Daniel gave his "attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and supplications" (Da 9:3). In essence, he sought God to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness" (Ja 1:33). "He who seeks, finds" (Lk 11:10). What does it mean to use prayer and supplications? Is supplication an additional requirement? "In everything by prayer and supplications with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God" (Php 4:6). To supplicate may be to kneel down and seek by earnest prayer to implore a response. Daniel "continued kneeling on his knees three times a day" (Da 6:10). Moses said, "'I will spread out my hands to the Lord'" (Ex 9:29). It is with humility and "an attitude of thanksgiving" (Col 4:2). Solomon said God would deliver them if they "repent and make supplication" (2Ch 6:37). Jesus said, "'Whenever you stand praying, forgive'" (Mk 11:25).

Paul instructed "that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings be made on behalf of all men" (1Ti 2:1). To entreat is a synonym of supplicate. It is to appeal to, beseech or implore someone. In a courtroom you would make an appeal to an authority with respect to a particular cause. People create petitions defining an objective and then seek the signatures of supporters. It is a deliberate plan. We are to "be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints" (Eph 6:18). "With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit" (:18). "Devote yourselves to prayer" (1Co 7:5) and be "devoted to prayer" (Ro 12:12) "keeping alert in it" (Col 4:2) "at all times, praying" (Lk 21:36). Paul told them "how unceasingly I make mention of you always in my prayers, making request" (Ro 1:9-10).