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Monthly Question Page
Q. What is the difference between supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, as it appears in 1 Timothy 2:1? “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.”
Q. Prayer is a general term. In 1 Timothy 4:5, the word “prayer” is literally translated, “freely addressing God.” (JND Translation). In other words, prayer is simply speaking to God or to the Lord.
Supplication is deeper and more specific. It has to do with matters and situations about which we are really exercised. It may be a special difficulty or trial, or a decision that needs to be made that is going to have a real impact on our life. The word beseech could be used with similar meaning. Intercession is to pray or intercede on behalf of someone else.
Whatever aspect of prayer we are utilizing, it should always be with thanksgiving. “Giving thanks always FOR all things” (Ephesians 5:20). “IN everything give thanks” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). “In every thing by prayer and supplication WITH thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God” (Philippians 4:6).
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