HOW IS ONE EDIFIED WHEN HE PRAYS IN TONGUES?

'He that speaketh in an unknown tongue edifieth himself; but he that prophesieth edifieth the church.' - 1 Corinthians 14 vs 4

Greetings dearly beloved of God in Christ. I trust God that this teaching will bring clarity to you on this subject. There are many who think because they have spent long hours shouting in prayers, they are therefore edified because of the high feeling they must have derived from that vigorous prayer engagement. But is feeling high the proof that one has being edified when he prays? How's one edified when he Prays? So let's begin looking at these things now. God is with you.

Get this clear, The things of the Kingdom of God cannot be found in the senses.

'...For we walk by faith, not by sight...' - 2 Corinthians 5 vs 7 {KJV}

Anything observation in the senses can never speak of the realities of the Kingdom of God. Hence, it's important to note that that feeling of being high, that ginger feeling one derives from having shouted in tongues does not connote that he was edified; because the edification of speaking in other tongues is a spiritual thing and not a sensual feeling. - Selah

WHEN IS ONE EDIFIED WHEN HE SPEAKS IN OTHER TONGUES?

'For he that speaketh in an unknown tongue speaketh not unto men, but unto God: for no man understandeth him; howbeit in the spirit he speaketh mysteries.' - 1 Corinthians 14 vs 2 {KJV}

He says "He that speaks in an unknown tongue" and not "He that prays in an unknown tongue." So the moment you're speaking in an unknown tongue, whether you are shouting it or you are whispering it, or you are on a low tone speaking it, you are speaking to God. It has nothing to do with the volume or vigor at which it is sounded. - Selah

To be edified means to be strengthened. That word edify is from the Greek word "Oikodome", which speaks of "a concrete structure." A structure or building that is strong, firm, concrete. It also means "to embolden", to be made strong, to be strengthened. So our opening passage let's us understand that a man who speaks in an unknown tongue receives strength from God; he is emboldened (he is made bold), his faith is made strong and concrete.

'But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost...' - Jude 1 vs 20 {KJV}

You see, this further goes to show to us that when we speak in an unknown tongue, it's our faith we strengthen, it's our faith we make concrete, it's our faith we edify. - Selah

NOW, HOW DOES FAITH COMES?

'So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.' - Romans 10 vs 17 {KJV}

FAITH COMES BY THE WORD OF GOD

That means, the thing praying in other tongues does to a Believer is that, It opens up a Believer to receive the word of God, and by the word of God which he receives, he is strengthened and edified (made strong and comforted). Uhmmm. - Selah

So how is one edified when he prays in Tongues? He is edified by the WORD which the Holy Spirit brings into his heart producing comfort and strength in him. So we can safely agree that edification in prayer has nothing to do with a feeling; it's Spiritual, it's a WORD thing. - Selah

So when you pray in tongues dearly beloved from this day henceforth, pay close attention to the words which the Holy Spirit communicates and brings into your heart; because therein is your strengthening, therein is your comfort, therein is your edifying. Hallelujah! The Word which comes into our hearts and strengthens and comforts us is the proof that we've being edified, not when we feel high from shouting. So whether you received the Word praying with a low tone or praying loud, it makes no difference; you've being edified if you have being strengthened and comforted on the inside of you irrespective of the tone of your prayer.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

- Jenning U. Angel