 Can every believer pray in tongues? Let's look at the verse that seems to imply we can't. Do all speak in tongues? 1 Corinthians 12-30. Now, I admit here that Paul is asking a rhetorical question, but this specific mention of the gift of tongues is in regards to the public expression of the gift that requires interpretation. He's not specifically speaking about the personal prayer language. On that gift in particular, Paul writes, Now I want you all to speak in tongues, but even more to prophesy this 1 Corinthians 14-5.