Speaking in tongues.

 Speaking in Tongues

A Reflection on Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:2, and 1 Corinthians 14:14

I speak in tongues—not as a mystery to be feared,

But as a gift from heaven, a language the Spirit has cleared.

When my mind cannot find the words to pray,

The Spirit intercedes in a heavenly way.

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)

My spirit prays, though my understanding is unfruitful.

A holy whisper, a heavenly, mystical pursuit.

Not for the ears of men, not for show or pride,

But for the intimate communion where my soul can hide.

It is the language of the throne, a secret speech,

Where the depths of my heart the Spirit’s fire can reach.

I build myself up in my most holy faith,

As the sound of heaven my spirit wraith.

For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to people but to God. Indeed, no one understands them; they utter mysteries by the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:2)

When I speak in tongues, my spirit is released,

The chains of doubt and fear are finally creased.

I am praying the perfect will of God above,

Wrapped in the mystery of His unending love.

So I open my mouth and let the Spirit flow.

The syllables may be strange, but my spirit knows.

It is a gift, not a sign of superiority,

But a stream of living water, flowing freely in me.

For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful. (1 Corinthians 14:14)

I receive this gift with gratitude and awe.

Let the heavenly language rise, without a flaw.

Not for the crowd, not for the outward display,

But for the secret place where I bow and pray.

Amen.