I did speak in tongues. I don't believe it is essential.
I was a Baptist, oddly enough, before being baptized in Jesus name for the remission of sins and receiving the Holy Ghost with speaking in tongues.
I found it odd that "Baptist" doctrine was that baptism was optional. But that wasn't why I left.
They'd taught me enough about God that I learned how to pray (in faith and in the way that leads to God answering). It was the praying (after discovering the non-function of their teachings on salvation) that is part of what brought me in contact with those who told me about baptism and receiving the Holy Ghost with tongues.
Some might think I was a sucker for new doctrine but that's not exactly the case. I was excited to have discovered the word about those topics was neither past tense nor dead, but having come out of deceptive doctrine I would accept nothing without testing and proof.
So once I'd received speaking in tongues (THAT was an experience by faith) I put it to the test.
Did it edify me (build me up) as promised? Yes, but it functions a bit like alcohol. If you just use it a little, you likely won't feel the effects or see the life-changing aspects. So I did it a lot.
Did it help mine infirmities, (Specifically start fixing my weaknesses)? Yes, but again proportionate to amount of use. Seemingly in exponential proportions, to be honest.
Did I find speaking in tongues "prayed for things I know not" and in ways producing better results than my best prayers in English? Yes. I'd learned how to pray and get answers (results) when I prayed in English, But even though I would receive EXACTLY what I prayed for, I often didn't like the consequences that I'd not foreseen.
Did He bring to my remembrance whatever God had said? And show me things to come? Yes, and yes. (Again proportional to use). Allow laying on of hands for healings? (to actually happen)? Yes.
I tested (or am still testing) every promise I could think of (through actual use) to see if the babbly speaking in tongues today produces the results that were promised back then. And in all things I've found the answers to be "yes" and "Amen!". Even the less enjoyable ones like persecution and the unlearned and unbelievers thinking us to be mad (not angry) if we all happen to be praying in tongues at the same time. And even though I don't know exactly what's being prayed when I'm "rattling off in tongues" sometimes for hours at a time, I do know the results... and they're good.
So my question to you (after the long preamble, lol) is:
Do you use your speaking in tongues a LOT (enough to clearly see what results it produces) or just a little? (to where your thoughts and interpretations of scriptures is still the predominant way you assess the value of what you've received)?
Love in Jesus,
Kelby