What does prayer mean?
Prayer most commonly refers to a solemn communication addressed to God or another deity. It may contain praise, worship, confession, gratitude, requests for assistance, or petitions for the well-being of others. The word can also describe the words spoken during such an act or the practice of praying itself. In figurative use, a prayer is an earnest or formal appeal for mercy, help, or a favorable outcome: a person's final words may be described as a prayer for peace, while a formal appeal to an authority can similarly be called a prayer. The word carries strong religious and solemn associations, but its figurative uses are common in public, literary, and political language. It is also a useful example of how religious vocabulary has entered broader English: even listeners who do not pray can readily understand the expression of hope, humility, and entreaty associated with it.
A solemn communication addressed to God or another deity, or an earnest request for a desired outcome.
"His prayer for world peace was heard by many people around the world."
The religious sense is dominant, though the figurative sense of an earnest appeal is firmly established.
To pray; to make a solemn request to God or another deity.
"They prayer for peace."
Archaic or literary; in modern usage, the usual verb is "pray."
The regular plural refers to individual prayers or to multiple acts, requests, or expressions of appeal.
"The congregation offered prayers for those affected by the disaster."
From a Latin word meaning both "to ask" and "to plead," prayer has long united the language of worship with the language of hope.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prayer come from?
The word comes from Middle English preiere, inherited through Old French from Latin precari, meaning "to ask, pray, or entreat." Latin precari developed from an Indo-European root reconstructed as *prek-, associated with asking or pleading. The same Latin root is reflected in English cognates including precatory, imprecatory, and deprecatory, although their meanings and modern usages differ considerably.
How prayer is actually used
In religious contexts, the term is generally solemn and may be liturgical or personal. In secular contexts, especially phrases such as "a prayer for peace" or "a prayer for help," it conveys an earnest hope rather than necessarily implying religious belief.
Easily confused with prayer
"Pray" is the verb meaning to address a deity or make a solemn request, while "prayer" is the act or the words of prayer.