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"Offered up prayers and supplications..."

Text: Hebrews 5:7

ENGAGED IN THE MINISTRY OF PRAYER

Jesus certainly set aside time for prayer. Each day would begin in prayer (Cf. Mark 1:35). It would not be a surprise to read that each night would see Jesus devote time to prayer as well (Cf. Luke 6:12). The following text confirms the fact that Jesus ministered in prayer faithfully.

“Who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up
prayers and supplications…”
Hebrews 5:7

1. Prayers and supplications (“deeseis kai hiketerias”)

2. What are these “prayers” (“deeseis”)?

a) The word describes a humble petition

b) The focus is on both:-

i) The person who makes this petition; he must display true humility.

ii) The manner in which the petition is made; there is nothing to plead but the mercy of God.

3. What are “supplications” (“hiketerias”)?

a) The word “supplication” is very similar to “prayers”.

b) They belong to the same semantic field.

c) The following distinctions may be observed:-

i) There is a greater sense of “intensity” in the offering up of supplications.

ii) There is also a strong hint of “urgency” in the manner of prayer.

iii) There is certainly the idea of “persistence” in prayer (but not of self-will).

iv) It involves a strong element of “intercession” (on behalf of people in need).

STANDING IN AWE OF THE WAY JESUS PRAYED

We cannot but be awed by the way Jesus prayed. He subjected Himself as a humble petitioner before His Heavenly Father. He would ask for nothing but God’s will to be done. There was no pushing of any personal agenda on His part at any time!