Bible Study: What Does the Assemblies of God Teach About Private Prayer in Tongues?
Updated: Oct 14
Yes. The Assemblies of God affirms private prayer in tongues as a biblical, Spirit-enabled way to pray and worship, especially in light of 1 Corinthians 14:2 and 14–15. Jude 20 also calls believers to “pray in the Holy Spirit.” However, private prayer language is distinct from public tongues, salvation, and the baptism in the Holy Spirit.
This study explains how Assemblies of God teaching understands private prayer language, public interpretation, Spirit baptism, salvation, and spiritual freedom. It also offers a simple devotional practice for anyone seeking Jesus and wanting to explore this subject without fear or pressure.
Why Do Christians Ask About Private Prayer in Tongues?
For some believers, the phrase “prayer language” describes a deeply personal experience of praying beyond the limits of ordinary vocabulary. For others, the subject brings uncertainty because of unfamiliar practices, conflicting teachings, or painful experiences with spiritual pressure.
A careful biblical answer should make room for sincere questions.
The Assemblies of God is a Pentecostal fellowship that takes the continuing work of the Holy Spirit seriously. At the same time, its teaching places every spiritual experience under the authority of Scripture and within the central message of the gospel.
Private prayer in tongues should never become a spiritual status symbol. It should never be used to make another believer feel inferior. And it should never draw more attention to a manifestation than to Jesus Christ.
What Is Private Prayer in Tongues?
Private prayer in tongues is commonly understood as Spirit-enabled prayer or worship directed toward God rather than a public message addressed to a congregation.
In 1 Corinthians 14:2, Paul writes that the person who speaks in a tongue speaks “not to men but to God,” because no one understands. In verse 4, he says that the one who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. These verses are important to Assemblies of God teaching because they describe a personal, devotional use of tongues.
The Assemblies of God’s official teaching materials recognize private praying in tongues as an additional ministry of the Holy Spirit. This devotional use may include:
Prayer and worship directed toward God
Praise and thanksgiving
Personal spiritual strengthening
Spirit-led prayer when ordinary words feel limited
A private expression of dependence on the Holy Spirit
This does not mean the believer is communicating secret information to other people. It also does not mean every private prayer must be spoken in tongues. Christians may pray with known words, silent thoughts, Scripture, singing, groaning, tears, or Spirit-enabled speech.
Prayer is relationship with God, not a performance before people.
How Do 1 Corinthians 14:2 and 14–15 Explain Private Prayer?
Paul’s teaching in 1 Corinthians 14 gives a balanced picture of prayer.
He recognizes that praying with the spirit and praying with the understanding are both valuable. In verses 14–15, Paul says that if he prays in a tongue, his spirit prays, but his understanding is unfruitful. He then declares that he will pray with the spirit and also with the understanding, sing with the spirit and also with the understanding.
This passage teaches several important truths:
Christian prayer can involve both spiritual expression and understandable language.
Praying in the Spirit does not require abandoning thoughtful prayer.
Private prayer in tongues is not meant to replace prayer in known language.
Worship can include both spiritual freedom and biblical understanding.
The whole person (mind, heart, voice, and spirit) can be offered to God.
The goal is not to choose between spiritual prayer and understandable prayer as if one were faithful and the other were inferior. Paul presents both as meaningful parts of a mature prayer life.
A believer might pray through a Scripture passage with clear understanding, then continue in quiet Spirit-led worship. Another person may spend a season praying mostly with words they understand. God is not measuring the length, volume, or emotional intensity of prayer. He welcomes the sincere heart that turns toward Him.
Does Jude 20 Refer to Praying in Tongues?
Jude 20 says, “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”
Assemblies of God teachers commonly connect this verse with Spirit-led prayer, which may include private prayer in tongues. However, Jude 20 should be understood carefully and in context.
The verse does not explicitly say “speaking in tongues.” Its broader instruction is for believers to pray under the guidance and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Pentecostal Christians may see praying in tongues as one expression of that Spirit-led prayer, but the verse also includes every prayer that is genuinely submitted to the Holy Spirit and shaped by biblical truth.
Jude connects Spirit-led prayer with spiritual growth, perseverance, and remaining in God’s love. Therefore, the fruit of praying in the Holy Spirit should include:
Stronger faith
Greater dependence on God
Perseverance in difficult seasons
Deeper love for Christ
Compassion toward other people
Greater resistance to deception
A life increasingly shaped by holiness and grace
Praying in tongues should never become detached from love, truth, obedience, or the character of Jesus.
How Does Private Prayer Differ From Public Tongues?
One of the most important distinctions in Assemblies of God teaching is the difference between private devotional tongues and the public gift of tongues in gathered worship.
These uses are related, but they are different in purpose and setting.
What Characterizes Private Devotional Prayer?
Private prayer in tongues is directed toward God in personal devotion. It does not require an interpretation because it is not being presented as a public message to the congregation.
Private devotion may take place:
During personal prayer
In worship at home
During quiet reflection
While seeking God’s strength
In a private prayer gathering
During a personal time of praise and thanksgiving
The purpose is communion with God and personal spiritual strengthening.
What Characterizes Public Tongues?
Public tongues occur in a gathered Christian meeting as a spiritual gift used for the benefit of the church. According to 1 Corinthians 14, public tongues should be accompanied by interpretation so that the congregation can understand and be edified.
Public worship should also be:
Orderly
Christ-centered
Interpreted when required
Free from manipulation
Focused on building up the church
Guided by love and biblical discernment
Paul does not reject tongues in public worship. Instead, he gives instructions for their proper use. If there is no interpreter, the person should remain silent publicly and speak to God privately.
This distinction protects both spiritual freedom and congregational health.
Does Private Prayer in Tongues Save a Person?
No. Private prayer in tongues does not save a person.
The Assemblies of God teaches that salvation comes through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We are saved by God’s grace through faith, not by speaking in tongues, praying a certain number of minutes, demonstrating a spiritual gift, or achieving a particular emotional experience.
Salvation rests on:
The finished work of Jesus Christ
His atoning death
His bodily resurrection
His lordship
Repentance and faith
God’s gracious gift of new life
Speaking in tongues is not the door to salvation. Jesus is the door.
A person can genuinely trust Christ, receive forgiveness, be born again, and belong to God without having spoken in tongues. No believer should be told that they are not a Christian because they have not experienced a particular spiritual manifestation.
At the same time, believers should not dismiss the biblical promise of the Holy Spirit simply because tongues are not required for salvation. The gospel and the gifts of the Spirit must be held together in their proper places.
How Is Private Prayer Related to Spirit Baptism?
Assemblies of God doctrine teaches that baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience subsequent to salvation. It is given to empower believers for witness and service.
Acts 1:8 says, “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” The purpose of Spirit baptism is not spiritual competition. It is power to live faithfully and testify about Jesus.
The Assemblies of God understands speaking in tongues as the initial physical evidence of baptism in the Holy Spirit. “Initial” means the first outward sign associated with that experience. It does not mean tongues are the only evidence of a Spirit-filled life.
The continuing evidence of the Spirit’s work should include:
Love
Holiness
Courage
Compassion
Spiritual fruit
Faithful witness
Humility
Service
Prayer
Obedience to Scripture
For further study, read What Do Assemblies of God Believe About Baptism in the Holy Spirit?
It is also helpful to explore Assemblies of God: Is Tongues for Today?
Does Every Believer Have the Public Gift of Tongues?
No. Assemblies of God teaching distinguishes the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism from the public gift of tongues described in 1 Corinthians 12.
Paul asks whether all believers are apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers, or speakers in tongues. His questions emphasize that the Holy Spirit distributes ministry gifts according to His wisdom.
The public gift of tongues is not given to every believer in the same way. The Spirit equips different members of Christ’s body for different forms of service.
This means:
Not every Christian will exercise public tongues.
Not every believer will interpret tongues.
Public gifts should never become a ranking system.
A believer’s value does not depend on visible spiritual activity.
The Spirit’s gifts are meant to serve the common good.
Love remains more important than spiritual display.
This distinction allows Assemblies of God teaching to affirm both the initial evidence of Spirit baptism and Paul’s teaching about the varied distribution of public gifts.
Is Speaking in Tongues Ever Coerced?
It should never be coerced.
The Holy Spirit is not received through manipulation, imitation, pressure, or fear. No one should be instructed to repeat sounds, copy another person, or produce a manifestation to prove spiritual sincerity.
Healthy prayer for the baptism in the Holy Spirit should include:
Freedom
Patience
Trust in God
Biblical instruction
Humility
Respect for conscience
No manufactured language
No public humiliation
No spiritual threats
No claim that tongues earn salvation
A person may sincerely desire the baptism in the Holy Spirit and still feel nervous or uncertain. That person should be treated with tenderness, not suspicion.
A person who has not spoken in tongues should not be mocked. A person who prays in tongues should not be treated as spiritually superior. The church must make room for expectation without creating shame.
You can read more about spiritual gifts in this Boundless Bible study on Spirit-empowered service.
How Can You Explore Private Prayer in Tongues Biblically?
If you want to learn more or seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, begin with Jesus and Scripture rather than pressure.
Consider these steps:
Read Acts 1–2, Acts 10, and Acts 19 in context.
Study 1 Corinthians 12–14 slowly.
Pray with both your understanding and your spirit.
Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit.
Remain open without trying to manufacture an experience.
Seek guidance from mature Christians who honor Scripture.
Pay attention to the fruit produced in your life.
Reject teaching that makes tongues a condition of salvation.
Reject practices that shame, manipulate, or control people.
Keep love, humility, holiness, and witness at the center.
The Father is not trying to confuse you. Jesus is not trying to embarrass you. The Holy Spirit is not given to create spiritual fear.
You can seek God with confidence because He is good.
What Is a Simple Devotional Practice for This Study?
Set aside a few quiet minutes with an open Bible. Read 1 Corinthians 14:2 and 14–15, then read Jude 20. Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Scriptures and draw closer to Jesus.
You might reflect on these questions:
What does this passage reveal about God?
What does it teach me about prayer?
Where have I experienced fear or pressure in spiritual settings?
Am I more focused on Jesus or on proving something?
What kind of spiritual fruit is God forming in me?
How can my prayer life become more loving and faithful?
Then pray in a way that is honest for you. Use clear words. Sit quietly. Read Scripture aloud. Sing. Worship. If you have received a private prayer language, yield to the Holy Spirit without pride. If you have not, continue seeking God without shame.
Your relationship with Jesus is not on hold while you learn.
What Is a 60-Second Hook–Turn–Land Script?
Hook
“Are private prayer in tongues and public tongues the same thing? The Assemblies of God says they are related, but they are different in purpose and use.”
Turn
“First Corinthians 14 describes speaking to God and praying with the spirit and with the understanding. That supports a personal devotional use of tongues. But in a public gathering, tongues should be interpreted so the church can understand and be built up. And Jude 20 reminds us to pray in the Holy Spirit.”
Land
“Here is the most important truth: tongues do not save you. Jesus saves you. Spirit baptism is a gift for power and witness, and no one should be coerced or shamed. Seek Jesus, study Scripture, welcome the Holy Spirit, and let every gift produce greater love.”
How Can You Pray About This Subject?
Jesus, thank You that salvation rests in Your grace and finished work. Teach me to understand Your Word with humility. Remove fear, pride, confusion, and pressure from my spiritual life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit and make me a faithful witness. Help me pray with my understanding and spirit, love Your people, and honor Your presence. Let every gift point back to You. Amen.
What Does the Assemblies of God Teach About Private Prayer in Tongues?
The Assemblies of God affirms private prayer in tongues as a legitimate devotional ministry of the Holy Spirit. This understanding is connected especially with 1 Corinthians 14:2 and 14–15, while Jude 20 broadly calls believers to pray in the Holy Spirit.
The balanced teaching is:
Private prayer in tongues is directed toward God.
Public tongues require interpretation and order.
Tongues do not save anyone.
Salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ.
Spirit baptism is distinct from salvation.
Tongues are understood as the initial physical evidence of Spirit baptism.
Not every believer has the public gift of tongues.
No one should be coerced to speak in tongues.
Spiritual gifts must operate in love.
The Holy Spirit always points us toward Jesus.
Frequently Asked Questions About Private Prayer in Tongues
Is private prayer in tongues biblical?
Assemblies of God teaching understands private prayer in tongues as biblically supported by 1 Corinthians 14:2 and 14–15. These verses describe speaking to God and praying with the spirit as well as with the understanding.
Does everyone need to pray in tongues?
No. Speaking in tongues is not required for salvation, Christian identity, or God’s love. Assemblies of God doctrine encourages believers to seek the baptism in the Holy Spirit, but no one should be coerced or treated as inferior.
What is the difference between a prayer language and the public gift of tongues?
A private prayer language is used devotionally in personal prayer and worship. The public gift of tongues functions in a gathered church setting and should be interpreted so the congregation can understand and be edified.
Does Jude 20 prove that praying in the Holy Spirit always means praying in tongues?
Jude 20 does not explicitly mention tongues. It calls believers to pray in the Holy Spirit. Assemblies of God Christians may understand private tongues as one expression of Spirit-led prayer, but the verse also includes Spirit-directed prayer more broadly.
Can someone be saved without speaking in tongues?
Yes. Salvation comes through grace and faith in Jesus Christ. Speaking in tongues is not a condition of salvation and does not replace repentance, faith, or trust in the gospel.
What Is the Next Step for Your Faith?
If you are ready to seek Jesus, study Scripture, and explore the Holy Spirit without pressure, visit www.boundlessonlinechurch.org/blog. For prayer support, text 901-213-7341.
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