to pray upon

USAGE SUMMARY

"to pray upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a phrase to mean to pray for someone or something. For example, "I would like to take a moment to pray upon those who have lost their lives in the conflict."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

Formal & Business

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In addition, their son, an Episcopal minister, is usually called upon to pray that everything runs smoothly.

The New York Times

Salvation then arrives in the form of Vladimir the Villain, Ivan the Arsonist et al, who are prevailed upon to pray for the child.

The Economist

Christians the world over are called upon to pray for the peace of Jerusalem.

Huffington Post

We had never prayed as a family but I took it upon myself to pray for Alex to get better.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hitchens gave short shrift to the "insulting" suggestion that cancer might persuade him to change his position where reason had not, arguing that to ditch principles "held for a lifetime, in the hope of gaining favour at the last minute" would be a "hucksterish choice", and urging those who had taken it upon themselves to pray for him not to "trouble deaf heaven with your bootless cries".

The Guardian - Books

So as the three "spotlight" candidates for president have traveled to and fro across my great state of California, I took it upon myself to pray for them all.

Huffington Post

I personally call upon our sisterhood to pray for strength in your ongoing healing process.

Huffington Post

Upon arrival, Glenn begins to pray for the well-being of his fellow survivors, while T-Dog receives medical treatment for blood poisoning.

Wikipedia

Maybe her eyes were upon us when we bowed our heads to pray before we ate.

Huffington Post

Merton had his own hermitage at Gethsemani, and the three congressmen -- including Representative Robin Hayes of North Carolina, whose district includes Fort Bragg, was willing to be named -- went there to pray and reflect upon one of the monk's passages: "Violence rests on the assumption that the enemy and I are entirely different: the enemy is evil and I am good.

The New York Times

And while your dogs might know what "sit" means when being trained at home without distractions, asking them to do so when visitors are at the door might be like asking a child to kneel and pray upon arriving at an amusement park.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to pray upon" when you want to emphasize a formal or traditional sense of bestowing blessings through prayer. Ensure the context is appropriate for this slightly elevated tone.

Common error

Avoid using "to pray upon" in everyday conversation or casual writing. Simpler alternatives like "to pray for" or "to think of in prayer" are often more suitable and natural.

Linguistic Context

"To pray upon" functions as a verb phrase, indicating the action of directing prayers toward a specific subject. Based on Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct, though its usage may lean toward formal or traditional contexts.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Wiki

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Less common in

Academia

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Science

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to pray upon" is grammatically correct but leans towards formal or traditional contexts, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its purpose is to express a directed act of prayer, seeking blessings or divine favor. While not exceedingly common, its usage is appropriate when a slightly elevated tone is desired. Related phrases like "to offer prayers for" or "to invoke blessings upon" can serve as alternatives, depending on the desired nuance. Remembering to use it appropriately in context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to say a prayer for

A more common and straightforward way to express praying for someone.

to remember in prayer

Highlights the act of keeping someone in one's thoughts and prayers.

to offer prayers for

Focuses on the action of providing prayers, emphasizing the act of offering.

to lift up in prayer

Emphasizes the act of raising someone's needs to a higher power.

to invoke blessings upon

Emphasizes the act of calling down divine favor or grace.

to intercede for

Implies acting as a mediator between the divine and the person being prayed for.

to commend to God

Suggests entrusting someone or something to divine care.

to supplicate for

A more formal term for earnestly requesting something in prayer.

to seek divine intervention for

Explicitly mentions requesting divine assistance.

to petition heaven for

A more poetic way of asking for something through prayer.

FAQs

What does "to pray upon" mean?

The phrase "to pray upon" means to direct one's prayers towards a specific person, object, or situation, often with the intention of invoking blessings or divine intervention.

How can I use "to pray upon" in a sentence?

You might use "to pray upon" in a sentence like, "The monks gathered to "offer prayers for" the healing of the sick, and "to pray upon" the entire community."

What's the difference between "to pray upon" and "to pray for"?

"To pray for" is a more general expression, while "to pray upon" often implies a more formal or ceremonial invocation of blessings. The difference is subtle but context-dependent.

Are there any synonyms for "to pray upon"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "to invoke blessings upon", "to lift up in prayer", or "to commend to God depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.