prayer
n. C / Un. the words you say or the thoughts you have when you talk to a god. It can also be the act of asking for help or giving thanks in a religious way.
n. a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to a deity or object of worship. Often refers to a set sequence of words used in a religious service.
She says a short prayer every night before bed.
The community gathered at the local temple to offer a prayer for the safety of the missing sailors.
While some view the practice as a purely spiritual communion, others find that the rhythmic nature of silent prayer provides a psychological sense of peace during times of immense stress.
From Middle English preiere, from Old French preiere, from Early Medieval Latin precāria, derived from Latin precem. Displaced native Old English ġebed (whence modern English bead).
pray + -er.
Countable when referring to a specific set of words or an instance of the act; uncountable when referring to the general practice of praying.