Pray

Pray is the act of addressing a deity, higher power, or sacred reality with spoken or silent words, thoughts, or gestures. The verb denotes the action; the noun prayer refers to the act itself, its texts, or the content of the request or thanksgiving. Etymology-wise, the word comes from Old French prier, from Latin precari, meaning to entreat or beg.

Prayers vary in form and function. They can be vocal or silent, formal or informal, individual or communal. They may include praise, confession, supplication, gratitude, or intercession for others. Many traditions distinguish ritual prayers—set texts recited in a worship service—from spontaneous or contemplative prayer that arises in the moment. Practices may involve mantras, hymns, or invocations.

Different religious traditions have distinct frameworks. Islam prescribes fixed daily prayers (salat) with prescribed movements, plus personal supplication (du'a). Christianity and Judaism emphasize worship and petitions; Hinduism and Buddhism incorporate chants, meditation, and devotion (bhakti, metta). Some beliefs hold that prayer can influence outcomes, while others view it as communion, discipline, or moral formation rather than a means to compel change.

Across cultures, prayer functions as a coping mechanism, a source of social cohesion, and a channel for expressing values, gratitude, and hope. In secular contexts, prayer and meditative practices are sometimes adopted for well-being or reflection, and debates continue about its role in public life and policy.