The Prayer of Supplication – Prayer Bible Study 6

Introduction

In the Christian life, prayer is not merely a religious duty or a means of seeking personal comfort; it is a vital and dynamic conversation with the living God. Through prayer, we have the incredible privilege of bringing our needs, concerns, and desires before the throne of grace, trusting in God’s goodness, wisdom, and power to answer according to His will.

One of the most important types of prayer in the life of a believer is the prayer of supplication. This prayer is a humble and earnest request for God’s help, provision, and intervention in our lives and in the lives of others. It is a recognition of our dependence on God and our need for His grace and strength in all circumstances.

The prayer of supplication is rooted in the truth that God is a loving and compassionate Father who delights in meeting the needs of His children. As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8).

Throughout the scriptures, we see numerous examples of God’s people bringing their requests and petitions before Him in prayer. From the cries of the Israelites in Egypt to the pleas of the early church for boldness and protection, the Bible is filled with accounts of God’s faithfulness in answering the prayers of His people.

In this study, we will explore the biblical foundations of the prayer of supplication, examining key passages and principles that shed light on the nature and purpose of this type of prayer. We will consider the various kinds of requests we can bring before God, as well as the attitudes and approaches that should characterize our prayers.

We will also discuss the benefits of the prayer of supplication, including the ways in which it deepens our relationship with God, aligns our desires with His will, and brings peace and provision in our lives. And we will offer practical suggestions for incorporating this type of prayer into our daily spiritual practice.

As we embark on this exploration of the prayer of supplication, may our hearts be open to the transforming power of God’s presence and grace. May we approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence, knowing that our heavenly Father hears and answers our prayers according to His perfect will. And may our lives be marked by a deep and abiding trust in the God who is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine.

Biblical Foundations of Supplication

The practice of bringing our requests and petitions before God in prayer is deeply rooted in the scriptures. From the Old Testament to the New, we see countless examples of God’s people crying out to Him in times of need, trusting in His power and goodness to answer their prayers.

One of the earliest examples of supplication in the Bible is found in the story of Hannah, the mother of the prophet Samuel. Hannah was barren and deeply distressed, and she poured out her heart before the Lord in prayer, asking Him to grant her a son. The Bible tells us that “she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish” (1 Samuel 1:10).

As Hannah prayed, she made a vow to dedicate her child to the Lord if He would answer her prayer. And God did answer, granting Hannah the desire of her heart and blessing her with a son who would become one of the greatest prophets in Israel’s history.

Hannah’s prayer is a powerful example of the kind of earnest, heartfelt supplication that God delights to answer. It is a reminder that we can bring even our deepest sorrows and longings before the Lord, trusting in His compassion and grace to meet us in our point of need.

Another significant example of supplication in the Old Testament is found in the life of King Solomon. When Solomon became king of Israel, he sought the Lord in prayer, asking for wisdom and understanding to govern God’s people. The Bible tells us that Solomon’s request pleased the Lord, and He granted him not only wisdom but also riches, honor, and long life (1 Kings 3:5-14).

Solomon’s prayer of supplication is notable because he did not ask for selfish gain or personal comfort, but for the ability to serve God and His people effectively. It is a reminder that our prayers should be focused not only on our own needs and desires, but also on the needs of others and the advancement of God’s kingdom.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus Himself modeling the prayer of supplication in His earthly ministry. One of the most powerful examples is found in the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed in agony on the night before His crucifixion. The Bible tells us that “being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. Then His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground” (Luke 22:44).

In His prayer, Jesus poured out His heart to the Father, asking if it were possible for the cup of suffering to be taken from Him. Yet even in His anguish, Jesus surrendered His will to the Father’s, praying, “nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane is a profound example of the kind of honest, vulnerable supplication that we can bring before God. It is a reminder that we can express even our deepest fears and struggles to the Lord, trusting in His love and sovereignty to carry us through.

The apostle Paul also models the prayer of supplication throughout his letters to the early church. In Philippians 4:6-7, he writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

Paul’s words highlight the close connection between supplication and peace. When we bring our anxieties and concerns before God in prayer, we can experience a supernatural peace that guards our hearts and minds, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Reflective Questions:

1. – What do the examples of Hannah, Solomon, Jesus, and Paul teach us about the nature and purpose of supplication?
2. – How can we cultivate a heart of honest, vulnerable prayer, bringing our deepest needs and desires before the Lord?

The Benefits of Supplication

The prayer of supplication is not only a means of seeking God’s help and provision in our lives, but it also brings many spiritual and practical benefits to those who practice it regularly. When we bring our requests before the Lord in faith and surrender, we experience a deeper relationship with Him, a greater sense of peace and perspective, and a renewed trust in His goodness and sovereignty.

Deepening Our Relationship with God

One of the primary benefits of supplication is that it deepens our relationship with God. When we come before the Lord in prayer, pouring out our hearts and seeking His will, we are drawn into a closer and more intimate fellowship with Him.

The very act of prayer is an acknowledgment of our dependence on God and our need for His grace and strength in all circumstances. As we bring our requests before Him, we are reminded of His love and care for us, and we are encouraged to trust in His goodness and faithfulness.

In James 4:8, we are told to “draw near to God and He will draw near to you.” The prayer of supplication is one of the most powerful ways we can draw near to God, as we open our hearts to Him and seek His presence and guidance in our lives.

As we pray, we also have the opportunity to listen for God’s voice and to discern His will for our lives. We may not always receive the answers we want or expect, but as we surrender our desires to Him and trust in His wisdom, we can experience a deeper sense of peace and purpose.

Aligning Our Desires with God’s Will

Another benefit of supplication is that it helps to align our desires and priorities with God’s will. When we bring our requests before the Lord in prayer, we are not simply seeking to fulfill our own wishes and wants, but we are asking God to shape our desires according to His good and perfect will.

In 1 John 5:14-15, we read, “Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.”

This passage reminds us that our prayers are most effective when they are in alignment with God’s will. As we seek His guidance and surrender our own plans and agendas, we can trust that He will lead us in the path of righteousness and grant us the desires of our hearts.

The prayer of supplication also helps to purify our motives and to keep our focus on the things that truly matter. When we bring our requests before God, we are forced to examine our own hearts and to consider whether our desires are selfish or self-serving, or whether they are rooted in a genuine love for God and others.

As we pray, we may find that God begins to reshape our priorities and to give us a deeper concern for the needs of others and the advancement of His kingdom. We may be led to pray for the salvation of the lost, the healing of the sick, or the provision for those in need, rather than simply seeking our own comfort or success.

Experiencing Peace and Provision

A third benefit of supplication is that it brings a deep sense of peace and provision in our lives. When we bring our anxieties, fears, and needs before the Lord in prayer, we can experience a supernatural peace that surpasses all understanding.

In Philippians 4:6-7, Paul writes, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This peace is not based on our circumstances or our ability to solve our own problems, but on our trust in God’s goodness and sovereignty. As we entrust our lives and our concerns to Him, we can rest in the assurance that He is in control and that He will work all things together for our good and His glory.

The prayer of supplication also brings provision and answered prayer in our lives. While God may not always answer our prayers in the way we expect or desire, we can trust that He will provide for our needs and guide us in His perfect will.

In Matthew 7:11, Jesus says, “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!” This verse reminds us that God delights to give good gifts to His children, and that we can approach Him with confidence, knowing that He hears and answers our prayers.

As we bring our requests before the Lord in faith and surrender, we can experience the joy and peace that come from resting in His love and care. We can trust that He will provide for our needs, guide us in His will, and use even our trials and struggles to refine us and make us more like Christ.

Reflective Questions:

1. – How has the practice of supplication deepened your relationship with God and your understanding of His will for your life?
2. – In what ways have you experienced God’s peace and provision through the prayer of supplication?

Practical Ways to Incorporate Supplication into Your Prayer Life

Incorporating the practice of supplication into our daily prayer lives is essential for experiencing the many benefits of this spiritual discipline. Here are some practical ways to make supplication a regular part of your prayer life:

Keep a Prayer Journal

One effective way to incorporate supplication into your prayer life is to keep a prayer journal. This involves writing down your prayers, requests, and petitions, as well as any answers or insights you receive from God.

Keeping a prayer journal can help you to be more intentional and focused in your prayers, as you take time to articulate your thoughts and desires before the Lord. It can also help you to track God’s faithfulness and provision in your life, as you look back on your journal entries and see how He has answered your prayers over time.

To start a prayer journal, simply choose a notebook or journal that you can dedicate to this practice. Each day, take some time to write down your prayers and requests, being as specific and honest as possible. You may want to include prayers for yourself, your loved ones, your community, and the world at large.

As you write down your prayers, take time to listen for God’s voice and to discern any guidance or direction He may be giving you. You may also want to include Scripture passages or devotional thoughts that speak to your current situation or needs.

Over time, your prayer journal can become a powerful record of your spiritual journey and a testament to God’s faithfulness and love in your life.

Use Scripture as a Guide

Another practical way to incorporate supplication into your prayer life is to use Scripture as a guide. The Bible is filled with examples of prayers and petitions that can serve as models and inspiration for our own prayer lives.

One powerful example is the Lord’s Prayer, which Jesus taught His disciples in Matthew 6:9-13. This prayer includes elements of adoration, confession, and supplication, and can serve as a template for our own prayers.

Another helpful resource is the book of Psalms, which contains many heartfelt prayers and cries for help. As you read through the Psalms, you may find passages that resonate with your own struggles and desires, and that can guide you in your own prayers of supplication.

You can also use specific Bible verses or passages as prompts for your prayers. For example, if you are struggling with fear or anxiety, you might pray through Philippians 4:6-7, asking God to fill you with His peace and to guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus.

As you use Scripture to guide your prayers, you may find that your own words and petitions begin to align more closely with God’s will and purposes for your life.

Pray with Others

A third practical way to incorporate supplication into your prayer life is to pray with others. While personal prayer is important, there is also great power and encouragement in praying with other believers.

In Matthew 18:19-20, Jesus says, “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Praying with others can help to build unity and strengthen relationships within the body of Christ. It can also provide accountability and support as we seek God’s will and guidance together.

There are many ways to pray with others, whether through a prayer partner, a small group, or a church-wide prayer meeting. You might also consider starting a prayer chain or a prayer email list, where people can share requests and pray for one another throughout the week.

As you pray with others, be sure to listen carefully and to pray in agreement with their requests. You may also want to take time to share any answers to prayer or insights you have received, as a way of encouraging and building up one another in faith.

Make Time for Regular Prayer

Finally, one of the most important ways to incorporate supplication into your prayer life is to make time for regular, consistent prayer. While spontaneous prayers throughout the day are valuable, setting aside dedicated time for prayer is essential for developing a deep and meaningful prayer life.

In Mark 1:35, we read that “in the morning, having risen a long while before daylight, [Jesus] went out and departed to a solitary place; and there He prayed.” Jesus made prayer a priority in His life, often withdrawing to quiet places to spend time alone with His Father.

Following Jesus’ example, we too can make prayer a daily habit and a regular part of our spiritual practice. This might involve setting aside a specific time each day for prayer, such as first thing in the morning or before bed at night.

It can also be helpful to create a prayer space in your home or workplace, where you can go to focus on prayer without distractions. This might be a quiet corner of your room, a special chair or cushion, or even a prayer closet or designated prayer room.

As you make time for regular prayer, you may find that your desire and capacity for prayer begins to grow. You may also experience a deeper sense of God’s presence and guidance in your life, as you seek His face and entrust your needs and desires to Him.

Reflective Questions:

1. – What practical steps can you take to make supplication a more regular and intentional part of your prayer life?
2. – How might praying with others enhance your practice of supplication and your experience of God’s presence and power?

Conclusion

The prayer of supplication is a vital and transformative practice in the life of a believer, one that enables us to bring our deepest needs, concerns, and desires before the throne of grace. As we have seen, supplication is deeply rooted in the Scriptures, modeled by figures like Hannah, Solomon, Jesus, and Paul, and taught as an essential part of the Christian life.

When we approach God in humble and earnest prayer, seeking His help and guidance in all circumstances, we experience the many benefits of supplication. We are drawn into a deeper and more intimate relationship with God, as we open our hearts to Him and seek His will for our lives. We find that our desires and priorities begin to align more closely with His purposes, as we surrender our own plans and agendas to His sovereign will.

And we experience the peace and provision that come from entrusting our lives and our concerns to a loving and faithful God. Even in the midst of trials and struggles, we can rest in the assurance that He hears our prayers and will work all things together for our good and His glory.

Incorporating supplication into our daily prayer lives is essential for experiencing these benefits and growing in our faith. Whether through keeping a prayer journal, using Scripture as a guide, praying with others, or making time for regular prayer, there are many practical ways to make supplication a central part of our spiritual practice.

As we embark on this journey of prayer and supplication, may we do so with hearts that are open to the transforming power of God’s presence and grace. May we approach the throne of grace with boldness and confidence, knowing that our heavenly Father delights to hear and answer our prayers according to His perfect will. And may our lives be marked by a deep and abiding trust in the God who is able to do far more abundantly than all we can ask or imagine.

Let us pray with the psalmist, “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Psalm 34:4). May we never hesitate to bring our needs, fears, and desires before the Lord, knowing that He is faithful and able to meet us in our point of need.

And let us remember the words of Jesus, who promised, “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened” (Matthew 7:7-8). May we approach God with faith and perseverance, trusting that He will answer our prayers in His perfect timing and according to His perfect will.

As we grow in the practice of supplication, may we find our hearts and minds transformed by the power of God’s love and grace. May we experience the joy and peace that come from resting in His presence, and may we be empowered to live lives that glorify Him and advance His kingdom on earth.

Let us pray with the apostle Paul, “Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).

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How Does the Prayer of Intercession Relate to the Prayer of Supplication?

The prayer of intercession and the prayer of supplication are deeply intertwined, reflecting a shared intent to connect with the divine. Understanding the power of intercessory prayer enriches our practice, as it embraces the collective needs of others, fostering a sense of community and compassion in spiritual life.