The words used for prayer in the Bible offer deep insight into the nature of this conversation, and by understanding them, we can enrich our own prayer lives. When we explore the Hebrew and Greek terms for prayer, we uncover layers of meaning that help us grasp the full depth of what it means to communicate with God.
In the Old Testament, one of the most common words for prayer is tefillah, which comes from the root word palal, meaning "to judge" or "to evaluate." This tells us that prayer isn’t just about asking for what we want. It’s about aligning our hearts and minds with God’s will. Prayer becomes a moment of reflection, a time to evaluate our lives and bring our desires into harmony with His purposes.
This may sound confusing- prayer is to evaluate? or judge?.....
We see this beautifully in King Solomon's prayer during the dedication of the temple. As Solomon stood before the altar, asking for God's blessing, he also longed for God’s justice and righteousness to reign among His people.
“Hear the supplication of your servant and of your people Israel when they pray toward this place. Hear from heaven, your dwelling place; and when you hear, forgive.” (2 Chronicles 6:21)
In this context, it reflects more than just a request or petition. The word carries a nuance that prayer is not just about asking God for things, but also involves an internal process of reflection and self-assessment in the light of God's will.
In the Old Testament, particularly in the context of palal, prayer can be seen as a process of standing before God, not only to request or plead but to also reflect on one's own life. It's a moment to evaluate whether your desires, actions, and heart align with God's purposes. It’s like a form of self-examination before God, allowing the individual to consider their relationship with Him, their motives, and their obedience to His commands.
Solomon wasn’t simply asking for God's blessings on the people. He also acknowledged the need for God’s justice and mercy, and the importance of the people aligning with God’s will. He recognized that prayer was a means of aligning the hearts of the people to God’s ways. His prayer was both a plea for mercy and a call for God’s righteous judgment to be enacted upon the people—emphasizing the desire for righteousness to prevail, not just personal blessings.
The phrase “hear and forgive” sort of connects the idea that prayer is a way for individuals, small groups, congregations, communities, and even nations to evaluate their standing before God. Solomon was asking that God not only listen to the prayers of the people but also evaluate them, correct them, and bring them into right relationship with Him.
It’s a dynamic exchange—where, through prayer, God’s will can refine and correct us, and our desires are shaped to reflect His heart.
In this light, prayer becomes an act of mutual engagement: it involves both God's judgment (evaluation) on our lives and our alignment with His will. It’s a process of growth, of becoming more like God as we bring our lives, thoughts, and desires before Him.
Another Hebrew word for prayer is qara', meaning "to call out" or "summon." This word paints a picture of prayer as a heartfelt cry to God, especially in times of need. When the prophet Joel declared, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved,” he reminded us that God is always ready to hear those who reach out to Him in sincerity. This word highlights the personal and relational nature of prayer—it's not just a ritual, but a cry to our loving Father, who is always near.
“Then you call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the Lord. The god who answers by fire—he is God.” (1 Kings 18:24)
In the New Testament, we find the Greek word proseuchē, which is used for prayer in a broad sense, encompassing worship, thanksgiving, and petitions. Jesus used this word when teaching His disciples how to pray, reminding them that prayer is about more than just asking for things. It’s a way to commune with God, to praise Him, confess our sins, and ask for His help in our lives. The Lord’s Prayer, with its balance of adoration, confession, and supplication, is a perfect example of proseuchē.
“And He said to them, ‘When you pray, say: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Luke 11:2)
Another cool example of proseuchē is found in Revelation 5:8, where "προσευχαί" (proseuchai), which directly translates to "prayers." The full phrase in Greek is:
"χρυσὰ θυμίαμα ὅσα εἰσιν αἱ προσευχαι τῶν ἁγίων"
(chorus thymiama os einai hai proseuchai ton hagion)
This means "golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints."
Our prayers are the incense of heaven? That is a pretty amazing concept!
Another Greek word, deēsis, focuses on specific requests, especially those born out of need. Paul encourages believers to bring their requests to God with thanksgiving, trusting that He will provide. This word emphasizes the earnestness and trust we should have when presenting our desires to God, knowing He cares deeply about every detail of our lives.
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:6)
One final word to consider is proskuneō, which means "to kiss forward." It’s often used to describe acts of reverence and adoration, including physical gestures like bowing or kneeling. In Revelation, we see proskuneō used when the elders and living creatures fall down before the Lamb, worshiping Him and offering their prayers- though the word does not literally mean "prayer" it was their posture as they prayed (the incense I mentioned earlier....)
"And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down (proskuneō) before the Lamb." Revelation 5:8
Do we HAVE to kneel, close eyes, fold hands to pray? I don't think there is enough Biblical direction to mandate a physical posture.... However, when we think of the symbolic posture of repentance being in sackcloth and ashes, and the bowing or kneeling inferred in proskuneō.
I do believe kneeing to pray is a very humble posture and can be of great benefit.
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These biblical words show us that prayer is far more than a simple request list. It’s worship, an act of aligning our hearts with God’s will. It’s a cry for help, a way to express our need for His guidance and intervention. It’s trust, where we bring our requests to God with confidence, knowing He listens and cares. It’s also a way to stand in the gap for others, lifting them up in intercession.
So, what does this mean for us today? When we pray, we’re not just repeating words; we’re engaging in a deep, personal dialogue with the Creator of the universe. Whether we are crying out in desperation, offering thanks, or simply sitting in His presence, prayer is a way to connect with God in a meaningful and transformative way. As we learn from the prayers in Scripture, we are invited into a deeper relationship with God, one that encompasses every part of our lives and draws us closer to Him.
In short, it is this simple, but also profound and mysterious
.... "pray without ceasing", (1 Thessalonians 5:17 ESV)
1 comment:
Thank you Jay for this wonderful reminder 🙏 I love the ways you explore the different areas of prayer. Too many times we forget them all.
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