When I began the series I called ACTS, I intended to go no further than ‘T’ because, as I explained, ‘S’ is mostly clearly understood. After all, we are dependent on God. Thus, asking him for things is our strong suit. However, upon further consideration, it became clear that even our supplications need to be viewed through a Biblical lens.
Using Scripture, we should ask ourselves what we are praying for and frame it accordingly. In doing so, we can weed out worldly elements in our prayers so that, even when we petition God, our focus remains on glorifying him.
Bringing Your Needs to God
First, as is the set pattern, we must define our subject. Per the dictionary, supplication is “the action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly”. In short, it is a request or petition. With regard to prayer, it is praying for our needs and the needs of others.
Even though “praying for… the needs of others” may not feature often in our prayers, it is one of the best ways to serve those around us. Paul said as much to the Ephesians. He encouraged them to “[pray] at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication…making supplication for all the saints.” (Ephesians 6:18)
Pray for The Needs of Others
At a separate time, we will consider what it means to pray “in the Spirit”, which is crucial. For the present, consider Paul’s charge that the Ephesians, in their supplicating, ought not to exclude fellow saints. Essentially, he was implying that their supplication was incomplete if it didn’t regard the needs of others. In case you’ve forgotten, we ought to “count others more significant than [y]ourselves” (Philippians 2:3). That means not just looking out for our interests but those of others as well (Philippians 2:4). Our Christian lives, then, shouldn’t be just for our own joy but also the joy of others.
Jesus said and demonstrated this when he washed his disciples’ feet (John 13:14). He said the world would know we are his disciples if we love one another (John 13:34-35). A primary way to show this love is to pray for others, our natural inclination to look out for our own interests notwithstanding. When we promise to pray for someone in need or going through a trial (sometimes by merely commenting with a prayer emoji), let it not be for show; pray for them. Once you have prayed for them, let them know you have and ask how else you can care for them through prayer. Strive to make that a habit, as it will be exceedingly helpful for your soul and glorifies God.
Pray for God’s Global Glory
In Ephesians 6:18-20, Paul also indicates that our supplication ought to include the proclamation of the gospel. The Ephesians were to pray that Paul might have not only the words to say, but also the boldness to proclaim them (Ephesians 6:19-20). As Christians, we must pray for the global glory of God. We should pray for the missionaries who have sacrificed their comforts to reach the lost, that they may be fruitful and encouraged in their efforts. We should pray that the unreached people groups will have their hearts opened to the gospel and that many will want to reach out to them. The Joshua Project and IMB’s Peoplegroups.org do a great job highlighting which people groups have yet to be reached with the gospel. They make for a helpful guide to missional prayer, going as far as to single out specific people groups to be prayed for each day and week.
We must never cease to pray for our hearts as concerns gospel proclamation. It is easy to assume that proclaiming the gospel is the work of missionaries alone. The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20), however, is for each and every Christian. As missionaries labor among the unreached, you and I must pay attention to the unevangelized we cross paths with every day. I am certain that as you read this, certain family members, friends, or colleagues who have yet to come to faith come to mind. You ought to pray for them to either hear the gospel proclaimed or for you to be the one to proclaim it to them. The point is, as you pray for the global glory of God, make every effort in obedience to be an answer to that prayer.
Give Us Our Daily Bread
Finally, we are to pray for our daily needs. In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray for our daily bread (Matthew 6:11). Paul exhorted the Philippians to bring their needs to God (Philippians 4:6-7). However, we should pray for what aligns with God’s will. We can’t pray for what is outright sinful. We also can’t pray for what comes from a selfish or jealous heart. God will fulfill the desires of our hearts only if we delight ourselves in him (Psalm 37:4). If our request risks turning our gaze away from God, he will not grant it.
Many have assumed that by simply making our needs known, we will get them, only to be awfully disappointed when we don’t. That’s because we sometimes pray with an improper heart posture. If one’s heart’s desire is the downfall of his enemies, for example, then his heart clearly does not delight in God. It is vengeful rather than one that desires justice; there is no godly delight in it. If, also, the desire to impress the world with what one owns is what fills a heart, that heart is bereft of delight in God. Not only will Yahweh not fulfill such a self-seeking desire; he will also seek to discipline such (Hebrews 12:5-9). We must always ascertain that our hearts delight in God before presenting our needs to him.
Saint, Run to The Father
Once aligned with his will, we can trust that “whatever [we] wish…. will be done for [us]” (John 15:7). Even when God’s desire might be different in the moment, a godly supplication will be answered straight away. “How so?” you might ask. He gives a peace “which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7). It is a peace that helps “guard [y]our hearts and [y]our minds in Christ Jesus.”
Therefore, dear saint, be encouraged to go to God in prayer, present your needs before him, and ultimately find peace. Afterwards, rest, for a day is coming when you will have no more needs—you will lack nothing for all eternity! Run to the Father who loves you, cares for you, and is for your good (Romans 8:28).