102 GERALD A. KLINGBEIL – CHANTAL J. KLINGBEIL the larger ANE) did not only involve words but also action and that it was the complete package that Nehemiah presented to the God of heaven. Within the linguistic pragmatic reading of the phrase we explored its communicative intention and perspective. After discounting the possibility of a scribal error, social or pragmatic incompetence, or otherwise unknown linguistic conventions we suggested that it was (most likely) a deliberate flaunting of a linguistic convention in order to enhance the author’s/ writer’s communicative attempt. The disciplines of ritual theory and socio-pragmatic linguistics share many overlapping areas, such as context, triggers, the importance of language per se, and its communicative force. These were used as lenses through which the text may further be explored within the theoretical frameworks of the distinct subdisciplines. This study has hopefully illustrated the usefulness of interdisciplinary studies in the reading of difficult or unusual texts. Interdisciplinary studies help the reader gain insight (i.e., “eyes”) from different disciplines “to hear” more creative readings of the biblical texts. Andrews University Gerald A. KLINGBEIL Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA Adventist International Institute of Advanced Studies Chantal J. KLINGBEIL Silang, Cavite, Philippines SUMMARY This study of the enigmatic phrase ÚDb[ tLpTAla [mvl t/jWtp Úy,y[w “ and your eyes ˆˆ " " i ˆ , " o ˆ i u ˆ n eˆ open to listen to the prayer of your servant” (Neh 1,6) utilizes an interdisciplinary approach involving insights from linguistic pragmatics and ritual theory. We will begin with a brief review of the history of interpretation of this phrase. Particular attention will then be given to elements of ritual theory, such as trigger point, ritual language, time, place, sequence, etc. Finally, we will examine the pragmatic context, discourse, and conversational strategies involved with this phrase.