Day 20: Supplication

Our English word “supplication” is derived from Latin. It's not a word I hear in everyday conversation. So, it might not conjure meaningful mental images. You probably recognize it has something to do with prayer. But, the two words are not synonymous. The Greek word that I'm interested in as used in the New Testament is Δέησις (deesis). It is most often translated as “prayer” (12x). But other words are also translated as pray/prayer including Εὔχομαι (euchamai, 2 times), Προσευχή (proseuche, 130 times), ἔντευξις (enteuxis, once)). So, the distinction is likely lost in English translations. Supplication is humble pleading from a place where we have no other hope. Remember, our definition of hope? It's associated with deep emotional pleading to the sovereign: couples struggling with infertility, disciples grieving after the ascension, desperate desire for the salvation of brothers, and Christ's garden prayer in cries and tears.

There are many prayers we offer in communing with God. I think supplication holds a special place in the Father's heart. I know that certain pleas from my daughter aren't taken lightly. When she pours out her heart, my heart is stirred. When Peter wrote to believers who were uncertain in the face of imminent suffering, he assured them with an Old Testament passage:

1 Pet 3:12: For the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous and His ears are open to their Δέησις [deesis]. (NET)

What do we dare pray for from God Almighty?

When facing personal giants and you have no other place to turn, do you hesitate to go before your loving Father?

Did you notice the focus of the Lord in 1 Pet 3:12? Do you feel like “upon the righteous” somehow disqualifies you? The Bible is very clear that none of us have earned His favor. Let me remind you that when it comes to relationship with the Father, it is not our righteousness that matters. Jesus said,

Matt 18:19: Again, I tell you the truth, if two of you on earth agree about whatever you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. 20 For where two or three are assembled in my name, I am there among them.” (NET)

When we pray in Christ's name, the Father considers the request not based on our merit, but on Christ's merit…because that's whom He is focused on. In Christ we are a new creation (2 Cor 5:17). Christ is our advocate (1 John 2:1). Christ was given so that we might become the righteousness of God (2 Cor 5:21). We are declared righteous by faith (Gal 3:24). We are cloaked in the righteousness of Christ.

Does Galatians 4:6 match the imagery that comes to mind when you think of prayer?

What does Romans 8:26-27 tell you about the importance of “saying it right” when we make supplication to God?

Knowing the nature, motives, and intent of our sovereign leader (The Logos from Day 19) is a powerful part of our equipping. Amidst the spiritual warfare that surrounds us, having a personal relationship with our leader helps us navigate unfamiliar territory and challenges. Though thoughtfully equipped by our God, we humans remain finite. It is by God’s design that we remain desperately dependent on Him in every way. Do you believe God intends to preserve you?

Our Equipping