In biblical terms, supplicants are individuals who earnestly and humbly seek divine favor, guidance, or intervention through prayer. The act of supplication is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting a deep reliance on God and a recognition of human neediness. Supplication is often characterized by a posture of humility, sincerity, and persistence.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of supplicants who approach God with heartfelt petitions. One of the earliest instances is found in the account of Hannah, the mother of Samuel. In 1 Samuel 1:10-11 , Hannah is described as being "deeply distressed" and "prayed to the LORD and wept bitterly." Her supplication was marked by a vow, promising that if God granted her a son, she would dedicate him to the Lord's service. Hannah's prayer exemplifies the earnestness and faith that characterize true supplication.

The Psalms are replete with supplications, often expressing a range of emotions from desperation to hope. Psalm 28:2 captures the essence of supplication: "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." The psalmist's plea for mercy and help underscores the dependence on God's grace and intervention.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, supplication continues to be a vital aspect of the believer's relationship with God. Jesus Himself modeled supplication in the Garden of Gethsemane, where He prayed fervently before His crucifixion. In Luke 22:42 , Jesus prays, "Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done." This prayer reflects submission to God's will, a key component of supplication.

The Apostle Paul frequently encouraged believers to engage in supplication. In Philippians 4:6 , he writes, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." Here, supplication is presented as an antidote to anxiety, emphasizing trust in God's provision and care.

Theological Significance

Supplication is more than a mere request; it is an expression of faith and dependence on God. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and the believer's need for His guidance and intervention. The act of supplication is often accompanied by other spiritual disciplines such as fasting, as seen in the book of Esther, where Esther and the Jewish people fast and pray for deliverance (Esther 4:16).

The Bible assures believers that God hears and responds to the supplications of His people. In 1 John 5:14-15 , it is written, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: 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 what we asked of Him." This promise encourages believers to approach God with confidence and trust.

Practical Application

For Christians today, supplication remains a vital practice. It is a means of drawing near to God, seeking His will, and aligning one's desires with His purposes. Supplication is not limited to personal needs but extends to intercession for others, as seen in the prayers of the early church for Peter's release from prison (Acts 12:5).

Incorporating supplication into daily life involves setting aside time for prayer, approaching God with humility, and being persistent in seeking His guidance and intervention. It is a reminder of the believer's dependence on God and the assurance that He is attentive to the cries of His people.

General Service to the Unmercenaries and Wonder-Workers.
... dry up the soul-destroying passions, heal the maladies and drive away the evil spirits,
God-bearing unmercenaries (mentioned by name), supplicants for our souls ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvi general service to.htm

But they with whom we Argue have Undoubtedly a Right to Select ...
... tells us, "with awe and reverence, having never before heard prayers pronounced
with so much ardour and transport as he observed amongst the supplicants at the ...
/.../paley/evidences of christianity/chapter ii but they with.htm

Election and Ordination of Bishops: Form of Service on Sundays.
... let us all earnestly pray for them, that God, the lover of mankind, will by Christ
rebuke the unclean and wicked spirits, and deliver His supplicants from the ...
/.../constitutions of the holy apostles/sec ii election and ordination of.htm

The First Degree of Prayer
... holds; and when it subsides, go on with the second petition, "Thy will be done on
earth, as it is in heaven!" upon which these humble supplicants must beseech ...
/.../guyon/a short and easy method of prayer/chapter iii the first degree.htm

A Treatise on Re-Baptism by an Anonymous Writer.
... in heresy, have yet been baptized in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, [5427] and
subsequently departing from their heresy, and fleeing as supplicants to the ...
/.../a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/a treatise on re-baptism by.htm

Matt. viii. 5
... For whereas on every occasion He was used to follow the wish of His supplicants,
here He rather springs toward it, and offers not only to heal him, but also to ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xxvi matt viii 5.htm

Caius Commands that his Statue Should be Set up in the Temple ...
... So he was prevailed upon by the multitude of the supplicants, and by their
supplications, and left his army and the statues at Ptolemais, and then went forward ...
/.../chapter 10 caius commands that.htm

How the Jews were Crucified Before the Walls of the City ...
... security offered them, and showed them what miseries those underwent who fled to
the Romans; and told them that those who were caught were supplicants to them ...
/.../chapter 11 how the jews.htm

Since the Most Religious Bishops of Egypt have Postponed for the ...
... excuse for which consists in the fact that the outrages of the Latrocinium were
fresh in their minds, and that three of the Egyptian supplicants, whom they ...
/.../schaff/the seven ecumenical councils/canon xxx since the most.htm

The Great Slaughters and Sacrilege that were in Jerusalem.
... gold. So the multitude of the Arabians, with the Syrians, cut up those
that came as supplicants, and searched their bellies. Nor ...
/.../chapter 13 the great slaughters.htm

Supplicants (1 Occurrence)
...Supplicants (1 Occurrence). Zephaniah 3:10 From beyond the rivers of Cush, my
supplicants, The daughter of My scattered ones, Do bring My present. (YLT). ...
/s/supplicants.htm - 6k

Supplicate (8 Occurrences)

/s/supplicate.htm - 9k

Suppliants (1 Occurrence)

/s/suppliants.htm - 6k

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