earnest prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

"earnest prayer" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a sentence such as "We offer an earnest prayer for the safety of all those affected by the storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"That you may be the servant and guardian of peace and make the vale of trouble a door of hope is my earnest prayer.

The New York Times

"My most earnest prayer was that I should have courage to fight & if need be die like a man and I am sure my prayer was answered for I hadn't any fear whatever," he wrote.

The New York Times

The National Rifle Association's 4 million mothers, fathers, sons and daughters join the nation in horror, outrage, grief and earnest prayer for the families of Newtown, Connecticut … who suffered such incomprehensible loss as a result of this unspeakable crime.

The New York Times

It's my earnest prayer that we chose our collective course of action wisely.

Huffington Post

I've found that earnest prayer has a way of entering the dark, crowded, unappealing parts of our lives and hearts and transforming them into the spaces they were originally created to be.

Huffington Post

"'Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United States at large.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

They were fervent, earnest prayers, the prayers of someone going to Heaven, or to Hell.

The New Yorker

And if there is a God, and he answers earnest prayers, then he will do one small thing that will complete my life in 2012: He will nudge the endlessly embarrassing Michael Steele into the race.

The New York Times

How is one's heart to remain unaffected by the knowledge that the earnest prayers of men and women had fluttered from their souls like tiny butterflies compounded of sighs, and were even now covering the columns and vaults above so that barely a pinhead of vacant space remained between them.

The Guardian - Books

4. Our humility as servants of Jesus should naturally lead us to first convert to the truths in their culture wherever we see Jesus is at work. 5. Through the work of culture guides (people of that culture), earnest study, prayer and experiential failures, it is our responsibility to first adapt to and then embrace their culture, and as much as possible, their worldview.

Huffington Post

The marches are set to begin in earnest after midday prayers, the first day of the weekend in Egypt.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "earnest prayer" to convey a sense of deep sincerity and heartfelt intention when communicating with a higher power or expressing a profound desire.

Common error

While both words imply sincerity, "earnest" suggests a deeper level of commitment and emotional investment than simply being "honest". Use "earnest prayer" when you want to emphasize the depth of feeling behind the prayer, not just its truthfulness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earnest prayer" primarily functions as a noun phrase, where 'earnest' modifies 'prayer' to specify its quality. Ludwig AI validates its correct and common usage, supported by examples illustrating sincere communication.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

13%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "earnest prayer" is a noun phrase used to describe a prayer that is deeply sincere and heartfelt. Ludwig AI confirms it as grammatically correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its frequency is uncommon, predominantly appearing in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure you aim to convey a sense of profound sincerity and emotional investment. Alternatives such as "heartfelt prayer" or "fervent prayer" can be used to add variety, but "earnest prayer" maintains a specific emphasis on sincerity and seriousness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartfelt prayer

Emphasizes the sincerity and depth of the prayer.

fervent prayer

Highlights the intensity and passion of the prayer.

sincere supplication

Replaces 'prayer' with a more formal term, emphasizing the act of asking humbly.

deep entreaty

Focuses on the profound and serious nature of the request.

solemn invocation

Highlights the formal and respectful manner of addressing a higher power.

humble request

Shifts the focus to the humbleness of the petitioner.

earnest wish

Replaces 'prayer' with 'wish', broadening the scope beyond religious contexts.

passionate appeal

Emphasizes the emotional intensity of the communication.

ardent plea

Highlights the urgent and persuasive nature of the request.

genuine hope

Focuses on the hopefulness and authenticity behind the expression.

FAQs

What does "earnest prayer" mean?

An "earnest prayer" signifies a deeply sincere, heartfelt, and serious communication with a higher power, reflecting a profound desire or supplication.

What can I say instead of "earnest prayer"?

You can use alternatives like "heartfelt prayer", "fervent prayer", or "sincere supplication" depending on the specific context.

How to use "earnest prayer" in a sentence?

You might say, "The community offered an "earnest prayer" for the victims of the natural disaster" or "It is my "earnest prayer" that peace will prevail."

What is the difference between "earnest prayer" and "casual prayer"?

"Earnest prayer" implies a serious and heartfelt intention, while "casual prayer" suggests a more routine or less emotionally invested communication. The former is deeply sincere; the latter may be more perfunctory.