“…PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION…”

For the past two days, we are meditating upon the words from Philippians 4:6-7. Let us continue to study the same passage even today, and see, what else can we learn from these verses, for our Christian life.
– “6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

For our meditation this morning, let us look at the words, “…BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION…” The complete setting or the context in which these words, “PRAYER” and “SUPPLICATION” are set in, is as follows – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication…”

Both PRAYER and SUPPLICATION are essential and significant contributors for our spiritual, mental and physical health. They take us to the very source of all help, the LORD Jesus Christ, who will help us in dealing with all our anxiety. Hence Paul stresses the need for both.
– “These two aspects of prayer are similar, but distinct. Prayer is a broader word that can mean all of our communication with God, but supplication directly asks God to do something.” – David Guzik

I- PRAYER – Our Daily Conversation With God
PRAYER [Greek – προσευχῇ – proseuchē] by implication is an oral expression. Prayer, as intended above, is a general and generic term for all our communication with God. 

We as Christians and the disciples of the LORD, are called to communicate with our LORD, without ceasing. The whole idea is for us to know that, the channels of communication with our God, are open at all times, night or day. We don’t need come at some specific appointed time to pray. We can and should pray at all times.
– “17 pray without ceasing,” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17

II- SUPPLICATION – Our Requests Reverentially Brought to God’s Attention
SUPPLICATION [Greek – δεήσει – deēsei – meaning, supplication, prayer, entreating] by implication refers to specific requests, that one may have for themselves, or on behalf of others.

We would need a lot of help, as we walk on our journey with the LORD. Therefore, the provision is made for us, by God Himself, that we come before God, with specific requests, seeking Him for help and support. How wonderful it is, isn’t it?
– “…Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition.” – Ephesians 6:18
– “​1 Then He spoke a parable to them, that men always ought to pray and not lose heart,” – Luke 18:1

The provision of PRAYER and SUPPLICATION reveals the heart of God, and His deep concern for our safety and our welfare. This provision is made so they we would not be left on our own, and left helpless and hopeless. Therefore, we are called not to be anxious.
– “Our ordinary views of prayer are not found in the New Testament. We look upon prayer as a means for getting something for ourselves; the Bible idea of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself.” – Oswald Chambers 

Have we seen prayer and supplications through this lense? Is our understanding about God Almighty deepened because of this? Are we seeking the LORD our God in PRAYER, without ceasing? Do we come before Him with SUPPLICATIONS for others, and for ourselves? Let us do so. Even so, the LORD help us.