pray for help

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pray for help" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where someone is seeking divine assistance or support in difficult situations. Example: "In times of trouble, I often find myself needing to pray for help." Alternative expressions include "ask for guidance" and "seek assistance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

We just pray for help".

The New York Times

I haven't smoked or drank for 18 months now, though I still take it day-to-day and pray for help.

The New York Times

A few minutes afterward, a man joined the group, later explaining that he had come to pray for help in kicking an addiction to alcohol for the umpteenth time, and to find a place to live.

The New York Times

The Green explanation: getting under his desk to pray for help.

Forbes

And they can only pray for help to arrive to get through the next few months.

Huffington Post

Let us all return to our places of worship and pray for help.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

I prayed for help.

The New Yorker

For example, if you are praying for help with a personal life problem, say "Problem".

The New York Times

When he was 14, he prayed for help, and, according to his own account, God and Jesus Christ appeared to him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"In fact, we need more than $2 million to make structural repairs, and so I have been praying for help".

The New York Times

Bates was well aware of the near annihilation of Native Americans, which was why she immediately prayed for help, both divine and human.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "pray for help", ensure that the context clearly indicates the type of assistance being sought and the specific situation or problem you're facing.

Common error

Avoid using "pray for help" without specifying the nature of the help needed. Instead of a generic plea, be specific about what you are hoping to achieve or overcome through prayer.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pray for help" functions as a verb phrase expressing a request or plea for divine assistance. It describes the action of seeking support from a higher power, as demonstrated by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pray for help" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression signifying a request for divine assistance. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, spanning various contexts from news articles to personal expressions of faith. While it is versatile, remember to specify the type of help needed to avoid vagueness. Related phrases include "seek divine assistance" or "ask for guidance". Though "pray for help" is deemed correct, it's important to consider context and audience to ensure the appropriate level of formality and clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seek divine assistance

Replaces "pray" with a more formal term and specifies the type of help sought.

ask for divine intervention

Emphasizes the request for God to directly influence a situation.

implore for guidance

Uses a more urgent verb to express the need for direction.

beseech for aid

A formal and earnest request for assistance.

seek spiritual support

Broadens the request to any form of spiritual backing.

appeal for heavenly support

Specifically calls upon a higher power for support.

entreat for succor

A literary term for seeking relief and assistance.

call upon a higher power for assistance

A more descriptive and less direct way of asking for help.

look to heaven for solace

Focuses on finding comfort rather than direct help.

turn to faith in times of need

Emphasizes the act of relying on faith as a source of help.

FAQs

In what situations is it appropriate to use "pray for help"?

The phrase "pray for help" is appropriate in situations where one is seeking divine assistance or guidance, especially during difficult times, personal struggles, or when facing challenges that seem insurmountable. It reflects a reliance on faith for support and resolution.

What are some alternative phrases to "pray for help"?

Alternatives include "seek divine assistance", "ask for guidance", or "request spiritual support", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "praying for help" instead of "pray for help"?

Yes, both phrases are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different meanings. "Pray for help" is a general request or expression of intent, while "praying for help" indicates an ongoing action or state of supplication.

What does the Bible say about prayer and asking for help?

The Bible encourages believers to "seek divine intervention" and guidance through prayer in times of need, emphasizing the importance of faith and reliance on God for support and resolution.