Open/Honest discussion on Speaking/Praying in 'Tongues'

[Ohio]

Originally Posted by countmeworthy

I really want to hear from those who DO pray/speak in tongues before/during/after the LC life. ...What your thoughts are. I need suggestions, advise and counsel. Thanks friends.

"Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues?" -- I Cor 12.30

As a lukewarm member of a moderately "pentecostal" congregation, I am one of the minority who do not pray or worship in tongues. I have not been privately coerced regarding tongues. It does bother me that every verse in scriptures that mentions being "in Spirit" -- e.g. John 4.23 -- is interpreted as speaking in tongues. More troubling are these occasional "outbursts" of an individual shouting in a tongue, which mandates an unequally necessary "interpretation." These are nearly always canned regurgitations of blessings upon "My People" from Amos, or Nahum, or Obadiah, or somewhere. I'm not sure where. But everyone applauds and I feel stupid for not believing in it all.