supplication

Supplication is a humble plea or entreaty addressed to a higher power, deity, or divine being, for aid, mercy, or guidance. It is often distinguished from other forms of prayer by its focus on requesting something rather than praise or thanksgiving. The term derives from Latin supplicatio, from supplex meaning kneeling or humbly begging.

In Christian traditions, supplication is commonly part of personal prayer and liturgical acts, sometimes framed as intercessory prayer on behalf of others. In Islam, supplication (dua) is a broad practice of asking Allah for needs, forgiveness, or blessings, believed to be accepted according to divine wisdom. Other faiths, such as Judaism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, include analogous practices of requesting help or guidance through specific petitions, mantras, or rites.

Practices vary widely: spoken or silent petitions, communal or private recitation, ritual kneeling or prostration, and written prayers or litanies. Supplications may be direct appeals, or embedded in ritual sequences and sacred texts. In some traditions, supplication is linked to moral conduct, fasting, or acts of charity as prerequisites or complements.

In secular contexts, the word is used metaphorically to describe earnest pleas or appeals to authorities, organizations, or courts. Psychologically, supplication can serve coping functions by expressing vulnerability, fostering hope, or eliciting social support. Overall, supplication encompasses a wide range of practices centered on requesting aid, mercy, or guidance from a higher power or authority.