Prayer Defined

The words prayer, supplication, and intercession are often used interchangeably; however, they do have different and important meanings.

Knowing all of the different ways in which we are able to, and told to, communicate with God is important for every believer.

We will look at the common definitions, the definitions of the original language and some of the biblical usage of each of these words.

Below are the Webster’s Dictionary definitions.

-Prayer: an address to God in word or thought, the act or practice of praying to God (Dictionary: Prayer, n.d.)

-Supplication: to make a humble entreaty, to ask for earnestly and humbly (Dictionary: Supplication, n.d.)

-Intercession: prayer, petition, or entreaty in favor of another (Dictionary: Intercession, n.d.)

According to these definitions, it appears that supplication and intercession are both types of prayers, or addresses, to God. Prayer is more general term for speaking with God and prayers of intercession and supplication are for more of a specific purpose.

Now we will look at the Greek definitions of these words from the Bible Letter Bible.

The Greek word used for prayer in the New Testament is proseuchḗ which is defined as prayer (worship), prayer addressed to God, and to earnestly pray.

An example of this word used in scripture is Acts 6:4 which says, “But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”

I also found it interesting that the definition included the word worship. Prayer is worship!

This is also the word used in Mark 9:9, “And he said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer and fasting.”

The Greek word used for supplication in the New Testament is déēsis which refers to want, need, making a request or entreaty, asking, and seeking.

An example of this word used in scripture is Ephesians 6:18, “Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication  for all saints…”

In this verse prayer and supplication are mentioned separately, indicating that they aren’t exactly the same in function.

One of the Greek words used for maketh intercession in the New Testament is entynchánō which denotes the idea of conversation and consultation, dealing with someone, consulting about a person, and entreating on someone’s behalf.

Another way that I’ve heard it put over the years is that intercession is like standing in the gap for someone else when they are in need, or not spiritually strong enough to do so for themselves.

Romans 8:27 speaks of the Holy Spirit interceding on our behalf, “And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God.”

The Hebrew word pāḡa that is used for intercession in Isaiah 53:12 speaking of Jesus making intercession for the transgressors has a similar definition to entynchánō.

References

Dictionary: Intercession. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/intercession

Dictionary: Prayer. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer

Dictionary: Supplication. (n.d.). Retrieved from Merriam Webster: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/supplication