Survey Says
Recent brain research has shown that there is measurable brain activity that is not imaginary when you pray with your mind and when one prays “in the spirit” or prays In tongues. They activate separate parts of the brain that control separate areas of your body and mind. Each type of prayer is beneficial and produces in your brain chemistry differing advantages and effects. By the way, the numerous brain studies also show that “tongues” is neurologically unique, and it’s not just “made-up language,” for It involves a different brain pattern entirely than speech or prayer.
Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. I will sing in the spirit, and I will also sing in words I understand. 1 Cor. 14:15
So Paul writing to the church in Corinth thousands of years ago had an understanding just recently proven by technological science. When you pray with your mind, the tMRI show that your frontal lobes become more active where focus is engaged. This area of your system is where emotions of love, joy and motivation are actively engaged. Now when you “pray in the spirit,” you bypass the frontal lobe and activate the limbic system where your sense of meaning and emotional engagement are found. You also stir the parietal lobe which reduces one’s self-consciousness and lessens the sense that ”I am controlling all this.” You are engaging the “surrender” center of the brain, and peace increases and the stress decreases. It’s been said in these studies that speaking in tongues isn’t about losing your mind. It’s about letting go of the noise.”
Paul had it right when he wrote: A person who speaks in tongues is strengthened personally, 1Cor 14:4
Can I encourage you to encourage yourself today and “pray in the Spirit.” Be built up and let your mind and will surrender to the grace and provision that Jesus has for you. If it’s been some time since you’ve prayed this way, then press in and put aside self and find his peace. Let’s be people wielding the two sides of the powerful sword of prayer. With our mind and in the spirit.