Text: Acts 1:14 (NKJV)
“These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers”
Following the ascension of Christ Jesus, we are told, the disciples of Jesus engaged in prayer and supplication.
Therefore what is supplication?
A supplication by definition is a humble entreaty for help or a favour from someone in power.
Supplication is a form of prayer that involves humbly asking God for help or guidance. It is a solemn and passionate prayer to God (the absolute highest power in the universe) that bears a spirit of reverence and devotion with it. Supplication is also a way of praising God and casting worries upon Him. Supplication implies a lack on the part of the supplicant and a position of authority or power on the part of God Almighty. It is an act of pouring out our heart’s desires and concerns before the Lord.
A supplication is a request, typically one that is made fervently or earnestly. In the Bible, there are many examples of supplication.
Some examples of supplication in the Bible are:
- David’s plea for deliverance from his enemies in Psalm 3
- Hannah’s prayer for a son in 1 Samuel 1
- Solomon’s request for wisdom in 1 Kings 3
- Moses implored God to spare the Israelites (Exodus 32:11-12)
- Hezekiah’s petition for healing in 2 Kings 20
- Daniel’s confession and intercession for Israel in Daniel 9
Here are 10 different meanings of supplication in the Bible with corresponding verses:
- A call for help from God: “In my distress I called to the Lord; I cried to my God for help. From his temple he heard my voice; my cry came before him, into his ears” (Psalm 18:6).
- A request for forgiveness: “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions” (Psalm 51:1).
- An expression of gratitude: “I will give thanks to the Lord because of his righteousness; I will sing the praises of the name of the Lord Most High” (Psalm 7:17).
- A plea for deliverance and warfare against our spiritual enemies: “Deliver me from my enemies, O God; be my fortress against those who are attacking me” (Psalm 59:1).
- A petition for healing: “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord” (James 5:14).
- A request for wisdom: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5).
- A plea for protection: “Keep me safe, my God, for in you I take refuge” (Psalm 16:1).
- An appeal for guidance: “Show me your ways, Lord, teach me your paths” (Psalm 25:4).
- A cry for the mercy of God: “And David said unto Gad, I am in a great strait: let us fall now into the hand of the LORD; for his mercies are great: and let me not fall into the hand of man” (2 Samuel 24:14).
- A cry for forgiveness: If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14)
- A petition for strength: “The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him” (Psalm 28:7).
- A request for provision: “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:19).
Let’s consider some of the benefits of supplication, there are more but I will focus on just 10 benefits of supplication
- Supplication helps us to overcome anxiety and worry. Philippians 4:6 says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
- Supplication helps us to receive God’s mercy and grace. Hebrews 4:16 says, “Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
- Supplication helps us to grow in faith. James 1:6 says, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
- Supplication helps us to experience peace. Philippians 4:7 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”
- Supplication helps us to receive healing. James 5:16 says, “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
- Supplication helps us to receive wisdom. James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
- Supplication helps us to receive provision. Matthew 6:11 says, “Give us today our daily bread.”
- Supplication helps us to receive forgiveness. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
- Supplication helps us to receive protection. Psalm 91:15 says, “He will call on me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble, I will deliver him and honour him.”
- Supplication helps us to receive salvation/freedom/deliverance from captivity. Romans 10:13 says, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Supplication is a powerful spiritual tool we have as believers that can help us connect with God and seek His guidance in our lives. My prayer for you is that, as you engage in the mystery of supplication before Elohim, He will answer you by fire, in Jesus Name. Amen! Shout “Hallelujah!”
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Prayer: O God arise in Your great mercy and answer all my supplications by fire and with speed in Jesus Mighty Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
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