Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Prayer
Pray′er
,Noun.
One who prays; a supplicant.
Prayer
([GREEK]; 277)
, Noun.
[OE. ]
preiere
, OF. preiere
, F. prière
, fr. L. precarius
obtained by prayer, fr. precari
to pray. See Pray
, Verb.
I.
1.
The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body.
“Their meek preyere.” Chaucer
2.
The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being;
as, public
prayer
; secret prayer
.As he is famed for mildness, peace, and
prayer
. Shakespeare
3.
The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God;
as, a written or extemporaneous
prayer
; to repeat one’s prayers
.He made those excellent
prayers
which were published immediately after his death. Bp. Fell.
Prayer book
, a book containing devotional prayers.
– Prayer meeting
, a meeting or gathering for prayer to God.
Syn. – Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit.
Webster 1828 Edition
Prayer
PRA'YER
,Noun.
1.
In worship, a solemn address to the Supreme Being, consisting of adoration, or an expression of our sense of God's glorious perfections, confession of our sins, supplication for mercy and forgiveness, intercession for blessings on others, and thanksgiving, or an expression of gratitude to God for his mercies and benefits. A prayer however may consist of a single petition, and it may be extemporaneous, written or printed.2.
A formula of church service, or of worship, public or private.3.
Practice of supplication. As he is famed for mildness, peace and prayer.
4.
That part of a memorial or petition to a public body, which specifies the request or thing desired to be done or granted, as distinct from the recital of facts or reasons for the grant. We say, the prayer of the petition is that the petitioner may be discharged from arrest.