as we pray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as we pray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a group is engaging in prayer or discussing the act of praying together. Example: "Let us reflect on our intentions as we pray for peace and understanding in the world."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Emma   He hears us as we pray for my boy.

The Guardian

As we pray to God that He gives full and speedy recovery to all those injured".

Independent

So Lord, as we pray together, we focus on things we know".

The New York Times

We can be sure of one thing, however, as we pray for the survival of Fabrice Muamba.

Independent

"We will pray for this man as we pray for so many others who are at their wits' end," he said.

Independent

There the rally -- with such placards as "We pray to Jerusalem; they turn their back to Jerusalem and pray to Mecca" -- seemed a world away.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

We were asked to continue holding hands as we prayed to Jesus.

Huffington Post

When debate was closed, a hush fell over the room as we prayed silently.

Huffington Post

We'd share our week, bitching about the stress of jobs, laundry, grocery shopping and just laugh as we prayed for a lottery win.

Huffington Post

As we prayed, sang and resisted with our bodies and presence, I interacted with people from far and wide, geographically and otherwise.

Huffington Post

As we prayed, it was surreal to hear these men repeat the prayer with their faces pressed against the bars, eyes closed, and hands extended out through the windows.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "as we pray" to connect the act of praying with a subsequent action or expression of hope or intention. This emphasizes the simultaneous nature of the prayer and the related action.

Common error

Avoid using "as we pray" when the context doesn't involve a collective or shared prayer experience. Ensure the phrase accurately reflects a communal or shared act of supplication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as we pray" functions as a conjunction phrase, connecting the action of praying with a subsequent action or state. It often introduces a clause that expresses the purpose, hope, or sentiment associated with the act of praying. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "as we pray" is a grammatically sound conjunction phrase used to connect the act of praying with a subsequent action or sentiment. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable, especially in News & Media, signifying a collective expression of hope or supplication. While grammatically correct and understandable, it's crucial to ensure the context involves a collective or shared prayer experience to avoid misuse. Remember to use "as we pray" to link the act of praying with a subsequent action, highlighting their simultaneous nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during our prayer

Replaces the conjunction with a prepositional phrase, focusing on the activity of prayer.

while in prayer

Similar to 'during our prayer', but uses 'while' to indicate simultaneous action.

in our prayers

Emphasizes the inclusion of something or someone within the act of praying.

as we offer our prayers

More formal and emphasizes the act of offering prayers.

when we pray

Uses "when" to introduce a conditional aspect to the act of praying.

during our supplication

Replaces 'prayer' with the more formal term 'supplication'.

in collective prayer

Highlights the communal aspect of the prayer.

as we beseech

Replaces 'pray' with 'beseech', indicating a more urgent or earnest request.

together in prayer

Emphasizes the togetherness and unity in the act of praying.

in communal worship

Expands the concept to include broader worship, not just prayer.

FAQs

How can I use "as we pray" in a sentence?

Use "as we pray" to connect the act of collective prayer with a concurrent action or sentiment, such as expressing hope, seeking guidance, or offering support. For example: "As we pray, we remember those affected by the tragedy."

What phrases are similar to "as we pray"?

Similar phrases include "during our prayer", "while in prayer", or "as we offer our prayers", each offering a slightly different nuance in meaning.

Is it always necessary to specify who "we" refers to when using "as we pray"?

While not always necessary, providing context about who "we" refers to can enhance clarity, especially if the group praying is not immediately obvious. Specifying the group helps establish the shared intention and purpose behind the prayer.

Can "as we pray" be used in secular contexts?

While primarily associated with religious contexts, "as we pray" can be adapted to secular settings where a group is collectively focusing intention or expressing hope. However, consider the audience and ensure the phrase aligns with the context's tone and values.