The nature of supplication is much more heartfelt than a casual request. The word "supplication" means a humble, earnest entreaty or request. If a request is not made in a heartfelt, fervent, and earnest manner, it would not be supplication.

For Whom Can Supplication Be Made?
First, we pray the prayer of supplication for ourselves concerning both natural and spiritual needs. "Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God" (Phil. 4:6).

Second, we pray the prayer of supplication for God's people, for believers or all saints. "Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Eph. 6:18).

Third, we are to pray the prayer of supplication for all men and for those who are in authority. That would include unbelievers as well. "Exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplication, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty" (1 Tim. 2:1-2).

For What Can Supplication Be Made?
One of the things for which supplication can be made is for laborers to be sent into God's harvest. Supplication can also be made for the rain of God's Spirit to be poured out upon the earth.

"Ask ye of the Lord rain in the time of the latter rain; so the Lord shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field" (Zec. 10:1). The word translated as "ask" in this verse means to desire, to ask earnestly, and to require.

The characteristics of supplication is fervent, earnest, heartfelt, and continued. Such prayer makes tremendous power available! We can also offer the prayer of supplication to obtain forgiveness. Repenting and confessing your sins is done by means of the prayer of supplication.

Finally, we pray the prayer of supplication to lift up the spiritual needs of others. The words "prayer" or "pray" literally mean supplication or earnest prayer.

"For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding" (Col. 1:9).

In this prayer Paul prayed and recorded in the epistles, he was making reference to supplication.

Source: The Art of Prayer by Kenneth Hagin.
Excerpt permission granted by Faith Library Publications