pray for them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pray for them" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when expressing a desire for someone's well-being or support in a spiritual context. Example: "During difficult times, it's important to pray for them." Alternative expressions include "wish them well" and "send them good thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I'll pray for them".

The New York Times

And I'd pray for them.

The New York Times

"I will pray for them".

The Guardian

I began to pray for them, too.

The New Yorker

You can only pray for them.

The New York Times

And pray, just pray for them".

The New York Times

We pray for them every day.

The New York Times - Sports

I see the parents crying and we pray for them".

The New York Times

"Those who passed away, we pray for them".

The New York Times

I pray for them only if they seek me out".

The New Yorker

"The only thing I can do is pray for them, pray for the family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the pronoun "them" clearly refers to a specific group or individuals mentioned earlier in your text to avoid spiritual or empathetic ambiguity.

Common error

Do not confuse the preposition "for" with "to". You should "pray to" a deity or higher power, but "pray for them" when referring to the beneficiaries. Additionally, ensure you are not using it when you are performing the action alongside others, where "pray with them" is the appropriate choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pray for them" functions as a verb phrase composed of the intransitive verb "pray" and a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial of purpose or beneficiary. According to Ludwig AI and the analyzed examples, it follows standard English syntax for expressing intercessory intentions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academic

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "pray for them" is a staple of the English language for expressing solidarity and spiritual concern. Ludwig's extensive database shows that it is consistently used by top-tier publications like The New York Times and The Guardian to convey empathy in the wake of tragedy or personal struggle. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and highlights its high frequency in News & Media contexts. Whether used in a literal religious sense or as a more general idiom of support, it remains a powerful tool for connecting with others in moments of vulnerability. Writers should be mindful of the recipient's perspective, potentially opting for secular equivalents like keep them in your thoughts when appropriate, but can otherwise rely on "pray for them" as a universally recognized gesture of goodwill.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep them in your prayers

Uses a more idiomatic and gentle structure often seen in community support.

offer prayers for them

Sounds slightly more formal and deliberate.

remember them in prayer

A common ecclesiastical phrasing used in church bulletins or formal services.

ask for blessings for them

Specifies the desired spiritual outcome of the prayer.

keep them in your thoughts

Focuses on empathy and mindfulness without specific religious connotation.

intercede for them

Implies a religious mediation or a deeper spiritual intervention.

wish them well

Provides a secular equivalent for well-wishing without religious overtones.

petition on their behalf

Uses formal, liturgical language suggesting a specific request to a higher power.

hold them in the light

A specific spiritual idiom often used in Quaker and other contemplative traditions.

send them good vibes

Utilizes modern, informal slang suitable for casual social media settings.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "pray for them" in a secular context?

You can use alternatives like "keep them in your thoughts", "wish them the best", or "send them my regards" depending on the situation.

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

It is typically used after a subject and can be modified by adverbs, for example: "I will "pray for them" every night" or "We should all collectively "pray for them" during this difficult time."

Is it better to say "pray for them" or "keep them in your prayers"?

Both are correct. "pray for them" is a direct active verb phrase, while "keep them in your prayers" is often perceived as a more idiomatic and gentle request for support.

What is the difference between "pray for them" and "pray with them"?

"pray for them" means you are praying on their behalf, often in their absence. Conversely, ""pray with them"" implies you are physically or spiritually joined in the act of prayer together at the same time.