prayer

Noun
Synonyms: supplicationpetitionorisonentreatyappealsupplicant

WordNet 3.0

Noun (5)

  1. the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)“the priest sank to his knees in prayer”Synonyms: supplication
  2. reverent petition to a deitySynonyms: petitionorison
  3. earnest or urgent request“an entreaty to stop the fighting”“an appeal for help”“an appeal to the public to keep calm”Synonyms: entreatyappeal
  4. a fixed text used in praying
  5. someone who prays to GodSynonyms: supplicant
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Prayer \Pray"er\, n. One who prays; a supplicant. [1913 Webster]
Prayer \Prayer\ (?; 277), n. [OE. preiere, OF. preiere, F. pri[`e]re, fr. L. precarius obtained by prayer, fr. precari to pray. See Pray, v. i.]

1.The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body. "Their meek preyere." --Chaucer [1913 Webster]

2.The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer. [1913 Webster]

As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers. [1913 Webster]

He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death.— Bp. Fell.[1913 Webster]

Prayer book, a book containing devotional prayers.

Prayer meeting, a meeting or gathering for prayer to God. [1913 Webster]

Syn: Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit. [1913 Webster]

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