Speaking in Tongues

This lesson is about "speaking in tongues" a.k.a. "prayer language". Although there is much controversy over this subject, the basis of this lesson is to teach the kids what speaking in tongues is NOT, and how to know if they do indeed have their prayer language. You will find that many of our youth are unsure whether or not they have received their prayer language. So, this lesson will cover some basic areas to look at. This lesson should be taking place AFTER the lessons on the Holy Spirit and Holy Spirit Baptism.

Talk with the youth about speaking in tongues. Let them know that the more they do it, the easier it will become. Many people have even found that they are speaking new syllables and their prayer language is growing with use!

Explain to the children or youth that receiving their prayer language does NOT mean that they will suddenly be able to speak Latin, or German, or French. Many kids (and adults) think that is what will happen. Even if they just sound like a bee-bee gun, that is okay. Share with them that the purpose of their prayer language is simply to allow the Holy Spirit to pray through us without our mind interfering. Our brains may try to control what the Holy Spirit is saying when we pray in English, but our brains can't do this when they don't know what is being said. This frees the Holy Spirit up to pray through us easily. That is why the Holy Spirit can pray when we don't know how.

Many kids aren't sure if it is them or really the Holy Spirit when they are using their prayer language. They wonder if they are making it up. Tell them that if they are thinking about what they are going to say next, then it is them, and not the Holy Spirit. When the Holy Spirit is speaking through us, our minds are unfruitful. Yet our spirit will confirm what the Holy Spirit is saying through us.

End this time by encouraging them to use their prayer language all the time, anytime. The Holy Spirit has much He wants to accomplish through us, and using our prayer language allows Him to work without our minds trying to analyze everything.



Speaking in Tongues Mini-Lesson