Biðlistar

Biðlistar is a term in Icelandic that refers to lists of names for which prayers or intercessions are requested. The word biðlisti comes from biðja, meaning to pray or to ask, and listi, meaning list. The plural form biðlistar is used when referring to several such lists.

In religious practice, biðlistar are commonly prepared by individuals, families, or congregations to organize prayers. They typically contain the names of people who are ill, grieving, or in need of support, along with occasionally brief intentions or notes. Biðlistar may be kept in home prayer books or displayed at a family altar, and they may also appear in parish bulletins or church newsletters. During worship or devotional gatherings, names on the biðlistir may be read aloud, announced for communal prayer, or commemorated in a moment of silence.

Historically and culturally, biðlistar reflect the communal dimension of prayer in Icelandic religious life, emphasizing memory, solidarity, and intercession. While their use is rooted in traditional Christian practice, modern adaptations include digital or printed lists shared within churches or community groups. Some biðlistar may be updated seasonally or kept as part of longer-term devotional routines.

See also: prayer list, intercession, supplication.

This article aims to outline the general concept and usage of biðlistar in Icelandic religious and cultural contexts, noting that specifics can vary between denominations and local practices.