1 Corinthians 14:14

For if. pray in. tongue, my spirit prayeth, but my understanding is unfruitful.

'For' -'Paul now applies the point..to their..worship by indicating the specific effect unintelligibility has on gathered worshipers.' (Fee p. 668)

'pray in. tongue' -This isn't. private prayer tongue. (1 Corinthians 14:16-17) While verse 13 was. prayer in your native tongue, here in verse 14 the prayer is made in. tongue or. foreign language.

'my spirit prayeth' -I know that. am praying to God,. know that the Holy Spirit is using me,. know that. am uttering spiritual words and thoughts. This isn't uncontrolled ecstasy. For the tongue-speakers did have control. (1 Corinthians 14:28)

'my understanding is unfruitful' -'but. don't know what. am saying' (Tay) Hence, the great need seen for the gift of interpretation.