating that up to 80% of organic diseases can be attributed to stress. American Psychological Association.
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