Prayers

Prayer is a practice found in many religious and spiritual traditions in which a person communicates with a deity, higher power, or ultimate reality. It may involve spoken words, silent contemplation, or ritual actions. Etymologically, the word "prayer" derives from Latin precari, meaning to beg or entreat.

Common forms include praise, thanksgiving, confession, supplication (asking for help), and intercession (praying on behalf of others). Practices vary from private, spontaneous petitions to formal, scripted liturgies; they may be silent or vocal, performed individually or in a group.

Across major traditions: In Christianity, prayer ranges from personal devotions to liturgical rites. In Islam, salat is a structured ritual prayer performed five times daily. Judaism emphasizes prayer through set liturgies and spontaneous supplications. Hinduism, Buddhism, and Sikhism have diverse forms including mantras, meditation, puja, and devotional songs.

In secular and contemporary contexts, the term "prayer" is sometimes used for meditation or reflective practice not necessarily tied to a specific faith. Debates about public prayer touch on freedom of religion and state neutrality. Research has examined potential psychological benefits, such as coping and stress reduction, though findings vary.