please pray

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "please pray" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when requesting someone to offer a prayer, often in a context of support or concern for someone or something. Example: "During this difficult time, please pray for our friend who is facing health challenges."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Please pray for families.

The New York Times

Please pray for us.

The New Yorker

"Please pray for us," Nancy said in closing.

The New Yorker

"Please pray for everyone," he wrote on Twitter.

The Guardian

"Please pray for their safety and for the other carrying out their pilgrimage too".

Independent

Regular prayers, and also please pray up stuff about the Celtics to me.

The New Yorker

Please pray for their safety and for the others carrying out their pilgrimage too".

Independent

Please pray for me and all of the other people who have made the commitment.

The New York Times

"Diane came and hugged me and said, 'Father, please pray for me that I don't become bitter.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The Pope puts his arm around me and says, 'Please pray for me,'" Boehner, a devout Catholic, said.

The Guardian

"The pope asking, 'Please pray for me,' was quite a moment".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please pray" when genuinely seeking spiritual support or expressing deep concern for someone or a situation.

Common error

Avoid using "please pray" in purely secular settings where it may be perceived as insincere or out of place. Instead, opt for phrases like "please keep in mind" or "please offer your support."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please pray" functions primarily as an imperative, directly requesting someone to engage in prayer. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its role in seeking support or expressing concern. Examples show it used in diverse scenarios, from personal requests to collective appeals for well-being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Huffington Post

13%

The New Yorker

5%

Less common in

Los Angeles Times

3%

Independent

1%

Vice

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "please pray" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed imperative, used to solicit spiritual support or convey concern. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility spans contexts from personal appeals to broader calls for empathy within news and media. While generally neutral to informal, its appropriateness hinges on the audience's background, making alternatives like "offer support" more fitting in secular settings. Remember to be mindful of your audience and purpose when employing this phrase, and consider the many related alternatives to best suit your communicative needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

offer a prayer

Focuses on the act of praying rather than a direct request.

say a prayer

Similar to "offer a prayer", emphasizing the verbal aspect of prayer.

keep in your prayers

Asks for ongoing prayerful support.

remember in your prayers

Similar to "keep in your prayers", but with a sense of remembrance.

send prayers

Emphasizes the act of sending well-wishes and support through prayer.

pray for guidance

Requests prayer specifically for direction and wisdom.

pray for strength

Requests prayer specifically for resilience and fortitude.

offer support

A secular alternative, focusing on general assistance.

send good thoughts

A non-religious alternative, conveying positive intentions.

keep in mind

A gentler, less direct request for consideration.

FAQs

How can I use "please pray" in a sentence?

You can use "please pray" to ask for spiritual support or express concern, as in "Please pray for the victims of the disaster" or "Please pray for my family during this difficult time".

What are some alternatives to "please pray"?

Alternatives include "offer a prayer", "say a prayer", or "keep in your prayers", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always appropriate to say "please pray"?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience's beliefs. In secular settings, alternatives like "send good thoughts" or "offer support" might be more suitable.

What is the difference between "please pray" and "please offer a prayer"?

"Please pray" is a more direct request for prayer. "Offer a prayer" can imply a more active participation in the prayer itself, though the meaning is very similar.