Supplication is a humble and earnest request or prayer made to God. It is not a demand. It is not a suggestion. It is a plea. It comes from a place of need. It acknowledges dependence. It asks for help. The word comes from the Latin supplicare, meaning to kneel. It is the posture of the beggar before the king.

Supplication is a type of prayer. Paul mentions it in Philippians 4:6. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. Supplication is specific. It asks for something. It is not vague. It is not general. It is the cry of the heart. It is the request of the child to the father.

Supplication in scripture

• Philippians 4:6: prayer and supplication with thanksgiving.
• Ephesians 6:18: praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication.
• 1 Timothy 2:1: supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings.
• Psalm 30:8: to you, O Lord, I cried, and to the Lord I made supplication.
• Daniel 9:3: I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy.

Supplication is not selfish. It is not demanding. It is humble. It is trusting. It says: God, I need you. It says: I cannot do this alone. It says: please help. Supplication is the prayer of the helpless. It is the prayer of the desperate. It is the prayer of the faithful. God hears supplication. He answers. Not always the way we want. Not always when we want. But he answers. He is a good father. He gives good gifts. He invites us to ask. He invites us to plead. He invites us to supplicate. The throne of grace is open. Come boldly. Come humbly. Come with supplication. He is listening.