pray
verb (used with object)
to offer devout petition, praise, thanks, etc., to (God or an object of worship).
was praying
-
past progressiveof pray.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
"And I was praying for Allah," he adds, raising his arms above his shoulders in worship.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
Recovering a little of his former psyche with them, he starts to think a man like Bangley was praying for something like a pandemic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
"I was praying on his downfall," Lillard admitted.
From Barron's ● Feb. 14, 2026
Even Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu—Kirk, a Christian, was a supporter of Israel—said he was praying.
From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2025
I kept my face cool, but I was praying, Please don’t go on my neck.
From "Fourth Grade Rats" by Jerry Spinelli
