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
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
On Friday, in the dead of night at the heart of the Colombian jungle, army radios crackled to life with the message the nation had been praying for: "Miracle, miracle, miracle, miracle."
From BBC ● Jun. 11, 2023
The time he had been praying for had come.
From "A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919" by Claire Hartfield
