The Greek word “deesis”

Used about twenty times in the New Testament, the Greek noun “deesis” meant “prayer,” “supplication,” “request.”

This word is used to say prayers are “heard” (Lk. 1:13), and to say some requests are made “night and day” (Lk. 2:37; 2 Tim. 1:3).  Prayer can be offered for a nation (Rom. 10:1).  It should be made often (Phil. 4:6) and “for all men” (1 Tim. 2:1).  Jesus prayed (Heb. 5:7), and the “prayer” of righteous people can accomplish much (Jas. 5:16).  Evil people should not expect to accomplish anything by “deesis” (prayer, 1 Pet. 3:12).