prayer

n. [ OE. preiere, OF. preiere, F. prière, fr. L. precarius obtained by prayer, fr. precari to pray. See Pray, v. 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 [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

As he is famed for mildness, peace, and prayer. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

He made those excellent prayers which were published immediately after his death. Bp. Fell. [ 1913 Webster ]

Prayer book, a book containing devotional prayers. --
Prayer meeting, a meeting or gathering for prayer to God. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Petition; orison; supplication; entreaty; suit. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Given to prayer; praying much or often; devotional. “The prayerful man.” J. S. Blackie. -- Prayer"ful*ly, adv. -- Prayer"ful*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]