SUPPLICATION

 

Write From My Heart

September 7, 2021

SUPPLICATION request made with an attitude of great humility

Philippians 4:6-7 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6-7 (NLT) Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

            From time to time I like to revisit a familiar passage or scripture text and compare a variety of versions. Almost always I find something I did not notice before, or something which adds to my depth of understanding. Even though I used this same passage in a devotion only two days ago, today it was the word supplication that drew my attention. I always just assumed it was synonymous with the word request. What I discovered was an additional depth of meaning; not just a simple request, but one made in great humility. The more I understand who God is—his glory, majesty, and power—his control of all things, all circumstances, and all situations—the better able I am to realize my need to approach him in all sincerity and humility. When my heart is sincere and humble, I am truly grateful for all God has already done for me, for what he is currently doing in my life, and for what he will do in the future as I strive to serve him. This is when I realize just how much the foundation of sincerity, humility, and thankfulness prepares the way for the peace of God which exceeds anything I can understand. When I present my requests to God in this attitude I can have full confidence that God loves me, cares for me, and will respond in the way he deems best.