The power of supplication (Part I)
In writing to the Ephesians, the apostle Paul insists by reminding them to persevere in prayer, but let us study on the scripture in Ephesians 6: 18 " Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints". It is clear that there are several kinds of prayers and he is clear in making a difference between prayers and supplications.
I have realized that today we no longer talk about supplication while the word comes up very often in the Paul’s letters and especially in the Psalms. If Paul insists on supplication, why don’t we talk about it today? In fact, if I see a thought that comes often in the bible, I understand that I need it in everyday life.
Let us consider the scripture where Paul wrote to the Philippians: " Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God "(Phil 4: 6)
The verse begins by saying that we should not worry or be anxious! This seems difficult because there are always disturbing moments in life but if it happens that we are in anxiety, the verse we just read contains a solution: Let your requests be made known to God. I know that some say that we should not inform God since He knows everything but Paul knew that God is omniscient but it encourages us to inform God of our problems even though he is aware of everything because God loves to listen to his children when they confide in Him. So if you have a problem, do not hesitate to go before God and open up to him by describing your problem because he solves the problem even before it occurs.
So according to the verse (Phil 4: 6) the solution against anxiety or worry is to make our needs known to God but how? The answer lies in the verse: By prayer and supplication with thanksgiving. Again, he speaks of prayer AND supplication i.e. two different things. Many Christians pray but do not know the true meaning of supplication. In the verse, the word "supplication" comes from the Greek word "deesis" which means "petition".
In the second part, we will see the importance of supplication and how to handle it.
Chris Ndikumana
