The Bible is filled with heartfelt prayers of supplication. These prayers reveal the deepest desires, struggles, and hopes of those who sought God. They provide guidance on how to approach God with humility and faith. Each prayer reflects a specific need or circumstance, showing the richness of human experience.
Through these prayers, we see God’s willingness to listen and respond to His people. They remind us of His power, mercy, and love. Whether asking for wisdom, forgiveness, or strength, these prayers teach us how to trust God in every situation. Let’s explore ten significant prayers of supplication in Scripture.
10 Prayers of Supplication in the Bible
#1. The Prayer of Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-14)
“Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil.” (1 Kings 3:9)
Solomon’s prayer was a request for wisdom to lead God’s people. He didn’t ask for wealth or long life but for understanding. This prayer reveals Solomon’s humility and his desire to serve others well. His choice pleased God, who granted him wisdom beyond measure. Solomon’s example shows us the value of asking for wisdom, especially when we are faced with responsibility. It reminds us that God honors selflessness in our requests.
#2. Hannah’s Prayer (1 Samuel 1:9-20)
“O Lord of hosts, if you will indeed look on the affliction of your servant and remember me…” (1 Samuel 1:11)
Hannah’s prayer is a heartfelt plea for a child. She prayed in deep anguish and made a vow to God, promising to dedicate her son to Him. God answered her prayer, and she bore Samuel, who became a great prophet. Hannah’s prayer demonstrates the power of persistent prayer. She showed deep faith, believing that God could answer her in her distress. Her story encourages us to trust God with our deepest desires and to remain faithful in prayer.
#3. Nehemiah’s Prayer (Nehemiah 1:5-11)
“O Lord God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments…” (Nehemiah 1:5)
Nehemiah’s prayer came after hearing about the destruction of Jerusalem. He began by praising God’s greatness and acknowledging the sins of Israel. He then asked God to grant him favor with the king to rebuild the city. Nehemiah’s prayer is an example of repentance, humility, and a desire for God’s guidance in restoring what was lost. It shows how we can approach God with a clear sense of purpose and trust that He will lead us through challenges.
#4. David’s Prayer for Mercy (Psalm 51:1-12)
“Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” (Psalm 51:1)
David’s prayer in Psalm 51 is a powerful plea for forgiveness. After his sin with Bathsheba, David acknowledged his wrongdoing and asked for God’s mercy. This prayer teaches us the importance of repentance and the need for God’s cleansing. David’s heart was broken over his sin, and he sought restoration with God. His example shows that when we confess our sins, God is faithful to forgive and restore us.
#5. Daniel’s Prayer of Confession (Daniel 9:3-19)
“O Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments…” (Daniel 9:4)
Daniel’s prayer was a confession of Israel’s sin and a plea for God’s mercy. He acknowledged the unfaithfulness of the people and sought God’s forgiveness. Daniel’s prayer is a model of humility and repentance. He recognized that the exile was a result of their disobedience. Yet, he boldly asked God to restore the people for the sake of His name. This prayer reminds us of the power of confession and the importance of seeking God’s mercy on behalf of others.
#6. The Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)
“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:9-10)
The Lord’s Prayer is Jesus’ model for how we should pray. It begins with worship, acknowledging God’s holiness. Jesus then teaches us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done. The prayer asks for daily provision, forgiveness, and deliverance from temptation. Each part of the prayer highlights important aspects of our relationship with God—praise, petition, and trust. This prayer teaches us that supplication should be grounded in the recognition of God’s sovereignty and care for our needs.
#7. Paul’s Supplications for the Ephesians (Ephesians 1:15-23)
“That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” (Ephesians 1:17)
Paul’s prayer for the Ephesians is a request for spiritual growth. He asks that they may have wisdom and understanding of God’s will. Paul prays that they will know the hope of God’s calling and the greatness of His power. This prayer emphasizes the importance of spiritual insight and a deeper relationship with God. It teaches us to pray not just for physical needs, but for greater knowledge and wisdom in our faith. Paul’s example shows us how to pray for others’ spiritual well-being.
#8. Jesus’ Prayer in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-44)
“My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.” (Matthew 26:39)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus prayed for strength in the face of His upcoming suffering. He expressed His human desire to avoid the pain but ultimately submitted to God’s will. Jesus’ prayer shows deep emotional vulnerability and trust in the Father. It reveals that it’s okay to bring our honest struggles before God, while still surrendering to His greater plan. This prayer teaches us to seek God’s will above our own, even when it’s difficult.
#9. The Prayer of the Tax Collector (Luke 18:9-14)
“God, be merciful to me, a sinner!” (Luke 18:13)
The tax collector’s simple prayer is one of humility and repentance. Unlike the Pharisee, who boasted in his righteousness, the tax collector acknowledged his sinfulness and asked for God’s mercy. Jesus used this prayer to illustrate that humility before God leads to justification. This prayer teaches us that God listens to the humble and repentant heart. It reminds us that no matter how far we’ve fallen, God is always ready to forgive when we come before Him in genuine humility.
#10. Paul’s Prayer for the Philippians (Philippians 1:9-11)
“And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment.” (Philippians 1:9)
Paul prays for the Philippians to grow in love, knowledge, and discernment. He asks that their love for one another would deepen and be guided by wisdom. Paul’s prayer reflects his desire for their spiritual maturity. It emphasizes the importance of love that is rooted in understanding. Paul also prays that they would be filled with righteousness, to the glory and praise of God. This prayer encourages us to pray for others’ spiritual growth and that they may live lives that honor God.
Closing Thoughts
The prayers of supplication in the Bible provide a rich foundation for understanding how to approach God in times of need. From Solomon’s wisdom request to Jesus’ surrender in Gethsemane, each prayer teaches us about trust, humility, and God’s responsiveness.
These prayers remind us that God listens to our heartfelt pleas and is faithful to respond according to His will. As we pray, we can be encouraged to seek wisdom, confess our sins, and trust in God’s timing. Ultimately, the Bible shows that God’s love and mercy are available to all who come to Him with a sincere heart.