pray
verb (used with object)
to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).
praying
-
present participleof pray.present participle
A verb form that is used in progressive verb constructions and may also function as a modifier or a gerund.
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.
“I’ve been praying that I can hold my son’s hand again. I just didn’t realize it would be like this,” she said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
His parents say they are praying the treatment will help him.
From BBC ● Oct. 9, 2026
“Our soldiers are praying a lot more than they used to.”
From Salon ● Oct. 4, 2026
“The last 6 weeks of my life have been a nightmare I’m praying to wake up from,” he wrote on Instagram.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
“Keep praying, but you’d best prepare for the worst.”
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
