prayer 
/ˈpreɚ/ noun
plural prayers /ˈpreɚ/ noun 1 [count] a : words spoken to God especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something
▪ Father said a prayer, and then we began to eat. ▪ She told the children to say their prayers before they went to sleep. ▪ We've been praying for her safe return, and now our prayers have been answered. = We've been praying for her safe return, and now God has answered our prayers. [=she has returned safely] — often + for ▪ a prayer for peace ▪ I'm very nervous about the surgery. Will you say a prayer for me?
b : a fixed set of words that are spoken to God
▪ a prayer of thanksgiving ▪ We joined hands and recited the prayer together. ▪ a book of hymns and prayers — see also lord's prayer 2 [noncount] : the act of speaking to God : the act of praying
▪ The people were kneeling in prayer. ▪ a moment of silent prayer 3 [count] : a strong hope or wish
▪ It's our prayer that peace will come to the region soon. ▪ The house seemed like the answer to all my prayers. [=the house had everything that I hoped for] 4 prayers [plural] : a meeting at which people pray together
▪ Refreshments will be served following morning prayers. 5 [singular] informal : a slight chance of doing or getting something — usually used in negative statements ▪ No one thought the team had a prayer (of winning). ▪ “Do you think he'll get the job.” “No. He doesn't have a prayer.”
▪ Father said a prayer, and then we began to eat. ▪ She told the children to say their prayers before they went to sleep. ▪ We've been praying for her safe return, and now our prayers have been answered. = We've been praying for her safe return, and now God has answered our prayers. [=she has returned safely] — often + for ▪ a prayer for peace ▪ I'm very nervous about the surgery. Will you say a prayer for me?
b : a fixed set of words that are spoken to God
▪ a prayer of thanksgiving ▪ We joined hands and recited the prayer together. ▪ a book of hymns and prayers — see also lord's prayer
▪ The people were kneeling in prayer. ▪ a moment of silent prayer
▪ It's our prayer that peace will come to the region soon. ▪ The house seemed like the answer to all my prayers. [=the house had everything that I hoped for]
▪ Refreshments will be served following morning prayers.
on a wing and a prayer — see 1wing
