My problem with "prayer" is that it causes headaches to all whom try to teach and understand it
From Wake Up Call: William McCoy: used by permission. (I am the author)
Prayer
The hardest part about studying the subject of prayer is the word prayer itself! There are several words in the Greek Newer Testament(covenants) which are translated as “prayer”. Therefore, the word prayer over generalizes the subject. Then from this generalized word, teachers have specialized this concept and give us “the doctrine of prayer” complete with step-by-step instructions(as if God is anal), which are not Scriptural, on how to pray so that your prayer doesn’t “bounce off the ceiling”. When in reality, the only wrong way to pray(communicate with God) is not to pray(communicate with God)!
Our English word “prayer” is from a French word which is from a Medieval Latin word which means: to ask or beg. Such as the old English phrase, ”I pray thee give me…”
proseuchE
The Greek word usually translated as “prayer(noun)” is
proseuchE. Its verb form is
proseuchomai. It is the prefixed preposition
pros(toward with the sense of “for” the benefit of as opposed to toward “against”) +
euchomai = well-wishing(middle-passive). Or without the prefixed preposition,
pros, is
euchomai which means well-wishing. It is also sometimes translated as prayer, and sometimes as wish, and in the classical Greek, it is the primary word for communication with a Divine being.
Side by Side:
Now(yet)
we(I-am-)
pray(-ing,
euchomai, well-wishing)>
to(
pros, toward)> [thee]> <
God…
2 Cor 13:7a NASB
Notice here that Paul separated
pros, toward, as in “toward thee God”, from
euchomai(well-wishing). Therefore, the
pros in
proseuchomai does not mean “toward” God. Rather,
pros, as a prefix to
euchomai, means: toward for(benefit).
proseuchE,
proseuchomai,
euchomai, does not always refer to prayer or praying. Sometimes it refers to wishing other well. Sometimes it is used as a greeting.
We(Paul and Timothy) give thanks to[-thee] God, [
the] Father of[-thee] our Lord Jesus Christ, praying(
proseuchomai) always for you, Col 1:3 NASB
Hyper-Literal(same verse): We-are-well-favoring(expressing gratitude) to-thee God and-also Father of-thee Master of-us, Jesus [ ]
anointed-being, always concerning of-you-all, ones(Paul and Timothy)-always-toward-for(benefit)-well-wishing(
proseuchomai, middle-passive), Col 1:3
This is expressing Paul’s and Timothy’s gratitude to God concerning the Colossians and how they always wish them the best, as in the English greeting, “best wishes”.
The middle-passive voice indicates that Paul and Timothy are motivated to do this. Which motivation is revealed in context as the “trust” and “
agapE-love” of the Colossians.
For this reason also, since the day we heard
of it, we have not ceased(huh?) to pray(
proseuchomai) for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, Col 1:9 NASB
Hyper-Literal(same verse): Though this-
thing(
agapE-love in
pneuma-breath--neuter, from verse 8) and-also we(Paul and Timothy) from of-which day we-heard* not we-are-resting(ceasing from work, middle voice) over(expressing “for them” from a position of authority) you-all, ones(Paul and Timothy)-always-toward-for-wishing(
proseuchomai, middle-passive) and-also ones-always-asking/begging(
aiteO, middle voice) that(purpose) you-all-might-be-being-filled*> thee> <on-over-knowledge of-thee will of-Him-same in all wisdom and-also together-with(close association)-flowing pneumatic(
pneuma-breath production), Col 1:9
Here
proseuchomai is used to refer to prayer, communication with God, in their well-wishing for them.
The other words translated as “pray” are much simpler to grasp.
aiteO
“Asking/begging” in Colossians 1:9, is the Greek verb
aiteO(not translated as “prayer” but has been doctrinally associated with it) which means: to ask for something to be given. The noun
aitEma means: the thing asked for which has an effect. This verb is in the middle voice expressing a desire for the things listed in the verses that follow, to the benefit of the Colossians.
deEsis
Another Greek noun sometimes translated as “prayer” is
deEsis and means: a petition, request, entreaty for someone in need or, for something needed. Its verb form is
deomai and is usually translated “pray”. It can be directed toward God or man.
Hyper-Literal: Nothing(object of the verb) be!-you-all-anxious(the verb) but-rather in everything to-thee toward-for-wish(
proseuchE) and-also to-thee petition(
deEsis) with well-favor thee-
all things-asked-for-effects(
aitEmata, neuter) of-you-all be!-
it-being-made-known toward thee God. Phil 4:6
enteuxis
Side by Side:
for it(food)
is(-being)
sanctified(purified, separating a class from a class)
by(through)
means of [
the]
word(intellect) of God and(-also)
prayer(
enteuxis)
. 1 Tim 4:5 NASB
enteuxis is a noun which means: a falling in with, meeting with, an interview, a coming together; to visit, converse or for any other cause. It only occurs twice in the NT and only by Paul and only in 1st Timothy.
In its verb form, it is the prefixed preposition
en(in) +
tugchanO(hit the mark).
tugchanO is the opposite of
hamartia(miss the mark, usually translated “sin”). Now, how we came from
entugchanO(verb) to
enteuxis(noun) to the English word “prayer” is beyond me!
In context, Paul is referring to the gathering together of people (
enteuxis) for a special meal(separating a class from a class) of good food and poignant conversation concerning the character and nature of God’s word. Sounds like a heavenly party!
Generalization
First of all, then, I urge that entreaties(
deEsis, plural) and prayers(
proseuchE, plural), petitions(
enteuxis, plural) and thanksgivings(sometimes taught as a part of the “doctrine of prayer”), be made on behalf of all men, 1 Tim 2:1 NASB
According to common usage, I could translate 1 Timothy 2:1 as, “First of all, then, I urge that prayers and prayers, prayers and prayers, be made on behalf of all men”. See the problem of generalization?
Hebrew words translated as “pray”;
na’(now!),
‘anna’(O now!),
palal(mediate, intercede),
sha’al(ask, beg).
“Pray” was added to Ephesians 1:18, 6:19 and Philemon 1:6.
Side by Side:
I [-am-]
thank(-ing, well-favoring)
my[to-thee]
God [of-me]
always[
,]
making mention of you(remembrance of-you one-always-making--middle voice)
in(on) [of-thee] (2)
my(of-me) (1)
prayers(
prosuechOn-genitive plural, toward-for-well-wishes)(3-), [because]
I hear(one-always-hearing)
of you[
r] [thee]
love and(-also) [
of]
the faith(trust)
which you(-all) [-are-]
have(-ing)
toward the Lord(Master)
Jesus and(-also)
toward(into)
all the saints(pure-ones)
; and I pray that(as, how)
the fellowship(feminine)
of[-thee] (2)
your(of-you) (1)
faith(trust) (3-)
may become effective(operative
she-might-become--middle-passive)*
through(in) [
the]
knowledge(on-over-knowledge)
of every good thing which is[thee]
in you(-all)
for(into) Christ's(anointed) [sake](‘Jesus’ is added to the manuscript used by the KJV. ‘I’ is omitted from the translation of the manuscript used by the NASB). Philemon 1:4-6 NASB
The Lord’s Prayer
Luke 11
Hyper-Literal: And-also it-comes-to-pass(happens)* in thee to-be Him(Jesus)-same in that (2)certain (1)place, (3-)One-always-toward-for-well-wishing(middle-passive) as He-ceased(finished, acting upon Himself)*, he-says*, certain-one of-thee students of-Him-same, toward Him-same, “Master!, be!-you-teaching* us to-toward-for-well-wish(middle-passive) down-from(authority)-as and-also John(the Baptist) he-teaches* thee students of-him-same!”
Yet He-says* to-them-same, “whenever you-all-might-toward-for-well-wish(middle-passive), be!-you-all-saying:
‘Father! of-us thee in thee-all skies,
be!-it-being-purified(separating a class from a class)* thee fame(neuter) of-You,
be!-she-coming* thee rulership(feminine) of-You,
be!-it-coming(middle-passive)* thee will(neuter) of-You,
as in [ ]sky and-also on-over(authoritative position) of-thee land.
Thee bread(food) of-us, thee necessary,
be!-You-giving to-us thee-thing down-from day(possibly this word was added and sEmeron, a neuter adverb, which occurs is a similar passage in Matthew 6, was removed by a copier or editor).
And-also be!-You-from-sending* to-us thee-all misses(which incurs a dept to others) of-us,
for(reason) and also ourselves-same, we-are-from-sending* to-any one-always-owing(indebted) to-us.
and-also no You-might-into-carry(bring)* us into trial(forensic sense),
[but-rather be!-You-rescuing(delivering) us from thee annoying/annoying-one.’]” Luke 11:1-4
“but-rather be!-You-rescuing(delivering) us from thee annoying”, is not in the manuscripts used by the NASB. It is, however, in the manuscript used by the KJV.
“Annoying” is the adjective “ponEros”; it means: full of labors, hardships, annoyances. It is usually translated “wicked” or “evil” and sometimes as a substantive adjective as in, “evil-one”, implying reference to Satan. I’m not sure I know what “evil-one” means but, I can tell you this, Satan is annoying!
Matthew 6
Hyper-Literal: “Thusly then be!-you-all-toward-for-well-wishing(middle-passive), you-all,
‘Father! of-us, thee in thee skies,
be!-it-being-purified(separating a class from a class)* thee fame(neuter) of-You,
be!-she-coming* thee rulership(feminine) of-You,
be!-it-coming(middle-passive)* thee will(neuter) of-You,
as in [ ]sky and-also on-over(authoritative position) of-thee land.
Thee bread(food) of-us, thee necessary,
be!-You-giving to-us this-day(neuter adverb)
And-also be!-You-from-sending* to-us thee-all dept-effects of-us as,
and-also we we-are-from-sending* to-thee debtors of-us.
and-also no You-might-into-carry(bring)* us into trial(forensic sense)
but-rather be!-You-rescuing(delivering, middle-passive)* us from thee annoying/annoying-one,
[seeing-that of-You she-is thee rulership(feminine) and-also thee ability and-also thee glory(illumination) into thee-all breaths-being, So-be-it(amEn).’] Matt 6:9-13
“seeing-that of-you she-is thee rulership(feminine) and-also thee ability and-also thee glory(illumination) into thee-all breaths-being, So-be-it(amEn)”, is not in the earliest manuscripts.
Obviously, these two passages, according to context, are not the same event but two separate events in which Jesus was teaching them how to communicate with God. It is interesting all the imperative moods or rather, strong entreaties Jesus used: none of that “if it be your will” nonsense. It is also interesting, when these passages are compared side-by-side, the relationship between owing a debt and miss(“sin”). Our missing, being off the mark, incurs a debt to others and any miss against us, from others, makes us debtors.
I have been debtor to some whom have tried to harm me and I aiteO-begged God that He not destroys them. He, surprisingly, usually answers this prayer in the negative. It’s ugly! My suggestion, concerning God’s children, never be on the wrong side of God’s wrath! And remember, we do not come with warning labels!
Pray without Ceasing
pray without ceasing; 1Thess 5:17 NASB
Really? Really? Really?
Hyper-Literal(same verse in context): Be!-you-all-seeing no certain-one(unmentionable person) bad-thing instead of-bad-thing to-certain-one, he-might-from-give, but-rather always thee good-thing be!-you-all-pursuing(press on toward the goal) and-also into one-another(reciprocally, mutually) and-also into all(men) Always be!-you-all-rejoicing/thriving un-through-forsakenly(through lacking, through leaving, through lagging--adverb) be!-you-all-toward-for-well-wishing(middle-passive). 1 Thess 5:15-17
Paul, in the imperative mood, is commanding that the Thessalonians, and we through application, be always rejoicing/thriving and that we do not lag behind in wishing others well. And I say, whether to them or to God!
Prayer is a communication with God--PERIOD! Nothing more, nothing less! There is NO such thing as a prescribed manner in the communication/prayer with God, despite what legalism teaches.
“Bill, we must confess our sins first.” No! First of all, why are you off-target with your anointing? “Sin” is off-targetness, because your whole life is off-target with your anointing and harming yourself and/or others. People that are on-target are not missing their destiny! If your whole life is off-target with your anointing then you should acknowledge that to God as you are a target shooter facing the wrong direction! If you are harming others, then you should come to an agreement with them. Your prayers(communication with God) never, has never, will never, ever, “bounce off the ceiling” and that, regardless of your “status”.
“But Bill, was not the ark and the temple both built in a God prescribed exacting manner?” Yes, and you are the temple(sanctuary) being built, BY God Himself, in a God prescribed exacting manner! Prayer is not the same as building an ark in a righteous prescribed manner. It had to be built in a righteous prescribed manner so that it would work--period!
“Bill, doesn’t the bible say we should, ‘pray to the Father’”? You are always praying/communicating with, and to, thee God revealed to you as Father. You are always, and will always be, the teknon-child speaking/communicating/praying with, and to, your Father! And that, whether you understand it or not!
By the way, you are NOT an adopted child of God. Only Jews are said to be adopted. You, my good friend, as a Christian, are ALWAYS said to be BEGOTTEN of God as a son--NOT ADOPTED. The word translated “adoption” in the Greek means: son-placement; which has to do with given authority with its rights, privileges and responsibilities not English “adoption”. “Adoption” is a post-denominational etymology. Really! How can we be both “begotten” and “adopted”? And I don’t care which badly translated English verse you want to throw at me!
“Bill, doesn’t the bible say we should pray in the name of Jesus”? Ok, try look, Oi!, listen up, sharpen your pencils! The word “name” means fame: all that a name refers to including the fame, power and authority associated with that name. When we ask in(union with) His name/fame, we are asking in(union with) the name/fame of who and what Jesus is:
Hyper-Literal: (Jesus speaking)And-also which-thing any-thing ever you-all-might-ask-for(aiteO)* in(union with) thee fame of-Me this-thing I-shall(in the future)-be-making(providing) that(purpose) He-might-be-being-glorified* thee Father in thee Son. If-ever any-thing you-all-might-ask-for(aiteO)* in(union with) thee fame of-Me, I-shall(in the future)-be-making(providing). John 14:13-14
In that verse, there is neither a reference to praying(communicating with God) nor how to pray as aiteO is never translated as prayer in the NASB. Nor does Jesus say whom to ask. Although, at the end of the preceding verse He said, “I toward thee Father of-Me I-am-going(middle-passive)”.
To say, “In Jesus name--amen”, is not what is in view here. If the atheists do not like you saying that, then don’t! Why do you make mountains out of molehills(and, why do they?)? We should be asking for things that are in union with Who and what Jesus is in His fame, not giving lip service by merely saying it!
“Bill, shouldn’t we say the “amen”? The Greek word amEn from the Aramaic word amen are both transliterated and not translated as “amen” into the English but means: “SO-BE-IT!” This appears to be optional.
I know that it is long but, I really hope someone enjoyed it. Believe me, it was a lot of work!
