Good grief... I said I wasn't going to say anymore, but I need to address these notions.
My story, which I've told before, in previous "tongues" discussions is that about 40 years ago, I met a group of folks that were going about the country, preaching and reaching out, mostly to young folks. I was a young person then... well, young-ER.... mid 20's....
They strongly taught speaking in tongues. I had heard of it, being brought up in the church, baptized at 11, father was an elder in the church, went to a Christian school... etc...
After attending some of their worship sessions, I was convinced that I was somehow missing something, as I did not speak in tongues. We had several discussions, and I was convinced that I simply had to fully give in and accept it, pray for it earnestly, etc. We even had two sessions of 8-10 of them surrounding me and laying hands on me.... I WANTED to have that gift....
I didn't receive it. Never. They even said I need to just open my mouth and start making noises, and it would just "flow".... Didn't happen.
After a few weeks of serious prayer and meditation on the subject, I came to the conclusion that either I was "unworthy" or that just perhaps, the Spirit decided I didn't need that gift. Over the past 40 or so years of reading, studying, praying, I've come to the conclusions that I have put forth in this (and other) threads.
So.... don't try to tell me that I WILL speak in tongues, if I just pray for it, and want it bad enough.
If the Spirit decides I NEED that gift, He will give it to me.... and I will NOT have that gift before that happens.... if it ever does.
When I pray to God, I KNOW that the Spirit is also interceding in my behalf, using words that I just don't have. That is good enough for me... I've seen prayers answered, not always the way I was asking, but always for the best. That is the work of the Spirit...