July 1, 2025

A GIFT THAT IS ACTIVE

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

Even as Peter was saying these things, the Holy Spirit fell upon all who were listening to the message. The Jewish believers who came with Peter were amazed that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out on the Gentiles, too. For they heard them speaking in other tongues and praising God. Then Peter asked, “Can anyone object to their being baptized, now that they have received the Holy Spirit just as we did?”

Acts 10:44–47 NLT

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TODAY’S THOUGHT

In Acts 10, we witness a groundbreaking moment in the early Church—Peter, led by the Spirit, enters the home of a Gentile named Cornelius to share the gospel. This was the first time an apostle preached Jesus to Gentiles in their own home. While Peter is still speaking, the Holy Spirit falls upon everyone listening.

How did Peter and the Jewish believers with him know the Holy Spirit had come upon these Gentiles?

Because they heard them “speaking in other tongues and praising God.”

This same sign—the speaking in tongues as praise to God—appears throughout the Book of Acts (see Acts 2 and Acts 19). In each case, the immediate evidence of being filled with the Holy Spirit was a personal prayer language that glorified God.

So, what is the purpose of this personal prayer language?

1. A Matter of Control

James writes, “No one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison” (James 3:8). The tongue is the unruliest member of the body. Perhaps God chose this very member—the hardest to control—as the first place to demonstrate His power within us.

A personal prayer language symbolizes surrender. As we grow in using it, we also grow in yielding more of ourselves to the Holy Spirit. It is evidence of God’s transforming power at work.

2. For Personal Strength and Intercession

Paul says, “Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves” (1 Corinthians 14:4, NIV), or in the NLT, “is strengthened personally.”

This gift builds us up spiritually—it strengthens the “inner man.” It also aligns us with the Spirit’s intercession. Romans 8:26 reminds us that the Spirit helps us pray when we don’t know what to say.

This, I believe, is the primary purpose of a personal prayer language: not just for public display, but to build us up and to empower us to pray more effectively.

3. To Encourage the Body of Christ

In 1 Corinthians 12:7, Paul teaches that spiritual gifts are given “so we can help each other.” Tongues, when used in a corporate setting, are to be paired with the gift of interpretation. Without interpretation, Paul instructs that the speaker should remain silent (1 Corinthians 14:28).

In my experience, the expression of tongues in public often stirs other spiritual gifts—like words of wisdom, knowledge, or prophecy. Even if not directly interpreted, it can still prompt Spirit-led responses in the body.

It’s important to note that tongues in Scripture are consistently directed to God, not to people. It’s a gift of praise and prayer, not correction or rebuke. That’s why I prefer to call it a personal prayer language.

Conclusion:

From Scripture and experience, it’s clear—this is a gift God desires to be active in our daily lives. Not just a one-time event, but an ongoing relationship and resource. Let’s not be afraid to pursue everything God wants to give us.

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TODAY’S PRAYER

Holy Spirit, I want to yield completely to Your indwelling power and presence. I invite You to teach me, lead me, and develop in me a personal prayer language. Thank You for the gifts You give, and for working in my life today.

“Scroll down to share what you feel God is saying based on today’s reading.”