pray
verb (used with object)
to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).
had been praying
-
past perfect progressiveof pray.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Asked about that pact alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the Solomons leader said he had been "praying and fasting" about the Chinese security deal and it would be examined by his government.
From Barron's ● Jun. 3, 2026
The couple had been praying for the Pope's recovery - and Pope Francis in turn wished King Charles well with his own health problems, as the King continues to be treated for cancer.
From BBC ● Apr. 22, 2025
But when the lieutenant returned to his base on Saturday night, he got the news that he and millions of Ukrainians had been praying to hear.
From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2024
She moved from Grand Rapids, Michigan, four months ago and said she had been praying to make like-minded friends.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2024
He had been praying life would not be as hard for me at school as it had been for him at Hweeldi.
From "Code Talker: A Novel About the Navajo Marines of World War Two" by Joseph Bruchac
