Language Studies

Greek Thoughts

PROSEUCHOMAI* - Part 5 - εχηγεομαι (Strong's #1834)
To pray

Please note that all Biblical quotes, in this and all other lessons posted to Greek Thoughts, are from The Literal English Translation of the Bible produced by BTE Ministries - The Bible Translation and Exegesis Institute of America.

This week we continue with the fifth part of our study of the word προσεὺχομαι (Strong's #4336, pronounced prō'sūk-ō-mī), which means "to pray." It is a word compounded from the preposition πρὸς (Strong's #4314, pronounced prōs) meaning "to" or "toward," and the word εὔχομαι (Strong's #2172, pronounced ū' kō-mī) meaning "to wish, to desire."

To date, our study has shown that εὔχομαι is used in the New Testament to express a wish; and that this is its basic, root meaning. We considered its use by both Paul (Romans 9:3; 2 Corinthians 13:7; 13:9) and John (3 John 1:2). We also looked specifically at 1 John 5:14-15 in order to understand how εὔχομαι is used in prayer to God. We learned that God's answer to prayer is only guaranteed when the believer's wish and desire is for the Lord's will to be done. We saw this same principle revealed in the Book of James (vs.1-4). In these verses, James teaches that those praying in order to fulfill their own hedonistic desires will not receive an answer; because they are actually committing spiritual adultery and have positioned themselves as enemies of God. We also learned, from James 1:5-8, that a double-minded person is one who asks God for wisdom but does not ask in faith—trusting the Lord through trials to gain His wisdom. The focus here is again on the wish or desire underlying a person's prayer; and James, in James 1:5-8, states that one must ask in faith, believing that the Lord's will is being done in response to prayer. This week we focus on Paul's teaching about prayer, from Philippians 4:4-7.

In Philippians 4:1-3, Paul addresses two women, Euodias and Syntyche, in the church at Philippi. He encourages them to get along, to have the same frame of mind in the Lord. Paul also encourages others within the Philippian church to help the two. Then, beginning with verse 4, Paul presents four principles needed for Christian fellowship and gives the promise that goes with them.
Philippians 4:4-7

4)

Be satisfied in the Lord always. Again I will say, "Be satisfied."

The Greek word rendered "joy" in most English translations is χαὶρω (Strong's #5463, pronounced kī' rō), which actually has to do with being satisfied with something or someone, rather than referring to a happy feeling experienced in the flesh. Χαὶρω is used twice within this verse and Paul frames them both as commands. He is commanding these two women, as well as the rest of the believers, to be satisfied in the Lord and with His will, rather than being intent upon the satisfaction of getting their own desires. This is Paul's first principle.

5)

Let your yielding become known to all men. The Lord is near.

Paul's second principle is found in verse 5 and is also the second command: let one's yielding become known to everyone. The Greek word ἐπιεικὴς (Strong's #1933, pronounced ĕ pē ā kās') represents an attitude of yielding for the purpose of making everything equitable. Therefore, the reputation of a yielding person - a person who yields to others rather than insisting on his/her own way - is that of moderation. A moderate person is one who is not attached to or obsessed with the earthly realm; they are able to relinquish their desires and rights in submission to the will of the Lord, functioning peaceably within the Body of Christ.

6)

Do not be anxious concerning one thing, but in everything by prayer and by petition with thanksgiving, let your requests become known to God;

Paul's third principle and corresponding command is that believers are not to be anxious for one thing. The word translated "anxious" is μεριμνὰω (Strong's #3309, pronounced mĕr ǐm nǒ' ō) and represents the occupation of the attention of the mind. (See the archives for the author's series on this word.) Believers are not to be occupied with earthly or fleshly things.

Paul's fourth principle is once again given in the command form and is also found in verse 6. He says to let one's requests become known to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. Keeping this in context, Paul is saying that believers are to let their requests be made known to God through prayer (προσεὺχομαι) rather than allowing the circumstances of life to occupy the attention of their minds. These prayers are to be accompanied by thanksgiving. This is because prayer offered with thanksgiving is an acknowledgment of the Lord's sovereignty. It indicates that the one praying has let go of his/her own desires for the situation and is thanking the Lord for fulfilling His will.

7)

and the peace of God which is surpassing all understanding will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus.

Lastly, Paul teaches the promise of God to those obeying the four principles of fellowship. He states that after having prayed about something, the peace of God, which surpasses all human understanding of circumstances and situations, "will guard your hearts and thoughts in Christ Jesus." Only when each believer is at peace with the Lord can we all be at peace with one another.

When these principles for fellowship are followed, we see a different attitude develop within the life of each believer, and consequently, within the fellowship of the Church. The basis of prayer changes from the fleshly "do it my way and do it now" mentality, so prevalent among us today, to one desirous of the Lord's will in answered prayer. Then, once a believer is yielded to the Lord and to His will for any given situation, it is possible to yield to others, interacting without insisting on getting one's own way. This same trust in the Lord and His will in answered prayer allows the believer to submit all concerns to Him with thanksgiving. The believer's attention is no longer occupied by the situations and circumstances of life; but is instead occupied by the peace of God. This yielded life is openly seen by all.

This is Paul's in-depth teaching on praying for the Lord's will to be done. Paul, James and John all teach the same principles on prayer, but each presents these principles in his own way. Of course, all these teachings on prayer, whether by Paul, James or John, originate from the Lord's teaching on prayer as recorded in the Gospels; so next week we will turn our attention to the Lord's teaching on προσεὺχομαι from John Chapters 14,15.

*PROSEUCHOMAI is the English font spelling of the Greek word προσεὺχομαι.

English pronunciation guide for Greek words: āle; ăm; ēve; ĕnd; īce; ǐll; ōld; ǒdd; ūse; ŭp

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