Praying for Someone to Receive the Gift of Tongues

When someone comes forward to receive tongues, we want to create a safe but expectant space where they can receive this gift from the Holy Spirit. It is helpful for you to tell them what you are doing and what is happening as you go along.

Speak Jesus as Lord

  • Encourage them to prepare themselves to receive from God. Ask if you can place a hand on them.

  • Encourage them to confirm their faith out loud. You can say something like: “If you agree, repeat after me: “Jesus, I believe that you are the Son of God who died on the cross and rose again etc…”

  • Encourage them to thank Jesus for what he has done for them.

Ask for Tongues

  • Invite them to ask Jesus for tongues. They can use their own words but again you can get them to repeat after you something like:
    “Jesus, I ask You to fill me with Your Spirit and give me the gift of tongues. I trust you.”

Pray & Wait

  • Then you pray something like:
    “Come, Holy Spirit. Please fill … now. Release the gift of tongues in them.”

  • Tell them you are going to wait for a minute…then wait!!! Let the Spirit fill them, let them encounter the Holy Spirit directly, watch for what He is doing.

Model & Worship

  • Thank Jesus for giving the gift of tongues.

  • Encourage them to start to appreciate and worship Jesus in their hearts. They may want to start doing this quietly in English (or their first language). They may want to actively start the tongues with just a few syllables.

  • Jesus is powerful! Expect him to be present and working!

  • Begin praying softly in tongues yourself. This helps them feel free to try.

  • Be encouraging but not forceful e.g. “You don’t need to understand it—just let sounds come. It doesn’t have to make sense. Just begin to speak out.”

Celebrate

  • Whether or not they speak in tongues immediately, affirm God’s presence and love.

  • Encourage them to keep asking and practicing in private.

  • If they weren’t able to speak in tongues today encourage them to receive more prayer in their Connect Group or on another Sunday.

Let’s partner with Jesus in helping people receive the wonderful gift of tongues!


Croydon Vineyard