There’s a single, often overlooked reason why many believers struggle to release the gift of tongues—their personal prayer language. And it all boils down to one uncomfortable word: Ego.
Now, I’m not just talking about pride—though that can be part of it. I’m talking about self—the ways we get in our own way. The internal blocks that keep us from flowing freely in the Spirit. Let me break down the top three ego-driven obstacles and how to overcome them.
1. Fear: “What Will They Think?”
We fear looking foolish. We worry about how the world—or even religious people—might see us. But here’s the truth: you will look strange… and that’s okay.
“If we are out of our mind, as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” - 2 Corinthians 5:13 (NIV)
We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit. We’re not meant to blend in—we’re called to stand out. Some even fear they’ll anger God or—more absurdly—invite a demon by asking for a gift. But let’s be clear: you cannot receive a demon when you ask the Holy Spirit for a gift in the name of Jesus.
“Which of you fathers, if your son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” - Luke 11:11–13 (NIV)
So breathe. Let go of the fear. You are safe in Him.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” - 2 Timothy 1:7 (NKJV)
2. Doubt: “Is This Just Me?”
Many people pause mid-prayer, questioning whether what they’re doing is “real.” They whisper things like: “Maybe this is just me,” or “What if I’m making it up?” That internal dialogue has to go. Doubt stifles the flow—faith sets it free. Speak with confidence. Lean into the presence of God and trust that He’s meeting you in that moment.
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
- James 1:6 (NIV)
“For we live by faith, not by sight.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)
3. Overthinking: “What If I’m Doing It Wrong?”
I’ve prayed with hundreds who want to speak in tongues, and I often see the same thing: tension. Instead of stepping into the gift, they get stuck repeating “Amen,” “Jesus,” or “Hallelujah” over and over—trying to fill the silence. They’re overthinking it. They’re trying to “get it right.” But here’s the truth: faith looks like relaxing. Yes, relaxing. That’s when your mind steps aside, and your spirit connects freely with God.
“Cease striving and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 (NASB)
“For anyone who enters God’s rest also rests from their works, just as God did from his.” - Hebrews 4:10 (NIV)
So release the syllables and sounds—and trust the Holy Spirit to fill them.
Final Thoughts: Faith Over Fear
If you’re struggling to release your prayer language, consider this a loving challenge:
Let go of the fear of looking strange.
Let go of the fear that God will be mad at you.
Let go of the fear that you’ll “get it wrong” or “get a demon.”
Let go of the doubts whispering, “This isn’t real.”
Let go of the mental gymnastics that block the flow.
Instead, come to a place of perfect faith—not performance, not striving—just simple, surrendered belief.
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.” - Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.” - Romans 8:26 (NIV)
You were never meant to manufacture the gift—only to receive it.
Yield to what God has deposited in you.
“All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and He distributes them to each one, just as He determines.” - 1 Corinthians 12:11 (NIV)
For more on this topic, you can watch my teaching, “Give Me 20 Minutes and You’ll Start Praying in Tongues,” on YouTube by clicking here.
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