Yes - it was an encounter with God's love. When I felt it poured out on me, I just had nothing but sounds to express how I felt. There was such a freedom in not having to come up with words in English which just could not do the feeling I had justice. So, I just let syllables of sounds pour forth from my spirit. That was my first knowledge of the freedom in letting my spirit praise as the Holy Spirit quickened it.
Since then, it has never been about tongues. It has been always as I'm aware of Christ's presence - or when I'm caught up in intercession for another person and know not what to say with my mind.
What a great thing when the Holy Spirit prays or praises through you. What complete freedom. And there is always a sense that the praise or prayer is somehow more complete. Coming from a part of you that has newly come alive.