bønn

Bønn is the act of communicating with a deity or higher power, expressing worship, gratitude, requests, or confession. In Norwegian Bokmål and Danish, the term refers to both private devotion and public, liturgical prayer.

Etymology: The word is of Germanic origin, with cognates in several Scandinavian languages. It denotes a long-standing tradition of supplication, praise and devotion across different faiths.

Forms and practice: Prayer can be spoken aloud or held silent, practiced individually or in groups. It may be directed to a god or higher power, or used as a meditative or contemplative exercise. Many traditions employ fixed prayers, prayers said within liturgical settings, while others emphasize spontaneous, personal requests. Common elements include praise, confession, thanksgiving, and intercession on behalf of others.

Religious contexts: Christian traditions include personal prayer and liturgical prayers such as the Lord's Prayer; in Islam, ritual prayer (salah) is obligatory for Muslims, while personal supplication (dua) is common outside fixed prayers; Judaism emphasizes tefillah as a central practice; Hinduism and other religions often use mantras, devotion (bhakti), and ritual performances as forms of prayer.

Contemporary use: In many communities bønn remains a central religious practice; in secular contexts the term is sometimes used metaphorically for earnest appeals or hopes. Scholarly and theological discussions explore prayer's social and psychological aspects, its role in coping with suffering, and its function in community life.