1 Corinthians 14:3-4 But the one who prophesies speaks to people for their strengthening, encouraging and comfort. 4 Anyone who speaks in a tongue edifies themselves, but the one who prophesies edifies the church.
What is the difference between speaking in tongues and prophesying? This chapter is a great explanation about the power of prophecy. The goal of prophecy, Paul says, is threefold: strengthening, encouraging and comfort.
Prophecy brings clarity, it brings confirmation, it brings direction. Prophecy is clear language, understood by the one who receives it and by those overhearing it. Speaking in tonguese edifies the person speaking it, but not those around him. It is great to speak in tongues and build your own spirit, but it does not help communicating a message from God to someone else – by speaking in tongues. No one will understand it (unless there is interpretation).
In short, tongues is for you, prophecy is for them.
Oftentimes, people ask “but why do we all pray in tongues out loud during a church service?” There is a difference between a message in tongues (speaking out loud to someone else) or praying in tongues (praying out loud, to God only). In the early church in Acts, they often raised their voice in one accord and everyone prayed out loud in tongues. However, that is different than trying to communicate a message to someone in tongues. In the latter case, there needs to be interpretation.
Let’s keep praying in tongues to God and prophesying to others, from God.