Prayers of Supplication

(Mark 10:36-52)

The Greek word for supplications is deeis meaning a humble, earnest, heartfelt petition or a request.

Regardless of how righteous we may believe we are, we still need to make supplication of God (Job 9:15)

God will not grant requests based on impure motives (James 4:3)

We should approach God with humble reverence, like Solomon (1 Kings 8:54)

God heard Solomon’s prayer of supplication (1 Kings 9:3, see also 2 Chron. 33:11-13, Manasseh)

Earnest prayer has tremendous power (James 5:16-17, Col. 4:2)

Our prayers of supplication should be “in the Spirit” (Eph. 6:18)

What does that mean? How do we do it?

God hears heartfelt petitions (1 Sam. 1:10-27, Hannah)

If we want something from God, we need to ask for it (James 4:2)

We should make prayers of supplication before facing challenges (1 Sam. 13:12)

We should make prayers of supplication without fear of how others view our doing so (Dan.6:7-16)

We should pray prayers of supplication for all “saints” (Eph. 6:18) and all men and for those in authority (1
Tim. 2:1-2)

We can/should pray about anything and everything, with thanksgiving, and this will help bring peace to our lives
(Phil. 6-7)

Nothing is impossible for God (Jer. 32:17, Mark 9:22-24)

Do you have confidence that God hears your prayers of supplication (Ps. 6:9)

Do you have faith that God will respond to our requests in a way that is in our best interest?

Prayer demonstrates faith in the existence, power, faithfulness and mercy of God (Heb. 11:6)

Specific Prayers

e.g. “I want to see” (Mark 10:51)

Sometimes we may not know what we are asking (Mark 10:38, 1 Cor. 2:9)

Do we examine whether or not our requests are in accord with His will? (1 John 5:14-15, Luke 22:42)

How would we know?

When you petition God, do you ask a question of God and then give your own answer?

Petitionary prayer is not primarily asking God for what we want, but asking God for what He wants.

The Prayer of Jabez (1 Chron. 4:10)

 The name “Jabez” means pain & sorrow

Jabez recognized his need for help

Do you recognize a need? (1 Tim. 5:5)

If so, whom do you go to for help? (Ps. 27:7-10)

Asked for blessing (supernatural favor) and prosperity (beyond what we could obtain on our own) (see also
Prov. 10:22)

Jacob “struggled” for a blessing (Gen. 32:24-28)

We need to seek His blessing diligently, without ceasing (Heb. 11:6, 1 Thess. 5:17)

That the “hand of God” would be with him

That he would be kept from harm

God granted his prayer.

The Lord’s Prayer

Instruction directly from Jesus

Acknowledged our relationship with God

Acknowledged God’s holiness

Acknowledged the value of being a part of God’s kingdom/household (Ps. 27:4)

Acknowledged the value of God’s will

Addressed the material needs of the day

Asked for forgiveness in accordance with our own

We must rely on God’s mercy and not our own righteousness (Dan. 9:17-18, Ps.143:1-2)

The definition of prayer found in the Devils Dictionary, written by Ambrose Bierce around the turn of
the century: To ask the laws of the universe to be annulled on behalf of a single petitioner confessedly
unworthy.

Asked from protection from temptation

Asked for deliverance from evil

Acknowledged God’s power