Definition of prayer
1a (1) : an address (such as a petition) to God or a god in word or thought said a prayer for the success of the voyage (2) : a set order of words used in prayingb : an earnest request or wish
2 : the act or practice of praying to God or a god kneeling in prayer
3 : a religious service consisting chiefly of prayers —often used in plural
4 : something prayed for
5 : a slight chance haven't got a prayer
From the M-W Editors
Origin and Etymology of prayer
Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
Origin and Etymology of prayer
Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + 2-er
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Christian Religious Terms
PRAYER Defined for Kids
prayer
playDefinition of prayer for Students
1 : words spoken to God a prayer for peace
2 : the act of praying to God We knelt in prayer.
3 : a strong hope or wish It's our prayer that you will return safely.
4 : a set form of words used in praying
5 : a religious service that is mostly prayers evening prayer
Law Dictionary
Learn More about prayer
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See words that rhyme with prayer Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prayer Spanish Central: Translation of prayer Nglish: Translation of prayer for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of prayer for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer
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