“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God”
The second of the three words that Paul used for prayer in verse 6 is “supplication.”
“and supplication”
A “supplication” is a specific request for a particular need. It is a special entreaty for a special situation. This is a prayer for a special need. People are praying for revival in North America. This is a supplication. Supplication moves us in our prayer from the general to the specific. Prayer that God will “bless my loved ones and me” is not a specific prayer. We take a specific need to God and charge Him with the responsibility of meeting it.
Prayers are ordinary requests. Supplications are unique, special requests. Ordinary prayers are presented without a great deal of emotional steam. No one is sick or about to die. Supplication is another matter. Supplication is an earnest entreaty about a special need. We are not sure whether God is going to bring our husband through surgery.
Prayer and supplication are listed together in several passages:
“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints.” (Eph. 6:18)
“Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men.” (1 Tim. 2:1-3)
“Who in the days of his flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear.” (Heb. 5:7)
Principle:
Supplication is a special privilege of prayer to meet special needs.
Application:
Do you set aside certain times for supplication in your prayer life?
