Synonyms for

Praying

Verb / ˈpreɪɪŋ / Another word for praying — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

Praying is the act of talking to or communicating with a higher power or deity, usually asking for help or guidance.

Synonyms & similar words

pray implore beg plead beg supplicate entreat beseech implore petition invoke appeal request ask beseech crave impetrate adjure obtest entreat

Synonyms by register

Formal

supplicating imploring beseeching

Informal

asking hoping wishing

Literary

adoring worshipping invoking

Antonyms

disregarding ignoring neglecting disbelieving profaning blaspheming

Common collocations

  • praying for
  • praying to
  • praying silently
  • praying earnestly
  • praying aloud
  • praying for guidance
  • praying for peace

Word family

noun prayer
verb pray
adjective prayerful

Usage note

While 'praying' often implies religious devotion, it can also be used more generally to express a strong hope or wish for something to happen.

Example sentences

  1. I am praying for my grandma to get better.
  2. She kneels down to pray every night.
  3. He prays before every meal.
  4. We pray for world peace.
  5. I pray for forgiveness.

Quotes

  • Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. - Mahatma Gandhi
  • Prayer is not asking for what you think you want, but asking to be changed in ways you can't imagine. - Kathleen Norris
  • Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays. - Soren Kierkegaard

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