Christian Army Survival Guide
How to Start a Fire: A Field Manual for Praying in Tongues
Orientation
Welcome, soldier.
You are about to learn one of the most vital survival skills in the Christian life: how to pray in tongues.
This field manual is designed as a free resource for the Body of Christ. It is written for:
Those who have never prayed in tongues and want to begin. Pastors and leaders who have questions about the gift. Seasoned Christians who want to sharpen their daily discipline.
Use this manual like you would a survival guide:
- Study it carefully.
- Practice the skills daily.
- Teach others what you’ve learned.
The purpose of this manual is not just information. It is transformation.
By the end, you will know what tongues are, why they matter, how to receive them, and how to keep your fire burning.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you…” (2 Timothy 1:6)
The soldier who knows how to use his or her fire will survive any battle.
🔥 Why Start a Fire?
🔥 Tongues are fuel for the fight. Without it, your prayer life is like a soldier without firepower.
On the Day of Pentecost, tongues of fire rested on each believer (Acts 2:3). That fire still burns today through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Speaking in tongues isn’t about religious showmanship. In fact, it’s the most effective tool we have when we don’t know what to pray, or when we’ve exhausted every natural word we can think of.
Praying in tongues is letting the Holy Spirit pray perfect prayers through you instead of relying on your limited ability.
📖 “Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
📖 “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)
Every Christian has access to this gift. The purpose of this manual is to show you how to strike the spark, build the flame, and wield tongues as a weapon of revival and warfare.
🔥 Once you start a fire, it will change the atmosphere around you forever.
Baptized in the Spirit
The spark must catch fuel before it becomes fire.
When you were born again, the Holy Spirit came to live in you. But when you are baptized in the Spirit, He comes upon you with power.
This isn’t wordplay. It’s the Holy Spirit teaching us two realities:
- In you is the breath that keeps you alive.
- Upon you is the firepower that makes you effective in battle.
📖 In vs. Upon
📖 “…for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17)
- Word: ἐν (en) – Strong’s G1722
- Meaning: inside, within, indwelling.
- Application: At salvation, the Spirit takes residence within you. You become His temple.
📖 “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8)
- Word: ἐπί (epi) – Strong’s G1909
- Meaning: on, over, resting upon, clothing.
- Application: At Spirit baptism, the Spirit covers you, clothes you, and empowers you with fire.
🔥 Without “upon,” the spark smolders but never ignites into flame.
Scriptural Proof: Baptism is More than Salvation
Acts 8, Acts 10, and Acts 19 all reveal the same pattern: believers who were already saved received something more when the Spirit came upon them… and they spoke in tongues.
“For as yet He had fallen upon none of them. They had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 8:16) “While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit fell upon all those who heard the word… For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God.” (Acts 10:44–46) “And when Paul had laid hands on them, the Holy Spirit came upon them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied.” (Acts 19:6)
Wherever the Spirit comes upon, tongues break forth.
Listening to the Spirit – He Gives Utterance
“They began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
- Word: ἀποφθέγγομαι (apophthengomai) – Strong’s G669
- Meaning: to speak out with clarity, as a herald declaring a message.
This is not mindless noise. The Holy Spirit gives the utterance. We are not inventing syllables; we are yielding our tongue as His instrument.
- Physically: open your mouth in faith.
- Spiritually: tune your inner ear to His prompting.
- Partnership: He supplies the utterance, you supply the obedience.
Deploying Angel Armies
Tongues release angelic assignments. The Spirit directs them toward strategic targets. Praying in tongues is not only communion with God. It is combat in the heavens.
“Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His word, heeding the voice of His word.” (Psalm 103:20)
“Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14)
When you pray in the Spirit:
- Angelic armies are deployed.
- Principalities are confronted.
- Strategic prayer targets are struck.
Field Operation Example: When our international online small group prays corporately in tongues, the Spirit often directs our firepower toward:
- Pastor Jentezen Franklin and his family.
- Free Chapel pastors and worship leaders.
- Israel, Jerusalem, and the Temple Mount.
🧎 Activation Prayer
“Heavenly Father, I ask right now for You to baptize me with the Holy Spirit. Clothe me with fire and power. Let Your Spirit of Holiness, Might, Reverential Love, Counsel, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom flow through me. I yield my tongue and my life to You. Deploy Your angel armies and accomplish Your will through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
🎯🗣 Speak the Mysteries
🔥 A fire that is never struck will never burn.
Faith is the strike. Opening your mouth is the moment the spark leaps into flame.
“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
Notice the order:
- They were filled.
- They began to speak.
- The Spirit gave utterance.
It was a partnership: they moved their lips, but the Spirit supplied the words.
🔥 Survival Fire-Making Analogies
In the wilderness, fire never starts by itself. Action is required.
- Match: One strike and fire ignites instantly. Some receive tongues immediately.
- Flint and Steel: Sparks may take several strikes. Persistence is required.
- Bow Drill: Fire comes only through endurance and sweat. But when it catches, the flame is undeniable.
🔥 However long it takes, don’t stop striking. Faith always acts.
🔊 Why Speaking is Necessary
Some wait passively: “If God wants me to speak in tongues, He’ll do it for me.” That’s as misguided as saying: “If God wants me to be saved, then I’ll be saved without doing anything.”
Faith requires action.
- Noah built the ark.
- Abraham left Ur.
- Peter stepped onto the water.
- You must open your mouth.
📖 “I wish you all spoke with tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:5)
📖 “For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)
🔥 Mysteries are unlocked only when you speak. Silence keeps them hidden.
🛐 Listening and Yielding
Praying in tongues is not noise. It is obedience.
“For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” (Matthew 10:20)
✅ Listen physically: notice nudges in your mouth or tongue.
✅ Listen spiritually: trust the inner witness.
✅ Yield completely: He will not force you. You must step out in faith.
🌪 Tongues Change the Atmosphere
Tongues don’t stay inside; they shift the environment.
📖 “Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting.” (Acts 2:2)
📖 “They were all filled with the Holy Spirit… and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:4, 41)
🔥 Once you start a fire, it will change the atmosphere around you forever.
🧎 Activation Prayer
“Holy Spirit, I yield my tongue to You. I step out in faith, knowing You give utterance. Release mysteries. Deploy angel armies. Shift atmospheres. Express yourself through me. I’m available. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
⚡ Why Tongues Matter
🔥 Without fire, the soldier freezes. Without tongues, the believer weakens.
Praying in tongues is not an accessory for “elite” Christians. It is vital firepower for every soldier in the Kingdom. Scripture reveals four reasons tongues matter:
Tongues Build You Up (Edification)
“He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church.” (1 Corinthians 14:4)
To edify means to strengthen, charge, or reinforce, like fortifying the walls of a fortress. Every time you pray in tongues, you are building your spirit man stronger.
“But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God.” (Jude 20–21)
🔥 Tongues are daily strength training. Neglect them, and your spirit weakens.
Tongues Unlock Perfect Prayer (Intercession)
“Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.” (Romans 8:26)
Our human prayers are limited by knowledge. But when we pray in tongues, the Spirit Himself prays perfect prayers.
“Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.” (Romans 8:27)
Tongues are heaven’s encrypted communication system. The enemy cannot decode them.
Tongues Empower Spiritual Warfare
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Paul described the full armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–17), but he didn’t stop at armor. He finished with praying in the Spirit. Armor without ammunition is useless. Tongues are live firepower.
“For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds.” (2 Corinthians 10:4)
🔥 Tongues are heavy artillery. Without them, you’re in battle with empty hands.
Tongues Shift Atmospheres & Advance Revival
“Suddenly there came a sound from heaven, as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting… and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues.” (Acts 2:2,4)
The first outpouring of tongues at Pentecost didn’t just edify believers. It shook the environment and birthed revival.
“…and that day about three thousand souls were added to them.” (Acts 2:41)
Where tongues flow, revival grows.
Roadblocks & Misconceptions
Every fire has enemies: wind, water, and doubt. Guard the flame.
The enemy works hard to keep believers from praying in tongues. Why? Because he knows it is one of the most effective weapons in your arsenal. Here are the most common misconceptions, and the truth that demolishes them.
“If God wants me to speak in tongues, it will just happen.”
“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7)
Tongues are not forced on anyone. Salvation itself wasn’t automatic. You had to call on the Lord (Romans 10:13). In the same way, you must ask and step out in faith.
Waiting passively never starts a fire. Action sparks ignition.
❌ Misconception 2: “What if I sound silly?”
📖 “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)
Tongues bypass the natural mind. It may feel unfamiliar or childlike, but that is the point — the Spirit is praying beyond human intellect.
🔥 Fear of sounding foolish is the orphan’s lie. Sons and daughters receive freely from their Father.
❌ “Tongues aren’t for everyone.”
📖 “I wish you all spoke with tongues.” (1 Corinthians 14:5)
📖 “These signs will follow those who believe: In My name… they will speak with new tongues.” (Mark 16:17)
The gift of tongues for public interpretation is distinct from the prayer language of tongues, which is available to every believer.
🔥 If you are a believer, tongues are in your arsenal. Don’t leave your weapon on the shelf.
“I already have the Spirit because I’m saved. Why do I need more?”
“…for He dwells with you and will be in you.” (John 14:17) “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8)
The Spirit within you is for salvation. The Spirit upon you is for power. These are distinct realities. Salvation lights the ember. Baptism in the Spirit gives you advanced firepower.
The Spirit in you is for your salvation. The Spirit upon you is for your mission.
Misconception 5: “I don’t know what I’m saying. How can this be useful?”
“For he who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God, for no one understands him; however, in the Spirit he speaks mysteries.” (1 Corinthians 14:2)
You’re not supposed to understand with your natural mind. That’s the advantage. Your prayers are mysteries straight to God, beyond the enemy’s reach.
Tongues activate stealth mode. They are heaven’s encrypted code.
❌ “Tongues are just emotional or psychological.”
📖 “They began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
The Spirit Himself gives utterance. Tongues are not syllables you invent; they are Spirit-prompted prayers.
Tongues are not self-talk. They are Spirit-talk.
“Tongues are not relevant today.”
“For the promise is to you and to your children, and to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call.” (Acts 2:39)
The promise of the Spirit, including tongues, is for all generations. If the Church still has battles to fight, tongues are still required firepower.
If the Church still has enemies, tongues are still essential.
🧎 Activation Prayer
“Holy Spirit, I renounce every lie that has kept me from speaking in tongues. I reject fear, doubt, and orphan thinking. I choose faith and obedience. I receive the promise that is for me, my children, and all who are called. Fill me now and release mysteries through me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
The Seven Spirits of God – Your Allies in Prayer
“The Spirit of the Lord [Holiness] shall rest upon Him: the Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and of Fear of the Lord [Reverential Love].” (Isaiah 11:2, adapted)
The Spirit of God is one, yet He reveals Himself in a sevenfold expression. When you yield your tongue in prayer, He releases all seven through you:
- Holiness – purifies your prayer and keeps it aligned with heaven.
- Might – adds force and breakthrough power.
- Reverential Love – anchors your prayer in intimacy and awe.
- Counsel – directs your intercession with divine strategy.
- Knowledge – reveals hidden realities and truths.
- Understanding – discerns the times and conditions rightly.
- Wisdom – applies heaven’s solutions with precision.
Tongues are not random syllables. They are the Spirit’s sevenfold voice praying through you.
Activation Prayer
“Holy Spirit, I yield to You fully. As I pray in tongues, express through me Your Holiness, Might, Reverential Love, Counsel, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom. Let my prayer language carry the fullness of Your Spirit and accomplish what I could never do in my own strength. In Jesus’ Mighty name, Amen.”
🧰 Prayers & Declarations Toolkit
🎇 The Spark – Salvation Prayer
📖 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13)
🧎 “Jesus, I believe You died for me and rose again. I turn from my sin and receive Your forgiveness. I confess You as Lord and give You my life. Come live in me and make me new. Amen.”
⛽ The Fuel – Baptism of the Holy Spirit Prayer
📖 “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you.” (Acts 1:8)
🧎 “Heavenly Father, baptize me with the Holy Spirit. Clothe me with firepower. Let Your Spirit of Holiness, Might, Reverential Love, Counsel, Knowledge, Understanding, and Wisdom flow through me. I yield my tongue to You, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”
The Flame – Declarations of Faith
“I open my mouth in faith, and the Spirit gives me utterance. I speak mysteries to God. My tongues deploy angel armies, break strongholds, and fuel revival.”
Daily Fire Discipline Declarations
- I pray in tongues every day. My fire never goes out.
- I sing in tongues, and joy fills the atmosphere around me.
- The Word of God becomes revelation when I pray in the Spirit.
- I listen for the Spirit’s nudges and obey without delay.
- My personal fire joins others to become a corporate blaze.
Warfare Declarations
- When I pray in tongues, I am strengthened in the Spirit.
- My tongues are perfect prayers; Spirit-led, error-free, unstoppable.
- My tongues are weapons of warfare, demolishing strongholds.
- My tongues shift atmospheres and fuel revival.
- My tongues deploy angel armies and align heaven’s will on earth.
Final Creed – My Fire Will Burn
- I am baptized in the Spirit. I am filled with firepower.
- When I pray in tongues, heaven’s mysteries flow through me.
- I will not stay silent. I will strike until the flame ignites.
- My fire changes atmospheres. My fire fuels revival.
- I am a Spirit-filled soldier in the army of God and my fire will never go out.
🗓 Daily Practice: Keep the Fire Burning
🔥 Fire untended will burn out. Fire fed will spread.
Praying in tongues is not a one-time spark. It is a daily discipline that keeps your spirit strong, your mind sharp, and your atmosphere charged with God’s presence.
📖 “Do not quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19)
📖 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” (Romans 12:11, ESV)
🔥 Pray in Tongues Daily
📖 “But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit.” (Jude 20)
Start with five minutes, then increase. The more you pray, the stronger you become.
🔥 Consistent fire makes a consistent soldier.
🎶 Praise and Sing in Tongues
📖 “I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding.” (1 Corinthians 14:15)
Singing in tongues lifts the atmosphere. It releases joy, strengthens faith, and shifts spiritual climates.
🔥 A singing soldier keeps morale high, for himself and his army.
Mix Tongues with the Word
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.” (Colossians 3:16)
Pray in tongues as you read Scripture.
The Word is fuel. Tongues are the flame that makes it burn brighter.
👂 Stay Alert to the Spirit’s Nudges
📖 “Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.” (Ephesians 6:18, NLT)
The Spirit may nudge you to pray in tongues for someone at work, a family member, or even a nation. Obey immediately. These moments can prevent ambushes or release breakthrough.
🔥 A soldier ignores the Spirit’s promptings at his own peril.
Pray in Tongues Together
“When you come together, each of you has… a tongue.” (1 Corinthians 14:26)
One ember glows, but many together become a bonfire.
Individual fire warms. Corporate fire burns through enemy lines.
Closing Encouragement
Once you start a fire, it will change the atmosphere around you forever.
You now hold in your hands the survival skill that transforms ordinary believers into Spirit-filled warriors. Praying in tongues is not optional. It is vital firepower for the army of God.
“Therefore I remind you to stir up the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” (2 Timothy 1:6–7)
Tongues will:
- Strengthen you when you feel weak.
- Speak perfect prayers beyond your mind.
- Deploy angel armies.
- Shift atmospheres.
- Fuel revival in your generation.
This is why the enemy works so hard to silence the Church. But silence is not your portion. You have been equipped with advanced firepower.
🪖 Soldier’s Charge
- Keep the ember alive with daily tongues.
- Strike the flame again and again until it roars.
- Join your fire with others for corporate bombardment.
- Stay alert to the Spirit’s nudges and obey instantly.
- Pray until strongholds fall, until atmospheres shift, until revival breaks out.
📖 “Pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17)
📖 “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Final Prayer of Commission
“Holy Spirit, I receive Your fire. I will not quench it. I will pray in tongues daily, sing in tongues, and keep the flame burning. Use me to deploy angel armies, intercede for leaders, for Israel, and for the nations. Ignite revival in my life and through my life. Make me a faithful soldier in the army of God. In Jesus’ Mighty name, Amen.”
Soldier’s Creed – My Fire Will Burn
- I am baptized in the Spirit. I am filled with firepower.
- When I pray in tongues, heaven’s mysteries flow through me.
- I will not stay silent. I will strike until the flame ignites.
- My fire changes atmospheres. My fire fuels revival.
- I am a Spirit-filled soldier in the army of God, and my fire will never go out.
🧰Other Resources
The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
For more information about the baptism of the Holy Spirit, check out my personal testimony below.
I grew up in a Spirit-filled home and church, but it was not until more recently that I received the gift of a heavenly prayer language through the baptism of the Holy Spirit. I would like to share my experience with you in order that it might strengthen those who share the gift and encourage those who seek it. Before I begin, I would like to summarize the incomparable benefits of speaking a heavenly language as well as identify distinctions between its manifestations.
References
Chris & Samantha Carson, Unseen Ministries
Joel Crumpton, You Can Do the Works of Jesus
David Morgan, Kingdom Life Ministries
Bob Batters, Doctor of Physical Therapy
Free Chapel School of Discipleship, Advanced Spiritual Warfare with Karin Baker
John Eckhardt, Prayers that Rout Demons & Break Curses