In the Bible, one comes across two types of prayer. Thus St Paul says in Phil 4:6 ‘with all prayer and supplication”. So what it the difference between prayer and supplication? Most people, regard both as terms describing prayers with no difference between them.
Supplication is a form of prayer but considered as kneeling down and bending down in which someone makes a humble petition or an entreaty God. Prayer, however, can be defined as sincere thanksgiving or requests made to God.
Unlike in prayer, where this is not necessarily so, there is always a request in supplication. In this type of prayer, one asks for or desires something from God. In prayer, there may be no request made but only praise showered on God.
For example, a person praying may say ‘bless my family’, ‘thanks for saving me’ or ‘thanks for saving my son’s life’ and the like. But a person who is crying out to God for the cure of his ailing wife, injured friend or similar, is making a supplication.
In prayer, a person may praise the power and qualities of God. This is not the case in supplication. There may be a thread of thankfulness to God in prayers, but supplication entails only entreaty or requests.
Summary
1. Supplication is a form of prayer in which someone makes a humble petition or an entreaty God. Prayer, however, can be defined as sincere thanksgiving or requests made to God.
2. There is always a request in supplication. In this type of prayer, one asks for or desires something from God. In prayer, there may be no requests ,but only praise showered on God.
3. In prayer, more epithets of God are used whereas it is not used in supplication.
4. In prayer, a person can praise the power and qualities of God. Such praise need not occur in supplication.