The Prayer of Supplication – Many instances in the bible talk about making supplication onto God for oneself or others, I have always been curious as to what it truly means. The meaning of supplication is – to ask for something earnestly and humbly (some definitions say ‘beg’ but I don’t endorse begging). Also, the root word ‘supple’ carries the meaning of being flexible, pliable and of little resistance. This prayer therefore does two things, it earnestly petitions God to become more flexible and grant our request; similar to the story of the woman and the unjust judge in Luke 18. And also, it softens and makes our heart more flexible to bend towards God’s Will, making His desires ours as well; as taught by Romans 12:2.
However, another very important dimension is that the earnest and honest asking can be done for and on behalf of another person – that is to say for example, for those who cannot ask for themselves, for the weak, for the lost and ignorant. Job often made sacrifices to God on behalf of his children; this was also a form of supplication.
In battle, there are times that you may be surrounded by the enemy, and you cannot defend on every side; especially your back where you cannot see. What is the solution for this? For this reason is exactly why God has called intercessors and other soldiers to watch the backs of their fellow brethren – this is why the scripture includes “prayer and supplication” as part of our armor in Ephesians 6:18 and is further emphasized at the end saying “with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.” Supplication is selfless and genuine, it is because we care what happens to those we hold dear to us and have heartfelt concern for. I have found that the more I come to know Christ, the less I pray for myself and the majority of my prayer is supplication for others. Just as every part of the body serves the other part more than itself, so we ought to always intercede for our brothers and sisters with the prayer of supplication.
Shalom.