prayer intention

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prayer intention" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific request or focus for prayer, often in religious or spiritual contexts. Example: "During the service, we will take a moment to share our prayer intentions for those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The YouTube video announced Francis' prayer intentions for the month of February.

Huffington Post

According to the Vatican's website, "Click to Pray has three main sections: 'pray with the pope,' with the pope's monthly prayer intentions for the challenges facing humanity and the mission of the Church; 'pray every day,' with a prayer rhythm involving three daily moments; and 'pray with the network' that is a space where users (Pope Francis among them) can share their prayers with the others".

Vice

In addition to meditating on events from the lives of Jesus and Mother Mary, you can also offer the Rosary decades for prayer intentions.

WikiHow

Perhaps nowhere is this reassessment needed more than in the study of prayer and intention experiments.

EXPLORE: The Journal of Science and Healing

We established an outpost of prayer and intention, and showed the world that people from the United States still care about what happens here.

Huffington Post

The crew and cast fell silent, the Pilgrim Priest offering prayers and intentions for us all.

Huffington Post

Many years ago, when I wrote a book about it, more than a few mental health professionals told me that men trying to vanquish a sexual attraction to kids might well drift toward the priesthood in the hope that extra prayer and an intention of chastity would make everything right.

The New York Times

(Directed Prayer and Conscious Intention: Demonstrating the Power of Distant Healing).

Huffington Post

There are many scientific studies that validate the power of prayer, meditation, and intention for healing.

Huffington Post

The movement will build during the early hours to a noon Pacific/3 pm Eastern global Unify moment in which millions will be called into silence and prayer, with the intention for global healing, reconciliation, and peace.

Huffington Post

In the Roman Catholic Church it has been maintained that a special charismatic sacramental endowment conveying an indelible "character" has been conferred on those who receive valid ordination by the laying on of hands on their heads by bishops (who thus transfer to them the "power of orders"), prayer, and a right intention.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When stating a "prayer intention", be specific and clear about what you are hoping to achieve or request through prayer. This helps focus your thoughts and communicate your needs effectively.

Common error

Avoid stating "prayer intentions" in overly general terms. Instead of saying "I'll pray for healing", specify the person or situation you are praying for to give your prayer more focus and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prayer intention" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It refers to the specific aim, purpose, or request one holds in mind while praying. As indicated by Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "prayer intention" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe the specific aim or purpose behind a prayer. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in English. While its frequency is currently rare based on the available data, the phrase appears in various contexts, including news, wiki entries, and scientific discussions. It functions to articulate the desired outcome or request in prayer, maintaining a neutral register suitable for both personal and public expressions of faith. When using this phrase, it is important to be clear and specific about the intended focus of the prayer. Consider using alternatives like "prayer request" for added clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prayer request

Focuses on the act of asking for something in prayer, shifting from the internal aim to the external request.

spiritual aim in prayer

Emphasizes the spiritual aspect of the goal within prayer, adding clarity to intention's nature.

desired outcome in prayer

Highlights the envisioned result of the prayer, specifying the intention's target.

purpose of prayer

Focuses on the reason behind the prayer, differing by emphasizing the overall goal instead of the specific aim.

devotional aspiration

Highlights the hopeful and devout nature of the intention, adding an emotional dimension.

religious motive for prayer

Specifies the underlying religious drive behind the intention, highlighting the faith aspect.

theological intention

Implies a more formal or scholarly approach to the intention, suggesting a deeper theological consideration.

petitionary aim

Connects the intention to the act of petitioning or requesting, highlighting the supplication aspect.

supplication focus

Shifts the emphasis to the act of humbly asking, specifying what the supplication centers on.

contemplative goal

Links the intention to a state of deep reflection and meditation, emphasizing the thoughtful nature of the aim.

FAQs

How can I clearly express my "prayer intention"?

To express your "prayer intention" clearly, focus on being specific about the desired outcome or the person/situation you are praying for. Using concrete details helps to focus your prayer and communicate it effectively to others.

What are some alternatives to saying "prayer intention"?

You can use alternatives like "prayer request", "spiritual aim in prayer", or "purpose of prayer depending on the context and the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to have one specific "prayer intention" or multiple general ones?

While there is no strict rule, focusing on one specific "prayer intention" often leads to a more concentrated and effective prayer. However, praying for multiple general intentions is also valid, depending on your personal practice and beliefs.

How does setting a "prayer intention" enhance the act of praying?

Setting a "prayer intention" provides focus and direction to your prayer, making the act more meaningful and purposeful. It helps to align your thoughts and emotions, fostering a deeper connection with the divine or spiritual realm.