Supplicating, in the biblical context, refers to the act of earnestly and humbly asking or pleading with God for help, mercy, or favor. It is a form of prayer that emphasizes a deep sense of need and dependence on God. Supplication is often accompanied by a posture of humility, such as kneeling or bowing, and is characterized by sincerity and fervency.

Biblical Examples of Supplication

The Bible provides numerous examples of supplication, illustrating its importance in the life of believers. One of the most notable examples is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel, a man of prayer, is described as making supplication to God on behalf of his people. In Daniel 9:3, it is written, "So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes."

Another significant instance of supplication is seen in the life of King David. In Psalm 28:2, David cries out, "Hear my cry for mercy when I call to You for help, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary." David's psalms are replete with supplications, reflecting his reliance on God in times of distress and need.

The New Testament also highlights the practice of supplication. The Apostle Paul, in his letters, frequently encourages believers to engage in supplication. In Ephesians 6:18, he writes, "Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints."

Theological Significance

Supplication is a vital aspect of the believer's prayer life, reflecting a heart that acknowledges God's sovereignty and goodness. It is an expression of faith, recognizing that God is both willing and able to respond to the needs of His people. Supplication is not merely a request for personal desires but often includes intercession for others, aligning with God's will and purposes.

The act of supplicating is deeply rooted in the understanding of God's character as compassionate and gracious. In Philippians 4:6, believers are exhorted, "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God." This verse underscores the peace that comes from entrusting one's concerns to God through supplication.

Practical Application

For Christians, supplication is an essential practice that fosters a closer relationship with God. It involves approaching God with a humble heart, acknowledging one's own limitations and God's limitless power. Supplication can be practiced individually or corporately, and it often involves persistence and patience, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.

Incorporating supplication into daily prayer life encourages believers to seek God's guidance and provision in all circumstances. It is a reminder of the importance of dependence on God and the assurance that He hears and answers the prayers of His people according to His perfect will.(p. pr. & vb. n.) of Supplicate.

Sometimes, However, the Saints in Supplicating God, Seem to Appeal ...
... Of Prayer. John Calvin Chapter 10 Sometimes, however, the saints in
supplicating God, seem to appeal to their own righteousness? ...
/.../of prayer--a perpetual exercise of faith/chapter 10 sometimes however the.htm

The General Service to Saints Andrew of Constantinople, Isidore of ...
... Do not cease supplicating for thy servants, so near unto thee, since thou (mentioned
by name), hast enlightened them with thy spiritual life, that we all may ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxvii the general service.htm

The General Service to a Nun.
... the multi-snaring one, and having lived piously the life of hardship, thou hast
now, O holy (mentioned by name), passed unto God, supplicating for all who ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxii the general service.htm

The General Service to a Hiero-Confessor or Monk-Confessor.
... thou hast, O most blissful (mentioned by name), obtained the unction of consecration
and now art thou gone over unto the immaterial choirs, supplicating for us ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxv the general service.htm

The General Service to Two or Many Martyrs.
... the enchantment of idols and before the judgment seat clearly proclaimed Christ;
wherefore, O all blessed and great sufferers, cease not supplicating for our ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xv the general service.htm

The Service Common to Two and Many Nuns.
... forth unto all as the sun; wherefore with them are ye being glorified, O most honoured
ones, taking delight in the divine glory and supplicating that we may be ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xxiii the service common.htm

The General Service to one Hierarch.
... the splendour proceeding from God, and partaketh of the holy mysteries of grace,
as the true and most glorious hierarch, with boldness supplicating for our ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter x the general service.htm

On the Departure of Flavian, Bishop of Antioch, who was Gone on an ...
... For whilst the Emperor is supplicated, and the priest is supplicating, He Himself
will interpose, softening the heart of the Emperor, and exciting the tongue ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily iii on the departure.htm

The General Service to one Martyr.
... Do manifest on me, wretched, thy compassion, O most pure Lady, assiduously supplicating
thy Son, O most holy one, that we may escape eternal fire through thine ...
/.../anonymous/the general menaion/chapter xiv the general service.htm

Argument. Perpetua, when Besieged by Her Father, Comforts Him when ...
... Then they came to me, and my father immediately appeared with my boy, and withdrew
me from the step, and said in a supplicating tone, Have pity on your babe ...
/.../chapter ii argument perpetua when besieged.htm

Supplicating (1 Occurrence)
...Supplicating (1 Occurrence). Acts 10:2 pious, and fearing God with all his house,
both giving much alms to the people, and supplicating God continually, (DBY). ...
/s/supplicating.htm - 6k

Supplicate (8 Occurrences)

/s/supplicate.htm - 9k

Supplication (71 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) The act of supplicating; humble and earnest
prayer, as in worship. 2. (n.) A humble petition; an ...
/s/supplication.htm - 29k

Pious (18 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Acts 10:2 pious, and fearing God with all his house, both giving much alms
to the people, and supplicating God continually, (DBY YLT). ...
/p/pious.htm - 11k

Code (6 Occurrences)
... We see the king in supplicating attitude standing before the sun-god who sits upon
a throne and is characterized by sun rays which stream out from his shoulders ...
/c/code.htm - 40k

Adoration
... It was the formal method of supplicating or doing obeisance to a superior (eg
1 Samuel 25:23; 2 Kings 4:37 Esther 8:3 Mark 5:22 John 11:32). ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

Suppliant (1 Occurrence)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Asking earnestly and submissively; entreating;
beseeching; supplicating. 2. (a.) Manifesting entreaty ...
/s/suppliant.htm - 7k

Hammurabi
... We see the king in supplicating attitude standing before the sun-god who sits upon
a throne and is characterized by sun rays which stream out from his shoulders ...
/h/hammurabi.htm - 47k

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