This Sunday's epistle touched on the practice of speaking in tongues. Which reminds me, I don't think I've ever come across the practice of tongues being exercised according to the Scriptural pattern (that is, always with an interpreter). But then, I don't spend a lot of time around people who are speaking in tongues.
Anyone out there witnessed or engaged in interpretation of tongues?
1 Corinthians 14:5, 12-13, 22
"The one who prophesies is greater than the one who speaks in tongues, unless someone interprets, so that the church may be built up. . . . So with yourselves, since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church. Therefore, one who speaks in a tongue should pray for the power to interpret. . . . Thus tongues are a sign not for believers but for unbelievers, while prophecy is a sign not for unbelievers but for believers."
I have not, but my mother (Pentacostal/Assembly of God) has an interesting story to tell on the subject. Perhaps I can get her to write it down and send it to you...
ReplyDeleteGreetings Fr. Timothy,
ReplyDeleteI have experienced speaking in tongues in a worship setting as well as the interpretation. My first experience was when I received the "Baptism in the Holy Spirit" during a Faith Alive weekend at our small Episcopal Church in southeast Oklahoma in 1974. I was 15 at the time. I rejoice in the continuing work of the Holy Spirit in my life and in the parishes I have attended. While I attended Oral Roberts University 1978-86, I attended a charismatic Episcopal church, (now Anglican). Now in my current Episcopal parish in Nashville, TN, while not overtly "charismatic" in Sunday worship, the Spirit enlivens life and worship of the parish. Praying in the Spirit and the understanding remains a basic part of who I am. As Acolyte director I try to impart to the servers an appreciation of the catholic/liturgical worship enhanced by the flame of the Holy Spirit.
in Christ,
Robert
Yes -- and the strange, or I guess scripturally not so strange thing seems to be that when someone like myself who does not have the gift of interpretation hears the interpretation, there comes a sense of whether or not it is the right one. There have been certain times when I strongly sensed the "interpretation" was completely wrong and in was at those times that the pastor or generally someone else in leadership stepped in and corrected the interpretation.
ReplyDeletePeace,
Pat Kashtock
Yes,I have been in innumerable worship services where tongues were used --both to the congregaton and in private worship. When it is for the congregation it is called "propheseying"(sp)and most often happens when the whole congregation is worshiping in the Spirit. The whole congregation senses the Holy Spirit and becomes quiet. The person who speaks in a tongue (or prophesies) to the whole congregation begins to speak so that all can hear. Since it is in another language, most of us do not understand what the person is saying. If no one else interprets, the original person can interpret--most often another person rises and gives the interpretation. Often the minister gives the interpretation or can add to the interpretation. Sometimes more than one person gives an interpretation. You feel the power of the Holy Spirit as the gift is manifested.
ReplyDeleteThis is different from a personal prayer language. A personal prayer language is a gift from the Holy Spirit, too, but is not for the congregation. It is uttering praise too deep for words and is a form of worship. As one prays in the Spirit the Holy Spirit fills up the believer and they are refreshed, renewed and built up.
Don't knock it until you've tried it.
Some have sought the gift and have not received--so they question it. The key is to seek the Giver. He gives to all.
Christians have different manifestations of the Spirit. It is more common to have the gift of tongues (private prayer language.) Not everyone has the gift of prophesy (announced in the congregation.)
Clear as mud?