pray

verb

\ ˈprā

prayed; praying; prays

Definition of pray

transitive verb

1 : entreat, implore —often used as a function word in introducing a question, request, or plea pray be careful

2 : to get or bring by praying

intransitive verb

1 : to make a request in a humble manner

2 : to address God or a god with adoration, confession, supplication, or thanksgiving

Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More about pray

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Examples of pray in a Sentence

There's little else to do now but hope and pray. The minister said, “Let us pray.” He prayed that they would have the strength to go on. He prayed that he would find a parking spot.

Recent Examples on the Web

Platt prayed with Trump onstage, which drew some criticism from his congregation and prompted him to issue a letter of explanation. — Greg Garrison, al.com, "Southern Baptist Convention meets next week: What do you want to know?," 7 June 2019 His parents, Charles Sr. and Katherine Gomez, prayed that their son’s body would someday come home. — Bob Warren, nola.com, "‘Prayers answered.’ Sailor’s remains come home to Slidell after 77 years," 3 June 2019 In her last recorded message from the Virgin Mary on her website on April 13, 2016, Lopez prayed for peace in the United States and Middle East. — Meryl Kornfield, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Woman who said she was visited monthly by the Virgin Mary dies," 12 June 2018 Rain had just begun to fall as bells tolled Saturday evening, signaling the start of Mass at St. Paul Catholic Church in Ellicott City, where parishioners gathered to pray for victims of the previous weekend’s flood. — Sarah Meehan, Howard County Times, "Archbishop Lori, Ellicott City parishioners pray for Hermond, other flooding victims at Mass," 2 June 2018 As our staff and the family prepare for Dr. Raman’s celebration of life, please join us in praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time. — Blair Donovan, Country Living, "'The Amazing Race' Contestant Dr. Jim Raman Has Passed Away at 42," 15 Mar. 2019 Photo: Getty Images In Lading-Lading, search and rescue workers excavated a mosque that had collapsed on dozens of worshipers who had been praying Sunday night for a villager who was one of around 20 people killed in last week’s quake. — Ben Otto, WSJ, "Drinking Water, Fuel in Short Supply in Indonesian Quake Zone," 7 Aug. 2018 Fox News reported on the event's cancellation, and some of the photos the network used that purported to show Eagles players protesting actually were of them praying. — Pete Grathoff, kansascity, "Fox News apologizes after Eagles player calls network's anthem story 'propaganda'," 5 June 2018 When a gunman burst into the mosque in the New Zealand city of Christchurch where Naeem Rashid was praying, the Pakistani man rushed at him. — Saeed Shah, WSJ, "Trapped in Christchurch Mosque, Worshiper Attempted to Disarm Shooter," 16 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'pray.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.