Perspectives of the Praying Power

To learn more about what there is to gain from the process of prayer, find out in the blog post below!

I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercession, and giving of thanks, be made for all men;

-1 Timothy 2:1

So when it comes to the power of prayer, there’s two different concepts that we find associated with the practice. One concept being supplication, & the other is intercession.

Originally, I used to look at supplication as being the action of prayer itself in the idea that faith without works is inactive. This was likely the result of the definition I held to at the time, the modern definition of supplication being the action of asking or begging for something earnestly & humbly.

& so I applied this concept of supplication toward the humility process with out much else thought toward it. However it was recommended that I consider the strongs definition as well for more depth to this concept of supplication. & what I found is that the word supplication, is defined in strongs as more of a thing to be obtained rather than the action. The word itself, translated as the Greek word “hiketeria,” defined in noun-feminine, is associated with the figure of an olive branch. Properly synonomous with the relief or reconciliation of peace. “Hiketeria” in ancient times is said to have been frequently used for supplicants carrying an olive branch as a token for seeking peace.

& so we can see how supplication is defined more-so as an objective or substance to be obtained. Where as intercession on the other hand is more-so defined as the verb form associated with prayer. Intercession, translated as the Greek word “entugchano,” would be defined as “to chance upon” as if taking the opportunity to entreat in favor of or against something. According to strong’s definition we find intercession defined in more ways than one.

1. To chance upon, a person or a thing, fall in with, hit upon, a person or a thing.

2. To go to or meet a person, especially for the purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication.

3. To pray, entreat

4. To make intercession for anyone.

Learning to Discern the Difference

We get a general idea of what supplication looks like as well as intercession as it pertains to prayer through precept in that it says:

Is any afflicted among you, let him pray. - James 5:13

In this I can see the power of prayer being demonstrated as a form of supplication. How can we know to discern this? Remember that supplication has a “noun” connotation. This helps us to see it more-so as a substance associated with prayer, such as the figure of the olive branch that the ancients associate with it. & In the same way that we find faith being the “substance” of things hoped for yet unseen, we find supplication being the “substance” to have with us in the process of prayer, (more specifically humility). The idea that we give supplication as a means of seeking things like “peace”, “relief”, or “reconciliation.”

& So when I read vs.13 that if any be afflicted, let him pray, I hear precept of Mark chapter 9:

& when he was come into the house, his disciples asked him privately, why could not we cast him out? & he said unto them, this kind can come forth by nothing, but by prayer & fasting. - Mark 9:28-29

Fasting being the substance of humility in our affliction becomes a faithful thing, applied to the process of prayer. This is supplication.

Now when we continue reading the next vrs of James chapter 5, we gain a different perspective of prayer in that it says:

Is any sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church; & let them pray over him, annointing him with oil in the name of the LORD: - James 5:14

In this I see power of prayer in demonstration of intercession. The Idea that a person is met with hope & purpose of conversation, consultation, or supplication by others, which thing we see with the elders of the church. That they “pray over him.” But also it’s written that they annoint him with oil in the name of the LORD, which thing we also find defined with intercession, which is to light upon a person or thing.

The purpose of intercession is anchored in precept of Romans chapter 15 that it says;

We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, & not to please ourselves. Let everyone of us please his neighbor for his good to edification. -Romans 15:1-2

These are things that I continue learning in the process of my journey which aid in clarity & progression of the collective’s success. A more in depth perspective of the ways in which power of prayer may be applied to the humility process.