Earnest request or supplication (8)
I believe the answer is:
entreaty
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'earnest request' is the first definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
'supplication' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for entreaty that I've seen before include "Earnest plea" , "Earnest or urgent request" , "An earnest or emotional request" , "application for assistance" , "Supplication" .)