pray
verb (used with object)
to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).
have been praying
-
present perfect progressiveof pray.present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Since the beginning of winter we have been praying that the rain does not fall.
From Slate ● Feb. 25, 2025
Jewish and Palestinian Americans have been praying for the safety of family members and friends, mourning the loss of loved ones and going to bed fearful of what the next day will bring.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2023
After a snooze-y ninth season, fans of "Vanderpump Rules" have been praying for this caliber of mess, and now it's finally here.
From Salon ● May 25, 2023
“I’m not hearing the calls for the prayers. I have been praying for 20 years, and so that hurt me,” he said.
From Reuters ● Mar. 4, 2023
He might have been praying, or else counting silently in his mind, and Harry, standing still on the edge of the scene, thought absurdly of a child counting in a game of hide-and-seek.
From "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" by J.K. Rowling
