Prayer Meaning
Prayer Definition & Usage
A solemn or earnest request or plea addressed to a deity, or the act of communicating with a deity, typically for worship, thanksgiving, or petition.
Examples
- "She said a prayer before going to bed, asking for guidance and peace."
- "The church bell rang, signaling the start of the evening prayer."
- "They gathered for a prayer to mark the beginning of their religious ceremony."
- "He closed his eyes, bowing his head in prayer, seeking solace after the tragic news."
- "The community joined in prayer to hope for the safe return of the missing children."
An earnest or heartfelt wish or desire for something.
Examples
- "Her prayer was for peace in the world, especially in troubled regions."
- "He made a prayer for success in his new venture."
- "The prayer of the people was to see an end to the ongoing conflict."
- "In the deepest moments of her hardship, all she could do was pray for a miracle."
- "His prayer for a better life was answered when he got the job offer."
A polite or formal expression of good wishes or hopes, often used in social situations.
Examples
- "We received her prayers for a successful outcome in our new project."
- "The villagers sent their prayers to the couple on their wedding day."
- "During the funeral, many shared prayers for the soul of the departed."
- "She offered a prayer for the safety of the travelers, hoping they would have a smooth journey."
- "They sent their prayers for a quick recovery after the accident."
Cultural Context
Prayer has been a central element of human culture for thousands of years, particularly in the context of religion. It is practiced by billions of people around the world in many different forms, including spoken words, meditations, and silent reflections. In Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and many other religions, prayer is seen as a way to communicate with a divine power, ask for help, or offer thanks.
The Silent Prayer
Story
The Silent Prayer
It was the eve of the storm, and the village gathered in the small chapel that stood at the heart of their community. The windows rattled as the wind howled outside, but inside, there was a quiet serenity. Amelia sat at the back, eyes closed, hands folded in her lap. She had come to the chapel seeking peace — a prayer for herself, for her family, and for her community. The priest, an elderly man with a voice like gravel, began the evening prayer, his words flowing like a familiar lullaby. Amelia's prayer was simple but earnest — she asked for strength to face the unknown and for the safety of her children. Around her, others murmured their own silent prayers, some for healing, some for guidance, and some for lost loved ones. As the storm raged on, the chapel became a sanctuary, not just from the elements, but from the world outside. It was a moment of connection — a shared prayer for the well-being of all. And in that stillness, Amelia realized that prayer, no matter how it was said, was a bridge between the earthly and the divine, between one heart and another. It wasn't just about asking for something, but about being present with one another, seeking solace in a world that often felt uncertain. As the evening prayer came to an end, the storm seemed to calm, and the winds outside began to subside. The village, united in prayer, had weathered the night, and in the morning, the sun would rise on a new day, bringing hope to all who had asked for it.
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