plea for prayer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "plea for prayer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting others to pray for a specific intention or situation, often in a religious or spiritual context. Example: "In these challenging times, I make a heartfelt plea for prayer for those affected by the crisis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

On Wednesday, Ava's family shared a heartbreaking video of the little girl making her plea for prayers in the hopes that her forthcoming PET scan would come back clean.

Huffington Post

This excerpt from a letter Donna Harnett sent out in August about the latest emergency in the life of her 11-year-old son concludes with a plea for our prayers, and that seems an appropriate place to start, but the prayer I would suggest is not one of despair or desperation, but gratitude: Thank you, Martin, for what you are giving us, for the beautiful, triumphant struggle that is your life.

Huffington Post

This plea (or prayer) for loyalty and support in fearful times transcends genre and is so strong and direct that it resists all attempts to mash it into kitsch.

The New York Times - Arts

Some believe that, as a part of the spiritual realm, the spirit of someone who had strong faith in life will be able to make a more ardent plea or prayer for you to a deity from the other side.

WikiHow

Kennedy's speech was itself a prayer, a quiet plea for a shared understanding.

The New Yorker

So there would be no quick prayer, just a plea for mercy from the skunk as MacMillan crept closer.

The Washington Post

By Jeff Shesol April 4, 2018 Kennedy's speech in Indianapolis was a prayer, a quiet plea for a shared understanding.

The New Yorker

Polly Sheppard's call, played for jurors Wednesday, starts with a prayer and a plea for help: "Please answer.

Los Angeles Times

Thinking of how awful Muscovites smell in the summer heat, he ends his morning prayers with "a plea for the advancement of soap to full production as soon as possible, feeling it his duty, both as a Believer and as a loyal Soviet citizen".

The New York Times

Islamists break for prayer.

The New York Times

Every joke, every plea, every prayer of every character is aimed at the heavens.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When making a "plea for prayer", be specific about the situation or intention for which you are requesting prayer. This helps others focus their prayers effectively.

Common error

Avoid overly dramatic or sensational language when making a "plea for prayer". Focus on sincerity and clarity rather than exaggeration, which can undermine the authenticity of your request.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "plea for prayer" functions as a noun phrase acting as a prepositional object. It is typically used to express a formal or heartfelt request, as seen in the examples Ludwig provides. The core meaning is to ask others to offer prayers for a specific intention.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "plea for prayer" is a grammatically sound and earnest request for spiritual support. It is classified as a prepositional phrase with a neutral to formal register. As highlighted by Ludwig, the phrase is relatively rare but can be found across various sources, including news media and online encyclopedias. When using this phrase, clarity and sincerity are key, avoiding overly emotional language to ensure the message's authenticity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Prayer plea

Inverts the original phrase while retaining the core meaning.

Request for prayer

Emphasizes the act of asking for prayer.

Call for prayer

Highlights a public announcement or invitation to pray.

Appeal for prayer

Stresses a sincere and urgent request.

Supplication for prayer

Indicates a humble and earnest request.

Entreaty for prayer

Suggests a deeply felt and persuasive request.

Petition for prayer

Implies a formal or structured request.

Urgent prayer request

Highlights the immediate need for prayer.

Prayer solicitation

Focuses on actively seeking prayers from others.

Invocatory prayer

Describes prayer as an act of calling upon a higher power.

FAQs

What does "plea for prayer" mean?

A "plea for prayer" is an earnest request or appeal for others to pray for a specific person, situation, or cause, often indicating a time of need or crisis.

How do I make an effective "plea for prayer"?

To make an effective "plea for prayer", clearly state the reason for the request, be sincere and respectful, and provide enough context for others to understand the situation. You can also use alternatives like "request for prayer" or "call for prayer".

What are some situations where a "plea for prayer" might be made?

A "plea for prayer" might be made during times of illness, grief, hardship, uncertainty, or any situation where divine intervention or support is sought.

Are there synonyms for "plea for prayer"?

Yes, synonyms include "appeal for prayer", "request for prayer", or "call for prayer". These alternatives also convey the sense of asking for prayers.