Talk to God in NT Greek

[This is an update of my earlier post. I've re-ordered the prayers so that they form a more reasonable sequence.]

In a blog article Do you need to speak Greek in order to read it?, a scholar reminds us that it is good or even necessary to speak NT Greek, if one wants to read the New Testament in its original language really fluently.

With whom can I speak? I am doing revision at home, I am not in a university or seminary or study group setting (although I long for one). I think I can talk to God. God understands NT Greek, for sure.

What is one way to pray to our Father in Heaven using the language in which the words of His Son and His Son's apostles were formally written down? (I admit that my intention is for language fluency. I do not believe at all that the original language contains special mysterious power.)

A tune draft: Κυριος ἐμοι βοηθος

Link to the wav file: kurios emoi boeithos

In an ealier phase, I learnt Biblical Hebrew without using songs. In recent years, my learning has been renewed with a large dose of songs. The difference in the effect on memory, grasp of vocabulary, and reading fluency is huge! Plus, it is such a joy to sing to the Lord! And often together with brothers and sisters!

This learning effect has been demonstrated in me in my learning of one European language, although I cannot find anyone to sing praise song in that language with me, because I do not have time to find a fellow learner. Few people learn that language.

That's why now I make a point to find and sing a lot of New Testament Greek songs. Since not many has been found yet, I resort to composing simple tunes to worshipful words in the NT.

I absolutely do not intend such a poor quality thing to be a real song, rather it's just a draft of a shape of a tune to hold words for memory. I put up a recording just because I'm too lazy to write or type musical notations.

Please excuse me for the poor tune, rough singing, low-quality guitar playing and recording. I do not have enough time or technology or patience to make nice recordings. I'll be glad if someone takes it and improves it. It can also be downloaded. I do not reserve its copy right. But please just tell me, because I hope to listen to your improved version!

Text from: Hebrews 13:6 and Psalms 118:6, Hebrews 13:5

Lyrics:

Sing songs in New Testament Greek

If the language you're practicing is Biblical Hebrew, you have hundreds of ῳδας  to sing, easily located on You-Tube. But for NT Greek, I have failed until now to find ῳδας easily. But then I've only started a week or so! So, your suggestions will be most welcomed.

Here are links to the few I've found.

My 2013 notebook with Greek names of feasts

One can practise using the Greek names of Biblical feasts by writing them down in one's 2013 notebook. Jews have told us when will those days fall. Then we can remeber the meaning of those feasts on those days, and appreciate the yearly cycle which God has designed for His people.

Jewish Holiday Calendar 2013 Jan to Aug

Jewish Holiday Calendar 2013-14

Please note that the days begin at sunset of the stated date. According to Biblical culture, a day starts at sunset.

Start from Mark's Gospel

I have revised the elementary grammar of NT Greek. Now I listen to text recordings of all New Testament chapters whenever I do household chores. At night I read the text and refresh my memory of the grammar points.

I read only slowly. From which book should I start?

Perhaps it is good to start from Κατα Μαρκον. It is because, I will hear many similar sentences in Κατα Μαθθαιον και Κατα Λουκαν. Therefore, if I am familiar with words and sentences from Mark, I may be able to understand from hearing some words and sentences in Matthew and Luke.

Using NT Greek in daily activities

χαιρε! (Greetings!)

In the coming four to five months, I would strive to integrate New Testament Greek revision with my daily life. I will use this blog to share what one can do in this regard, the useful links which I shall find online, etc. If you're also revising NT Greek, you're welcomed to join the conversation with some NT Greek.

How can one utilize daily life elements for NT Greek revision and learning?