Prayer: meaning, definitions and examples

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prayer

[ˈpreɪər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

religious

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to a deity or other object of worship.

Synonyms

invocation, petition, supplication.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prayer	Used when talking about speaking to a deity, often as part of a religious practice. She offers a prayer every night before going to bed. The community gathered for a prayer service.
supplication	Often used in religious or earnest contexts where one is humbly or desperately asking for help or favor, implying a degree of urgency or neediness. In his moment of need, he fell to his knees in supplication. Her eyes were filled with supplication, silently begging for mercy.
invocation	Typically used in formal or ceremonial contexts to call upon a deity or spirit for assistance. The ceremony began with an invocation for peace and prosperity. He recited an invocation to summon the spirits.
petition	Used when requesting something formally or officially, often in a legal, governmental, or public context. Can also refer to a formal request to a deity. The citizens signed a petition to save the local park. Her petition for re-admission was carefully reviewed by the committee.

Examples of usage

Let us offer a prayer for peace.
She whispered a prayer before going to bed.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

informal

A religious service, especially a regular one, at which people gather in order to pray together.

Synonyms

devotion, service, worship.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prayer	Used when an individual or group is communicating with a deity or higher power through spoken or silent words. She spent a few moments in prayer before going to sleep. The congregation joined together for a communal prayer.
service	Refers to organized acts of worship, such as religious ceremonies or church services, but can also mean an act of helping others. They attended the Sunday morning service at their local church. Volunteering at the soup kitchen was a form of service to the community.
devotion	Emphasizes a deep commitment or dedication, often to a deity, spiritual practice, or religious duty. Can also be used in a secular context to show deep affection or loyalty. Her daily morning devotion includes reading the scriptures and meditating. He showed great devotion to his family and always put their needs first.
worship	Denotes acts of reverence and adoration towards a deity, which can include rituals, prayers, and singing. It is more formal and collective than prayer. The entire village came together for the festival of worship. Their worship includes singing hymns and lighting candles.

Examples of usage

The Sunday morning prayer at the church is always well attended.
We are having a prayer for the community at the mosque tonight.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

figurative

A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to a person in authority.

Synonyms

appeal, plea, request.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
prayer	Used in religious or spiritual settings, often when someone is talking to a higher power or deity. She said a prayer for her family's safety His daily routine includes morning prayers
request	Used in everyday situations when someone is asking for something in a polite or formal way. She made a request to leave work early Can I make a request for more information?
appeal	Commonly used in legal or formal contexts when someone is asking for a change in a decision or seeking help from those in power. The lawyer filed an appeal to overturn the verdict The charity made an appeal for donations to support the flood victims
plea	Often used when someone is desperately asking for something, usually in a serious or emotional situation. Can also have a legal connotation where someone states their innocence or guilt. His plea for mercy was heartbreaking The defendant entered a plea of not guilty

Examples of usage

She wrote a prayer to the CEO asking for a raise.
We submitted our prayers to the government for assistance.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'precarius,' meaning 'obtained by begging,' highlighting the humble approach many cultures take when praying.
Throughout history, people from various cultures have used prayer in rituals, marking important life events like births, marriages, and deaths.

Cultural Practices

In many cultures, prayer is often accompanied by specific gestures, such as folding hands, bowing heads, or kneeling, which symbolize respect and sincerity.
Different religions have their own unique forms of prayer—such as the 'Salah' in Islam, which includes specific physical movements and recitations throughout the day.

Psychology

Studies have shown that engaging in regular prayer can have positive psychological effects, providing comfort, reducing stress, and enhancing overall well-being.
Prayer can also foster a sense of community and belonging, as many people pray in groups or congregations, reinforcing social bonds.

Literature

Prayer has been a central theme in many literary works, often used to explore characters' deepest fears, hopes, and struggles.
Famous poets, such as John Donne and Emily Dickinson, frequently incorporated prayer imagery to convey their personal reflections on faith and the human condition.

Science

Research into the effects of prayer on healing has been conducted, with some findings suggesting that individuals who prayed or were prayed for showed improved health outcomes.
Neuroscientists have studied brain activity during prayer, revealing it can activate areas associated with emotional regulation and feelings of connection.

Translations

Translations of the word "prayer" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oração

🇮🇳 प्रार्थना

🇩🇪 Gebet

🇮🇩 doa

🇺🇦 молитва

🇵🇱 modlitwa

🇯🇵 祈り (いのり)

🇫🇷 prière

🇪🇸 oración

🇹🇷 dua

🇰🇷 기도 (기도)

🇸🇦 صلاة

🇨🇿 modlitba

🇸🇰 modlitba

🇨🇳 祈祷 (qídǎo)

🇸🇮 molitvа

🇮🇸 bæn

🇰🇿 дұға

🇬🇪 ლოცვა

🇦🇿 dua

🇲🇽 oración

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,702, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2699 underlying
2700 kitchen
2701 ultimate
2702 prayer
2703 healthy
2704 wheel
2705 proceeds
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