pray for me

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pray for me" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when expressing a request for someone, usually a deity, to offer assistance or protection. For example: "Please, if you are able, I ask that you pray for me during this difficult time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I want my family to pray for me". Both women have always insisted they were innocent.

BBC

He shouted "Pray for me, pray for me!" According to Father Gerard (who was not then present), Elizabeth answered, "I will, and be of good courage.

Wikipedia

"You pray for me".

The New York Times

Some said they would pray for me.

The New York Times

She promised to pray for me.

The New York Times

"They said they would pray for me".

The Guardian - Music

Pray for me that it comes quickly and easily.

The New Yorker

But I do ask that you pray for me.

The New Yorker

I hope that you will pray for me, too, Jimmy".

The New Yorker

My friends and family pray for me," says Sadegh.

The Guardian

And, then they wanted to continue to pray for me.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pray for me", be mindful of your audience's beliefs. In a diverse setting, consider adding context or using a more general phrase like "send good thoughts" to be inclusive.

Common error

Avoid using "pray for me" in purely secular or business contexts where it might seem out of place. Phrases like "wish me luck" or "send me your support" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pray for me" functions primarily as an imperative request. It's a direct plea for intercession or spiritual support, with Ludwig showing many examples in news contexts and personal appeals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pray for me" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to request spiritual support or divine intervention. Ludwig highlights its prevalence in news and media, reflecting real-life situations where individuals seek comfort and strength. The formality can range from informal to neutral, and, according to Ludwig, the phrase is a straightforward way to ask for prayers during times of need. While widely understood, it’s essential to consider your audience and the context to ensure appropriateness. Consider alternatives like "wish me luck" in secular settings to convey the same sentiment without religious connotations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep me in your prayers

Similar request for ongoing prayer, implying a sustained need for support.

offer a prayer for me

A direct request for someone to specifically pray on your behalf.

say a prayer for me

A direct request for someone to specifically pray on your behalf.

ask God for me

Emphasizes intercession with God, highlighting the requester's need.

send me your blessings

Requests divine favor or positive energy, emphasizing a spiritual element.

intercede for me

A formal term for pleading on behalf of someone, often in a religious context.

wish me luck

A more general request for good fortune, suitable in less formal contexts.

remember me in your thoughts

Similar to "think of me", but with a slightly more formal or sentimental tone.

think of me

Requests positive thoughts and emotional support, less explicitly religious.

keep me in mind

A request for consideration and support, often in a professional context.

FAQs

How do I use "pray for me" in a sentence?

You can use "pray for me" as a direct request for spiritual support. For example, "I'm facing a difficult surgery, please "pray for me"." It's often used when seeking comfort or strength during challenging times.

What's the difference between "pray for me" and "keep me in your prayers"?

"Pray for me" is a more immediate request for prayer, while "keep me in your prayers" implies a continuous, ongoing need for support. The former is for immediate situations and the latter is for a longer time.

Is "pray for me" appropriate in all situations?

While grammatically correct, "pray for me" may not be suitable for all situations. In professional or secular contexts, consider using alternatives like "send me your best wishes" or "wish me luck".

What can I say instead of "pray for me" to be more inclusive?

To be more inclusive, you can use phrases like "send positive thoughts my way", "wish me well", or "keep me in your thoughts" to avoid explicitly religious language.