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Daily Devotions

Ephesians

Ephesians 
Day 
Day 354

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints."

Text: Ephesians 6:18

PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION

What does the word “supplication” (“deeseos”) mean? What is the difference between “prayer” (“proseuche”) and “supplication”?

1. Prayer

This is a word that describes simply the bringing of petitions to the Lord in the form of prayer. The words for “prayer” and “supplication” are sometimes used interchangeably.

2. Supplication

a) Greek “deesis”

This word, when used in conjunction and comparison with the word “prayer” suggests that “supplication” is a stronger word. The essence of this word is that of “begging” or “strong pleading”.

b) Greek “hiketeria”

This is another synonym translated as “supplication”. The following text illustrates the idea of supplication even more vividly.

Who in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up
prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him
who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because
of His godly fear.
HEBREWS 5:7

EXAMPLE OF SUPPLICATION

Jesus is our perfect example of what it means to practise supplication.

1. Supplication and vehement cries

Supplication is well expressed with strong crying from the depths of the heart.

2. Supplication and tears

Supplication is further expressed with accompanying tears.

3. Supplication and godly fear

Supplication is never just a physical thing. God sees beyond the physical “vehement cries” and the copious “tears”. He sees the true state of the heart, whether there is truly “godly fear”.

GOD ASSUREDLY HEARS SUCH PRAYERS AND SUPPLICATIONS

Why are some prayers more readily heard and answered than others? The answer might well lie in this teaching of the apostle Paul. Let us seek to deepen our comprehension of communion with God through offering “prayers and supplication”.