Read Time:5 Minute, 50 Second

By William Van Zyl

Published on March 24, 2026

You will not believe what this research has revealed.

Recently, a neurosurgeon from the United States, Dr Avery, shared a remarkable testimony on Joni Table Talk, a Christian podcast on Spotify. While performing intricate brain surgeries—procedures that demand the highest levels of precision and concentration—he described how he quietly speaks in tongues, what he calls his “heavenly language. He further stated that an academic article described a researcher scanning the brain of a person speaking his native language. The researcher then asked the man to speak in tongues (Charismatic gift of the Holy Spirit). He scanned the rain again. The result? The native language lights up the front of the brain where language is located. However, when they spoke in tongues, the sides of the rain lit up. These areas are associated with listening and awareness. Is it possible that when a person speaks in tongues, he or she is guided by the Holy Spirit that knows everything? Dr Avery gave examples of miraculous interventions by the Holy Spirit while operating on a person’s brain. He mentions how a tumour was removed successfully. He said that it was a very sensitive and dangerous removal of a tumour. He prayed in tongues while operating; the Holy Spirit guided him to a successful outcome. The tumour was removed, and the patient made a full recovery. Isn’t that just amazing?

Let’s dive deeper. See the research done by Newberg (2006), a Jewish person, later in this article.

IMAGE: An actual brain scan, such as an MRI, uses strong magnets and radio waves to produce detailed, non-invasive images of the brain’s soft tissue without radiation. It detects structural issues such as tumours, strokes, bleeding, and inflammation, which appear as detailed greyscale cross-sections of the head. Credit image: SJRA South Jersey Radiology Associates. https://sjra.com/what-should-i-know-about-my-brain-mri-results/

Talking Without Thinking; Only Listening

In a world driven by logic, analysis, and constant mental activity, the idea of speaking without thinking sounds almost impossible—perhaps even unsettling. Yet, emerging conversations at the intersection of neuroscience and faith suggest that there are moments when the mind quiets… and something deeper takes over.

At first glance, this might seem contradictory. How can someone engage in complex surgery while simultaneously speaking in a language not consciously processed? The answer may lie in fascinating neurological observations.

The Brain on Language vs. The Brain on Tongues

According to research by Newberg and colleagues (2006), brain imaging studies reveal a striking difference between natural speech and speaking in tongues, or glossolalia. When a person speaks in their native language, the frontal lobe—responsible for decision-making, reasoning, and structured thought—is highly active. This makes sense, as forming sentences requires intentional cognitive effort.

However, when individuals speak in tongues, something unusual occurs:

The frontal lobe activity decreases significantly, reducing conscious control.
Other regions, particularly parietal and emotional areas, become more active, suggesting the person is more receptive than generative.

In simple terms:
Less self-directed thinking… more openness to receive.

Listening While Speaking

This neurological shift opens a powerful spiritual interpretation. When the analytical part of the brain steps back, the individual may be more attuned to listening rather than producing.

Dr Avery testifies that, in these moments, he experiences subtle guidance during surgery—impressions, cautions, or decisions he attributes to the Holy Spirit. He has even witnessed what he calls miraculous interventions, where life-saving outcomes appeared as he followed these spiritual promptings.

From a faith perspective, this aligns with the belief that:

The Spirit of God knows all things—past, present, and future.

When human reasoning steps aside, space may be created for divine insight.

A Biblical Reflection

Scripture often speaks of a partnership between human action and divine guidance. In Romans 8:26 (KJV), we read:

“Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us…”

This suggests that there are moments when human understanding is insufficient—and in those moments, the Spirit intercedes.

Application for Spirit-Filled Christians

For believers who practice speaking in tongues, this insight carries profound implications. Speaking in tongues is not merely an expression—it may also be a posture:

A posture of surrender
A posture of listening
A posture of trust

When a person yields control of their speech, they may also be yielding control of their thoughts, decisions, and direction. This creates an environment where the Holy Spirit can:

Reveal hidden things
Guide decisions
Warn of danger
Direct steps with precision

In a fast-moving and uncertain world, this kind of guidance is invaluable.

Final Thought

What if the greatest clarity does not come from thinking harder—but from listening deeper?

The fact that a neurosurgeon—operating at the very edge of human capability—relies not only on skill but also on spiritual sensitivity challenges both science and faith communities alike. Yet, it also invites a powerful question:

What could happen if we learned to quiet our minds and trust the Spirit more?

In those quiet, surrendered moments, we may discover that we are not just speaking…
—we are being led.

THE ARTICLE:

Author links open overlay panel Andrew B. Newberg ^a ^b

, Nancy A. Wintering ^a ^b, Donna Morgan ^a

, Mark R. Waldman ^b

Abstract: Newberg 2006’s Academic Research and Article

“Glossolalia (or “speaking in tongues”) is an unusual mental state that has great personal and religious meaning. Glossolalia is experienced as a normal and expected behaviour in religious prayer groups in which the individual appears to be speaking in an incomprehensible language. This is the first functional neuroimaging study to demonstrate changes in cerebral activity during glossolalia. The frontal lobes, parietal lobes, and left caudate were most affected.”

Find the full article here:

Reference (APA 7th edition)

Newberg, A. B., Wintering, N. A., Morgan, D., & Waldman, M. R. (2006). The measurement of regional cerebral blood flow during glossolalia: A preliminary SPECT study. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 148(1), 67–71. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pscychresns.2006.07.001