Prayer

(prār), n. [O. Fr. proiere, preere, N. Fr. priere, Pr. pregaïre, pregairia, pregaiera, It. pregaria, pregueria, preghiera, from Lat. precarius, obtained by prayer, from precari, to pray. See supra.]

1Sense 1. The act of praying or of asking a favor; earnest request; hence, an earnest memorial to a court or a legislative body.

2Sense 2. Especially, the act of addressing supplication to God; the offering up to the Supreme Being of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving; the practice of communion with God in devotional address, worship, and supplication; as, public prayer, secret prayer, &c. “As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer.” Shak.

3Sense 3. The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; a supplication addressed to God; as a written or extemporaneous prayer; a long prayer; an earnest or appropriate prayer.

He made those two excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death. Fell.

Synonyms—Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit; request.