I do not practice a private prayer language, nor do I necessarily have a desire to do so. But with all the debate about private prayer language in the SBC, I knew I needed to do some research to better educate myself on this subject. I have now read every verse in the New Testament that contains the word "tongue" or "tongues." My initial conclusion (I reserve the right to change my mind) is that private prayer language is indeed legitimate. Here is one of the passages that convinced me:
1 Cor 14:18-19 "I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all; yet in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that I may teach others also, than ten thousand words in a tongue."
The phrase "yet in the church" seems to draw a distinction between Paul's private practice of tongues, and his corporate practice of tongues. Does this allude to a private prayer language? I think so. What do you think?