Supplication

Supplication (also known as petitioning) is a form of prayer wherein one party humbly or earnestly asks another party to provide something, either for the party who is doing the supplicating (e.g., “Please spare my life.”) or on behalf of someone else.

Intercession

In prayers of intercession we should seek to be aware of God’s desires for someone and join Him in what He is doing. It does not mean manipulating God to do our will, but rather becoming aware of God’s desires for someone and joining Him in that. Paul wrote, “I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance…” (Philippians 1:19)

Praise

All prayer should contain an element of praise, exhaltation and adoration of our Father in heaven. Thanksgiving and giving God all the glory and honor for His will is done on the earth as it is in heaven. Thank you, Jesus.

Prayer

Praying in the Spirit should be understood as praying in the power of the Spirit, by the leading of the Spirit, and according to His will, not as praying in tongues. We need to remember that God is good and desires good for His children. “For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). It is up to us to pray.

However long you pray, sit in silence and listen for twice as long. Prayer is two-way communication with God. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you (James 4:8).

Think about the Lazarus’ sisters from Bethany. Most of us are good at being a Martha but often not so good at being a Mary (Luke 10:38-42). Mary chose the “good part,” to sit at the feet of Jesus and just listen. We have to captivate the mindset that tells us that prayer is all about talking to God. Prayer can be so much more amazing, and not about what we do or something we say. Can we let the silence come? Can we stop thinking and stop jabbering. In taking the time to be quiet, we give God the floor. With an open heart to you, O Lord. He is here. Allow our prayers to become a dialogue. Shutting mouth and quieting thoughts, closing eyes, soaking in His presence. He is here. He is there. He is everywhere with you. (Deuteronomy 31:8)

Prayer: We come to You today, Lord! Help us to call upon you and to hear and listen to Your Word. Thank you, Jesus. We worship You and You alone. Praise the Lord! As we pray today, help us to listen to Your voice. Open our hearts to hear You. Pour out Your love upon us. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NIV
¹⁶ Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray continually, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:26 NIV
But the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
Ephesians 6:18 NKJV
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—
1 Timothy 2:1 NKJV
Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
1 Thessalonians 5:11 NASB
(As brothers and sisters in Christ,) 11 Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you also are doing.
Philippians 4:6 NIV
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Jeremiah 36:7 NIV
Perhaps they will bring their petition before the Lord
Ezra 8:23 NIV
So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.
Psalm 139:8 NIV
If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.
Psalm 62:5 NKJV
My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him.
Psalm 27:14 NIV
Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.
Psalm 4:4 NKJV
Meditate within your heart on your bed, and be still.