Prayer vs. Supplication — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 18, 2023
"Prayer" is a general term for communicating with a divine or spiritual entity, often including praise, thanks, and requests. "Supplication" is a specific type of prayer focused solely on earnestly asking or begging for something.
Difference Between Prayer and Supplication
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Prayer" is a broad term that encompasses various forms of communication with a divine or spiritual entity. This can include praises, confessions, thanksgiving, and requests. "Supplication," on the other hand, is a specific type of prayer, characterized by earnest asking or begging for something, often in times of need.
While "prayer" serves as an umbrella term for different kinds of spiritual or religious communication, "supplication" narrows that focus. It is the aspect of prayer that is specifically dedicated to asking for help, whether it be material or spiritual. "Supplication" usually involves a sense of urgency and neediness.
In terms of language, both "prayer" and "supplication" are nouns. However, "prayer" can also be used as an action verb ("to pray"), whereas "supplication" is typically not used in this manner. "Supplication" is often used in religious or formal contexts, and is not as commonly used in everyday language as "prayer."
The emotional tone often differs between the two as well. "Prayer" can have a more relaxed or even joyous tone when expressing gratitude or praise. "Supplication," due to its earnest nature, often carries a tone of desperation, humility, or urgency. In essence, all supplications are prayers, but not all prayers are supplications.
Comparison Chart
Basic Definition
General communication with the divine
Focused, earnest asking or begging
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Emotional Tone
Varies (relaxed, joyous, desperate)
Often desperate, humble, urgent
Part of Speech
Noun; can also be a verb ("to pray")
Typically only a noun
Contextual Use
Broad (religious, spiritual, casual)
More specific (usually religious or formal)
Scope
Broad (includes praise, thanks, requests)
Narrow (specifically about asking for help)
Compare with Definitions
Prayer
A dialogue with a divine or spiritual entity.
Her daily prayer keeps her grounded.
Supplication
A formal petition or invocation.
The monk's supplication resonated in the chapel.
Prayer
Prayer is an invocation that seeks with an object of worship through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a god or a deified ancestor.
Supplication
A begging or urgent plea.
His supplication was filled with desperation.
Prayer
A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship.
Supplication
A prayer focusing on asking for specific help.
The supplication for rain was heartfelt.
Prayer
The act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship
Belief in the power of prayer.
Supplication
Supplication (also known as petitioning) is a form of prayer, wherein one party humbly or earnestly asks another party to provide something, either for the party who is doing the supplicating (e.g., "Please spare my life.") or on behalf of someone else.
Prayer
A fervent request
Her prayer for rain was granted at last.
Supplication
To ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying.
Prayer
The thing requested
His safe arrival was their only prayer.
Supplication
To make a humble entreaty to; beseech.
Prayer
The slightest chance or hope
In a storm the mountain climbers won't have a prayer.
Supplication
(historical) In Ancient Rome, a solemn service or day decreed for giving formal thanks to the gods for victory, etc.
Prayer
A request for divine intervention.
He sent up a prayer for healing.
Supplication
The process by which a doctorate at Oxford university is officially requested after a thesis has been approved.
Prayer
An expression of gratitude or praise.
Their prayers were full of thanksgiving.
Supplication
An earnest request or plea to a deity.
His supplication for mercy was heard.
Prayer
An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving
One evening a week, the family would join together in prayer.
Supplication
A humble and sincere appeal to higher powers.
She offered a supplication for guidance.
Prayer
A specially worded form used to address God, a god, or another object of worship.
Supplication
To make a humble, earnest petition; beg.
Prayer
Prayers A religious observance in which praying predominates
Morning prayers.
Supplication
An act of supplicating; a humble request.
Prayer
The request for relief by a party initiating a lawsuit, stated in the pleadings.
Supplication
A prayer or entreaty to a god.
Prayer
The portion of the pleadings that contains this request.
Supplication
The act of supplicating; humble and earnest prayer, as in worship.
Prayer
(uncountable) A practice of communicating with one's God, or with some spiritual entity.
Through prayer I ask for God's guidance.
In many cultures, prayer involves singing.
Supplication
A humble petition; an earnest request; an entreaty.
Prayer
(countable) An act of praying.
Supplication
A religious solemnity observed in consequence of some military success, and also, in times of distress and danger, to avert the anger of the gods.
Prayer
The specific words or methods used for praying.
Christians recite the Lord's Prayer.
For Baha'is there's a difference between obligatory and devotional prayer.
Supplication
A prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
Prayer
A meeting held for the express purpose of praying.
Grandpa never misses a chance to go to prayer.
Supplication
A humble request for help from someone in authority
Prayer
(countable) A request; a petition.
This, your honor, is my prayer; that all here be set free.
Supplication
The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving);
The priest sank to his knees in prayer
Prayer
The remotest hope or chance.
That team doesn't have a prayer of winning the championship.
Prayer
One who prays.
Prayer
One who prays; a supplicant.
Prayer
The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body.
Prayer
The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer.
As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.
Prayer
The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers.
He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death.
Prayer
The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving);
The priest sank to his knees in prayer
Prayer
Reverent petition to a deity
Prayer
Earnest or urgent request;
An entreaty to stop the fighting
An appeal for help
An appeal to the public to keep calm
Prayer
A fixed text used in praying
Prayer
Someone who prays to God
Prayer
An act of worship or devotion.
Prayer is a cornerstone of his faith.
Prayer
A spoken or written religious practice.
The priest led the congregation in prayer.
Common Curiosities
Can Prayer be casual?
Yes, prayer can be formal or casual.
What is Prayer?
Prayer is a general term for communicating with a divine or spiritual entity.
What is Supplication?
Supplication is a specific type of prayer focused on earnest asking or begging.
How do Prayer and Supplication differ?
Prayer is broader and can include praises, thanks, and requests, while supplication is specifically about asking for help.
Is Prayer a noun or verb?
Prayer is a noun but can also be used as a verb ("to pray").
Is Supplication a type of Prayer?
Yes, supplication is a type of prayer.
What is the tone of Supplication?
The tone of supplication is often one of humility, desperation, or urgency.
Is Supplication a noun?
Yes, supplication is typically used only as a noun.
Where is Supplication commonly used?
Supplication is usually used in more formal or religious settings.
Can Prayer be joyous?
Yes, prayer can express various emotions, including joy and gratitude.
Where is Prayer commonly used?
Prayer is used in various settings, including religious, spiritual, and casual contexts.
Is every Supplication a Prayer?
Yes, all supplications are considered a form of prayer.
Is Supplication usually formal?
Supplication is often more formal and urgent.
Is Supplication usually urgent?
Supplication often carries a tone of urgency or desperation.
What kinds of emotions can be expressed in Prayer?
Prayer can express a range of emotions including gratitude, joy, and desperation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
