The Hebrew particle bi (בִּי) is an interjection or particle of entreaty, typically translated "O," "I pray," "please," or "alas." It appears approximately 12 times in the Old Testament and is always directed to a superior — God or a human authority. It is a humble formula for approaching one with greater power, expressing deference and urgent request, often translated "please, my lord" when followed by an address.
Bi reveals the posture of biblical prayer and petition — humble, deferential, and urgent. Moses uses it when interceding for Israel (Numbers 12:11) and when addressing God directly (Exodus 4:13). Gideon uses it when the angel calls him to deliver Israel (Judges 6:15). The particle captures the human posture before the divine: awareness of one's own smallness, combined with trust that the greater One will hear. This is the spirit of prayer — not demanding but entreating, not presumptuous but hopeful. Jesus modeled this in Gethsemane: "Not my will, but yours be done."