I believe speaking in tounges is a spiritual gift given from God, as well as other gifts. Not every person recieves the same spiritual gifts. Some may have the power of healing, some prophetic words, some interpretation of dreams and toungues. God chooses which gifts each person recieves. I believe speaking in tounges is very powerful when using in prayer. Not all tounges are meant to be interpreted to people, most of the time it is for God to hear only through prayer to him. I speak in tounges to my father and do not think its a joke. Our church believes in the fire of the holy spirit and speaking in tounges. The spirit is not going to make you speak in tounges it does not force you. It is your choice when you feel the spirit to choose to utter the words that you feel come to your mind. You may not understand them but God knows all, and all that matters is that you have chosen him to speak his sacred language to. It does not make you a bad person when you do not speak in tounges. But I believe prayer is much more powerful when using it.