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Victorycountry Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

Is the meaning of "prayer" and "supplication" the same?

"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" Philippians 4:6

Well, according to a dictionary, the meaning of

Supplication -
(formal) the act of asking for sth with a very humble request or prayer:

Prayer -
words which you say to God giving thanks or asking for help

Well, just by looking at the dictionary, I can't really see much difference between the two word in meaning.

Wait a minute, "supplication" may refer to an act of praying, and "pray" on the hand may refer to words you use while praying.

Am I guessing the difference correctly?

Thanks in advance.

Have a nice weekend!
  

Top answer

prayer is specifically t o *** ; supplication can be to anyone (but happens to be to *** also in this example). Also, prayer can give thanks or ask for something; supplication can only be asking for something. The word prayer is specifically linked to religion and religious practices; the word supplication need not be so linked.

  • prayer is specifically t o *** ; supplication can be to anyone (but happens to be to *** also in this example).
  • Also, prayer can give thanks or ask for something; supplication can only be asking for something.
  • The word prayer is specifically linked to religion and religious practices; the word supplication need not be so linked.
  • CJ
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2 Answers
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prayer is specifically to ***; supplication can be to anyone (but happens to be to *** also in this example).
Also, prayer can give thanks or ask for something; supplication can only be asking for something.
The word prayer is specifically linked to religion and religious practices; the word supplication need not be
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As shown here, in some contexts, a supplication is a prayer, but a humble one.
To me, it also seems more desperate.

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supplication

c
: a humble prayer to a deity for mercy, aid, or special blessing <kneeling together on a spit of sand, with their arms raised in supplication -- R.L.Stevenson>

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