There are few other topics on which Christians are so divided. And a large majority of believers are unclear about what spiritual language really means. This is a balanced, biblical approach for anyone wanting to make an honest inquiry into the nature of speaking in tongues. Hayford debunks common myths surrounding the practice of tongues and shares with readers the beauty and the order of spiritual language that he has discovered during his times of private communion with God.
Jack Williams Hayford (born June 25, 1934) is an American author, Pentecostal minister, and Chancellor Emeritus of The King's University (formerly The King's College and Seminary). He is a former senior pastor of The Church On The Way in Van Nuys, California and was the fourth President of the International Church of the Foursquare Gospel. He is widely known for his past involvement in the Promise Keepers movement and for being a prolific author and songwriter, with over 600 hymns and choruses in his catalog. He is the author of the popular 1978 hymn "Majesty", which is rated as one of the top 100 contemporary hymns and performed and sung in churches worldwide.
This book explains prayer and glossolalia from a personal and biblical perspective. There is no hype and no fervor, just a very well written book on the topic.
I downloaded this book to my phone and, over the past year, I’ve read it during down time in various locations (grocery store lines, plane flights, anywhere, anytime). At the time of the download, I had just read an excellent biography of the author, Pastor Jack Hayford, and I wanted to read more.
This was an scripture-packed, well-reasoned, scholarly and thorough study of speaking in tongues - which Pastor Jack called “Spiritual Language.”
I’ve looked up to Pastor Jack Hayford since I was in my late teens and learned that he was pastor and friend to one of my favorite Christian bands (2nd Chapter of Acts). He is the only nationally known Pentecostal/Charismatic leader for whom I’ve ever felt great respect and regard. The rest of those guys are more than a little loopy.
The book was a delight. I learned a lot and core beliefs of mine were deepened.
I read another Jack Hayford book this year and LOVED it. So, I picked this one up and so admire his total NORMALCY. This book is not what some might think it would be--it's not super spiritual, weird or wild.
It's the teaching I wish I'd heard years ago on the subject, honestly. Simple and straightforward.
I will say, the second half of the book is simply some of his sermons on paper which was a bit harder to read than the first part.
took a while but i finished it. a good read to think about. I don’t agree with Hayford on everything theologically, but it gave me a lot of information and clarity on a subject that I have barely thought about and if I had it was with fear of what I didn’t know. my main take away and prayer point is that God doesn’t give his children undesirable gifts!
I recommended Hayford's book Why Tongues? In my book, Musings Along Life's Journey. In this book, Hayford used Scripture and events in his life to share what's happened with the tussle over spiritual gifts and speaking in tongues. He brings things into balance by defining the essential Jesus, not arguing over doctrinal issues.
I found this easier to read the second time around. Great teaching and still so much to take in. Towards the end, the language and style became harder to understand and more preacher like. Still a great read.
My "Go-To" book for gifting to those who are open & seeking the Baptism of the Holy Spirit, as well as those who want to grow in the use & spiritual understanding of their prayer language. I have probably gifted at least 20 copies over the last 2 years.
Best book I've ever seen on the topic (prayer language, speaking in tongues, etc.) It's Biblical, gracious, clear, well-written. Jack Hayford at his pastoral best.
Jack Hayford is a proven minister and well respect in Christian and non Christian circles. We should all pay attention when he presents the beauty and value of speaking in tongues.
This book explained a lot of good things that come from speaking in known (but not to me) and unknown languages as led by the Spirit of God. It's a godly practice and an important gift.