noun

• 1A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.

  ‘I'll say a prayer for him’

  More example sentences

  • ‘the peace of God is ours through prayer’
  • ‘The milder and more beneficent forces of nature were addressed as female deities and invoked with prayers.’
  • ‘Human beings are addressing God in prayers for help against the inducements of the devil.’
  • ‘God answers our prayers because by addressing them to Him we acknowledge His Lordship and power.’
  • ‘So I am humbly requesting whatever prayers, good vibes and help you can muster.’
  • ‘He concludes with a section on famous prayers and another of prayers by the famous.’
  • ‘There are Shinto prayers and Shinto rituals, but the doctrine is minimal.’
  • ‘Sincere prayer also furthers the glorification of God, the goal of all creation.’
  • ‘I may be a sinner, but the sinner whom these prayers were describing was not me.’
  • ‘At each shrine you pause, and you say some prayers and you greet each deity.’
  • ‘A remote, retroactive intercessory prayer was said for the well being and full recovery of the intervention group.’
  • ‘Jillian said a silent prayer to the gods of all small percussionists.’
  • ‘Helen closed the door behind the man, and said a silent prayer of thanks.’
  • ‘I take in shattered breaths, gathering all the strength I need, uttering a silent prayer to God.’
  • ‘The conclusion that is drawn later is that remote, retroactive intercessory prayer is effective.’
  • ‘He muttered a quick prayer to God, asking him for forgiveness.’
  • ‘The church also offers intercessory prayers for public authorities, both ecclesiastical and political.’
  • ‘Anne prayed her prayer of thanks to the Lord for this gracious meal and heard Luke praying with her.’
  • ‘The core of the Muslim liturgy is the five obligatory daily prayers, whether performed alone or in congregation.’
  • ‘Just before the final dive into the Pacific Ocean, she is heard leading the sinner's prayer for salvation.’
  • ‘He fell to his knees, hands clasped in a prayer of thanksgiving.’

  Synonyms

  invocation, intercession, devotion

  View synonyms

  1. 1.1prayersA religious service, especially a regular one, at which people gather in order to pray together.
     ‘500 people were detained as they attended Friday prayers’
     More example sentences

     • ‘With your graciousness come to honor her loving memory during the funeral services and prayers.’
     • ‘The mosque is now used by about 100 people for regular prayers and up to 200 for religious festivals.’
     • ‘The strike came as worshippers had gathered for afternoon prayers, witnesses said.’
     • ‘Last week they also gathered to attend Friday prayers, but did not hold discussions afterwards.’
     • ‘Those who remain on-site during the workday gather for midday prayers before eating lunch.’
     • ‘Barring these, the place looked the very picture of a religious place where the prayers were about to begin.’
     • ‘Scheduled prayers and services on Radio 4 throughout the week will reflect events.’
     • ‘Before we got ready to sleep the three of us knelt together for prayers.’
     • ‘He refused to transact business on Sundays, held regular family prayers, and was a student of biblical prophecy.’
     • ‘There are about 30 mosques in the city where prayers are being held regularly.’
     • ‘A roll call was read out and Christian and Muslim prayers observed.’
     • ‘Never did I, or any other boy from a lower caste, get a chance to lead the prayers at the morning assembly.’
     • ‘Youth will begin the workshops with opening and closing prayers and a sunrise ceremony each day.’
     • ‘Teachers and other dignitaries attended his funeral prayers in a large number.’
     • ‘Friday afternoon prayers are widely attended and Muslim holidays are observed.’
     • ‘In legal writings the term is applied to the leader of the congregational prayers in the mosque.’
     • ‘A special prayer around the Cross for young people takes place for the Lenten Season.’
     • ‘The same dress code applies to marriages and funerals and normally applies to morning and evening prayer on Sundays.’
     • ‘Prayer for divine healing is held on Wednesdays at 7.45 pm.’
     Synonyms

     religious worship, worship, religious observance

     View synonyms
  2. 1.2An earnest hope or wish.
     ‘it is our prayer that the current progress on human rights will be sustained’
     More example sentences

     • ‘Swan will carry the hopes and prayers of Ireland as the country's current equine hero seeks to retain his crown.’
     • ‘She started the restaurant when her marriage dissolved, on little but hope and prayers.’
     • ‘Our deepest sympathies, prayers and best wishes go out to our fellow citizens who were injured in the blast.’
     • ‘So we got a lot of work ahead of us, but you know, we need all the hopes and the prayers from everybody at home.’
     • ‘Villagers waiting more than 30 years for a new village hall hope their prayers will soon be answered.’
     • ‘The hopes and prayers of red squirrel-loving people everywhere march with you.’
     • ‘With a silent prayer hoping that her plan would work, she threw the talisman at the demons.’
     • ‘He could only hope that someday his prayers would be answered.’
     • ‘To them, and to all of you, it is my wish and regular prayer that this new year will bring peace and harmony.’
     • ‘You can send your prayers and good wishes to the families using the comments section below.’
     • ‘We asked girls to share their thoughts, their hopes, their fears and their prayers.’
     • ‘But they are hoping the answer to their prayers lies in a disused warehouse on Westlea Industrial Estate.’
     • ‘Just when she is about to give up hope, the answer to her prayers seems to fall out of the sky.’