3 Benefits of Speaking in Tongues (Backed by Bible & Science)

Have you ever wondered if there's more to speaking in tongues than just a spiritual experience? According to both the Bible and modern neuroscience, this powerful practice has real benefits for your brain, emotions, and overall well-being. In a recent episode of the Greater Than Podcast, Dr. Avery Jackson, a board-certified neurosurgeon, explained how praying in tongues activates unique areas of the brain and supports mental and emotional health. Let’s explore three proven benefits of speaking in tongues that every believer should know.

What Is Speaking in Tongues?

Speaking in tongues, also known as praying in the Spirit or in a heavenly language, is a supernatural form of prayer mentioned throughout the Bible, especially in the book of Acts and Paul’s letters.

In simple terms, it means speaking words inspired by the Holy Spirit that your natural mind doesn’t understand. It bypasses your intellect and connects directly with God.

Many Christians experience this during prayer, worship, or moments of deep surrender to the Lord. And while some have debated whether it’s “still for today,” Scripture and personal testimonies—including from medical professionals—continue to affirm its power.

Neuroscience and Tongues: What the Brain Shows

Dr. Avery Jackson pointed to a fascinating study out of the University of Pennsylvania, which used PET scans (a type of brain imaging) to examine what happens in the brain when people:

Speak in their native language

Communicate non-verbally

Pray in tongues

Here’s what researchers found:

When people spoke normally, the frontal lobe of the brain lit up. This area is responsible for language, reasoning, and decision-making.

But when people prayed in tongues, the frontal lobe activity decreased, while the parietal lobe (the brain’s receptive area) lit up instead.

Translation? When someone speaks in tongues, they’re not controlling the speech with their own brain. They’re yielding to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to speak through them. This matches exactly what the Bible says in Romans 8:26—"We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us..."

Three Health Benefits of Praying in Tongues

What makes this even more exciting is that praying in tongues doesn't just affect your spirit—it blesses your brain and body too.

1. Reduces stress

When you pray in tongues regularly, it helps relieve stress and anxiety. Dr. Jackson explains that people who walk in faith and release the pressures of life to God experience greater emotional balance and mental clarity.

2. Boosts the immune system

Your natural killer cells—a type of white blood cell that helps fight off viruses and cancer—function better when you're at peace. Speaking in tongues helps keep your emotions steady and your immune system strong.

3. Enhances brain function

Because the parietal lobe becomes active, it may help balance or strengthen weaker areas of the brain. Dr. Jackson even suggested that praying in tongues regularly could have long-term benefits for neurological health.

He said, “If you can do it all the time, I highly recommend it. It strengthens your spirit, impacts your emotions, and improves your brain function.”

Why Tongues Is Like Music

Dr. Jackson’s wife, Cara, added another powerful insight: praying in tongues is similar to singing. She shared how people with advanced dementia often forget names or facts but still remember songs and can sing every lyric.

That’s because music bypasses our logical thinking and connects to deeper parts of the brain. In the same way, praying in tongues taps into your spirit and brings peace, healing, and alignment—without your mind needing to “figure it out.”

It’s not about forcing words or understanding every detail. It’s about trusting God with your heart and letting the Spirit pray through you.

What the Bible Says About Speaking in Tongues

While the science is amazing, the Bible is still our foundation. Scripture is full of examples and encouragements to speak in tongues:

Acts 2:4 – “All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.”

1 Corinthians 14:4 – “He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself.”

Romans 8:26 – “The Spirit helps us in our weakness... the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.”

Jude 1:20 – “But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit.”

And don’t forget what Paul said:

“I thank God that I speak in tongues more than all of you.”

—1 Corinthians 14:18

Paul saw great value in this gift, spiritually and practically.

How to Make Tongues a Daily Habit

You don’t need a long ritual or special moment to speak in tongues. You simply need:

A relationship with Jesus (He's the baptizer in the Holy Spirit)

A willing heart

Faith to open your mouth and let the Spirit lead

Dr. Avery encourages people to start and end each day praying in tongues, even for just a few minutes. Over time, you’ll see peace increase, stress decrease, and your spiritual sensitivity sharpen.

Final Thoughts: God Designed This for You

It’s easy to overlook the spiritual tools God has given us. But speaking in tongues is a divine gift that impacts our spirit, soul, and body. And now, science is catching up, confirming what Scripture already told us.

When you pray in tongues, you’re not just doing something “churchy.” You’re activating a powerful, God-designed process that renews your mind, calms your emotions, and strengthens your body.

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