Speak in Tongues
A Reflection on Acts 2:4, 1 Corinthians 14:2, and Mark 16:17
Speak in tongues—not a language learned by rote,
But a heavenly whisper, a mysterious note.
The Spirit gives utterance, the mouth obeys,
As a river of praise from the heart flows away.
All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. (Acts 2:4)
It is not for show, not for pride or display,
But a gift from the Father, a supernatural way
To pray beyond the limits of the mind,
Leaving earthly reasoning far behind.
For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men, but to God,
In mysteries the enemy cannot plod.
He speaks divine secrets, builds up his inner self,
A prayer language that unlocks heavenly wealth.
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)
So I open my mouth, I loosen my tongue.
Not by my effort, but by faith I have sung.
The Spirit gives the words, the sounds, the sighs,
As a holy incense rises to the skies.
It may sound like babble to the natural ear,
But in the spirit realm, it brings heaven near.
It is the groaning that words cannot contain,
The victory shout over every chain.
“In My name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues.” (Mark 16:17)
I receive this gift, not for boasting or fame,
But to glorify Jesus and call on His name.
To pray when I have no words to pray,
And to worship the Father in a deeper way.
So I speak in tongues—by faith, not by sight.
The Spirit gives utterance; I release my inner light.
It is a gift of grace, a heavenly key,
Unlocking the treasures that He has for me.
Amen.