When a person is speaking in tongues at a church, are they speaking or praying to God, or are they making nonsense babble?

I went to a church where the whole congregation was speaking in tongues. I was told that they were speaking to God. As a very young child, I was very afraid & have always wondered about whether they were talking to God because every word sounded like gibberish and I was told that only God understands what they were saying.

1 Corinthians 14:1 - 40

ESV - ¹ Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy. ² For one who speaks in a tongue speaks not to men but to God; for no one understands him, but he utters mysteries in the Spirit.

Clarify • Share • Report • Asked June 19 2020 • Kathy Akers Supporter