prayer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
    supplication.
    • the priest sank to his knees in prayer
  2. noun reverent petition to a deity
    orison; petition.
  3. noun earnest or urgent request
    appeal; entreaty.
    • an entreaty to stop the fighting
    • an appeal for help
    • an appeal to the public to keep calm
  4. noun a fixed text used in praying
  5. noun someone who prays to God
    supplicant.

WordNet

Pray"er noun
Definitions
  1. One who prays; a supplicant.
Prayer noun
Etymology
OE. preiere, OF. preiere, F. prière, fr. L. precarius obtained by prayer, fr. precari to pray. See Pray, v. i.
Definitions
  1. The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body. "Their meek preyere." Chaucer
  2. The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer.
    As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer. Shak.
  3. The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers.
    He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death. Bp. Fell.
    Syn. -- Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit.

Webster 1913