Praying in tongues can be "self-edifying"

The idea that praying in tongues can be "self-edifying" comes primarily from the Bible, specifically 1 Corinthians 14:4, which states, "He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church."

Here's a breakdown of why this is understood to mean that praying in tongues can be personally beneficial:

Speaking directly to God: 1 Corinthians 14:2 says, "For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit." This suggests that praying in tongues is a direct, spiritual communication with God that bypasses human understanding.

Building up one's spirit: The term "edify" means to build up, strengthen, or improve. When applied to the individual, it implies a spiritual strengthening or growth. This can involve:

Intimate communion: A direct and unhindered connection with God, fostering a deeper sense of His presence.

Spiritual release: It's seen by some as a way for the spirit to express itself to God in ways that the mind might not be able to articulate, especially in times of great joy, sorrow, or when one doesn't know what to pray for (Romans 8:26-27).

Refreshing the inner man: It can be a source of spiritual refreshment and renewal, helping believers to build up their "most holy faith" (Jude 1:20).

Bypassing the limitations of the mind: 1 Corinthians 14:14 notes, "For if I pray in a tongue, my spirit prays, but my mind is unfruitful." This indicates that while the mind may not understand what is being said, the spirit is actively engaged in prayer. This can be seen as a way to pray beyond one's intellectual limitations or preconceived notions.

It's important to note the context of 1 Corinthians 14, where Paul also emphasizes the importance of prophecy in public church settings because it edifies the church (the community) by bringing understandable instruction, encouragement, and comfort. While acknowledging the personal benefit of praying in tongues, he prioritizes that which benefits the collective body of believers in public gatherings.

In summary, the self-edifying aspect of praying in tongues is understood as a means of personal spiritual growth, intimacy with God, and a way for the spirit to pray beyond the limitations of the intellect.