supplication

/ˌsʌplɪˈkeɪʃən/

Other forms: supplications

Think of a supplication as sort of a prayer, a request for help from a deity. The word carries a sense of awe and adoration with it, suggesting something tentative, even servile, a respectful appeal to a higher power.

Although it is a noun, supplication comes from the Latin verb supplicare, which means "to plead humbly." While a supplication is often thought of as a religious prayer (it is used 60 times in the Bible), it can logically be applied to any situation in which you must entreat someone in power for help or a favor. Still, it carries with it an aura of religiosity and deep entreaty, and should not be used to describe just any simple request.

Definitions of supplication

1. noun

   the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
   synonyms: prayer

   types:

   devotion

   (usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently)

   benediction, blessing

   the act of praying for divine protection

   bhakti

   (Hinduism) loving devotion to a deity leading to salvation and nirvana; open to all persons independent of caste or sex

   novena

   a Roman Catholic devotion consisting of prayers on nine consecutive days

   Stations, Stations of the Cross

   (Roman Catholic Church) a devotion consisting of fourteen prayers said before a series of fourteen pictures or carvings representing successive incidents during Jesus' passage from Pilate's house to his crucifixion at Calvary

   type of:

   worship

   the activity of worshipping
2. noun

   a prayer asking God's help as part of a religious service
   synonyms: invocation

   types:

   rogation

   a solemn supplication ceremony prescribed by the church

   type of:

   orison, petition, prayer

   reverent petition to a deity
3. noun

   a humble request for help from someone in authority
   synonyms: plea

   type of:

   appeal, entreaty, prayer

   earnest or urgent request