And, the Apostle Paul told believers: We always thank God for all of you and pray for you constantly (Philippians 1:2). Any set formula for praying, as to God or a god. I believe God answers prayer (Genesis 20:17; Deuteronomy 9:20; Psalm 34:17; Psalm 55:17; Psalm 69:33; Psalm 116:1; Psalm 145:18; Proverbs 15:29). His name comes from shalam meaning peace and completeness. He taught them to ask, seek, and knock. The word for bean is also from because of its bent shape as one bowing before one in authority. Like Blind Bartimaeus, Im confident God delights to hear and answer my prayers (Matthew 20:29-34; Mark 10:46-52; Luke 18:35-43). I pray for others (Genesis 20:7; Exodus 8:9; Numbers 21:7; 1 Samuel 12:19-23; 2 Kings 4:32-35; 2 Chronicles 30:18; Job 42:8; Acts 6:5-6; Acts 12:4; Acts 14:23; Acts 28:8; Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16-19; Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 1:3; Colossians 1:3; Colossians 4:3-4; Colossians 4:12; 2 Thessalonians 3:1-2; 1 Timothy 2:1-2; 2 Timothy 1:2; Philemon 4; Hebrews 13:18-19; James 5:14-16). The latter is easy (being quiet before God). Yes! Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity(1 Timothy 2:1-2 NLT). The early churchdevoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer(Acts 2:42).

Prayer is not always rewarding. The act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship. Remembering that Samuel was a judge meant he understood his responsibility in prayer for the people. Article Images Copyright 2022 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. This, your honor, is my prayer; that all here be set free. The parent root pal has the meaning fall. He commanded: I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Is he delaying long over them? quran cause those kill allah others there alone hypocrites then called than Paga means a chance meeting or encounter, or to place as a meeting. Like Manasseh, I know it's not too late to turn back to God, repent, and ask for his forgiveness no matter how horrible my past sins (2 Chronicles 33:10-13). I pray regularly (Daniel 6:10; Romans 1:9; Ephesians 1:16; Philippians 1:4; Colossians 1:3; 1 Thessalonians 1:2; 1 Thessalonians 3:10). The overmatched team doesn't have a prayer. Bikini, bourbon, and badminton were places first. After all, a magistrate or judge would hardly give a verdict without hearing the case first. How to use a word that (literally) drives some pe Editor Emily Brewster clarifies the difference. while actually bearing the sin of many and interceding for the offenders. (Is 53:12), Adonai saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice; He saw there was no one, and was amazed that that no one interceded. This brings us to the next point. 500 people were detained as they attended Friday prayers, it is our prayer that the current progress on human rights will be sustained. Like Samuel, I listen to God and say yes no matter what my age (1 Samuel 3:1-21). He reads the Koran and attends daily prayers. An example of a prayer is when you ask God to make sure you stay healthy. Interestingly, the Latin word peccare to sin, is associated with the Hebrew word pag (unripe fig). How Is the Prayer of a Righteous Person Powerful and Effective? Through prayer I ask for God's blessings. You will recognise the (peh) which is the picture of a mouth. Often during prayer we become enlightened on how to act or how to bring about Gods justice into a situation. They go down to Egypt, but dont consult me (shael). (Is 30:2). A humble and sincere request, as to God or a god. And the men sampled some of their food, but didnt seek the advice of Adonai. (Joshua 9:14), Woe to the rebellious children, says Adonai, They make plans, but the plans are not mine; they develop alliances, but not from My Spirit.. If anyone had a grievance they would go and speak to authority to obtain the justice they were looking for. A fascinating use of paga is found in Isaiah 53:6 ..the Lord laid (paga) on him the iniquity of us all. The word is meaning our sins fell on Jesus, (so we could become what He intended). Christianity.com is a member of the Salem Web Network of sites including: Copyright 2022, Christianity.com. This can be because the overall purposes of God are more important to Him than our individual prayers or needs. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all? Wisdom was the means by which everything was created. An unripe fig becoming ripe! The Lord told Jeremiah to stop praying for His people (Jeremiah 7:16; Jeremiah 11:14; Jeremiah 14:11). All rights reserved. I tell you that he will judge in their favour, and quickly! Prayer is not restricted to church and other holy places. All this in turn inspired the nations of the earth to come to hear, seek and draw out the wisdom of the God of Israel for themselves by coming to Solomon. I want to receive exclusive email updates from YourDictionary.

Some people pray by asking for help or guidance. Most religious believers pray in one way or another some pray out loud, thanking God for the things they have. Like the Syrophoenician Woman, I persist in seeking the Lord, believing in his power and willingness to meet my greatest need (Matthew 15:21-28; Mark 7:24-30). I do not make rash promises to God (Judges 11:30-35; 1 Samuel 14:24-45; Ecclesiastes 5:2-6). Its for everyone. Hebrew is also a very concrete language. Another word from the PL root is pala. He asked: Pray first that the Lords message will spread rapidly and be honored wherever it goes (2 Thessalonians 3:1, NLT). Its rare, but if you listen to God, He may tell you things you might not want to hear. and In prayer we desire to ask for those who are living unfulfilled lives without the Lord, or lives with affliction and inability, because we have experienced and know what God can do for them. The shuwl or edge of the robe worn by the priests when they ministered had pomegranates and bells on them. This will enable God to touch our hearts in prayer to experience at times how other people feel and also how He Himself feels.

Prayer is not restricted to believers. The shortest prayer is: God or Lord., Beloved Scottish author George MacDonald wrote: O God, I said, and that was all. Leanne and I prayed about the situation then and there during the afternoon. Solomon by lifting his voice for wisdom and seeking her foremost and above all else, was able to draw out the most precious treasures of Gods greatness and apply them to governing the people in justice, righteousness and with great prosperity and peace. Prayer is not restricted to the elite few. He affirmed: Always be joyful. Some believe that the tree of knowledge was the fig tree. But it felt like that to Jeremiah. Now wont God grant justice to his chosen people who cry out to him day and night? No doubt he asked God many times for restoration, then saw the fulfillment through his own son what a blessing. Often, we need to persevere in prayer precisely when it feels like God isnt listening to us. What Did Jesus Mean by 'Man Shall Not Live on Bread Alone'? As an asylum seeker from Africa this was a terrifying experience for her. An unripe fig! The third picture added to this parent root is the picture of an eye which means experience, to see, to know and understand. Delivered to your inbox! You can also pray in a non-religious way, by begging for something: "I pray you'll really listen to my explanation."

Complete Jewish Bible Translated by David H. Stern copyright 1998. The Apostle John told a dear friend: I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well (3 John 1:2). a great work (performed) as an act of intercession (out of a judgement). To our 21st century minds this positive understanding of judgement can seem foreign, but is in fact soundly Biblical. In Ecc 4:17-5:1 we are reminded to guard our feet when we go to the house of God and be ready to listen and not be quick to speak. (1 Kings 10:24). In actual fact the parent root of paga the word pag means Unable to fulfill the role intended for. He also possessed great knowledge in understanding creation. One reason being it was a broad area and easy for people to gather there. He was a firm believer in the power of prayer. No doubt God loves us to impinge on His wonderful grace to enable those we pray for to fulfill the role they were intended for. California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. (Shael) is to draw out something that is not known.

Like Miriam, I lead others in praise to God for His tremendous answers to prayer (Exodus 15:20-21). Prayer is not always appropriate. By honouring the Lord in such a way, Phineas is still being honoured today. The parent root letters being the picture of a mouth and the picture of a staff . In the same way I think the Lord is surprised when we assume how to pray without discerning what He wants to do and thus what we should ask for. Rather I will continue instructing you in the good and the right way. A religious observance in which praying predominates. Miracles are the judgement God wants to bring about. I pray to God alone (Exodus 23:13; Isaiah 17:7-8; Isaiah 44:9-20; Jeremiah 7:18; Jeremiah 10:14; Jeremiah 14:22; Revelation 21:27). The ancient Hebrew concept of a judge is one who restores life. Like David, I tell God whats on my heart in any and every circumstance (half of the book of Psalms). Having received this experience from such a benevolent and kind creator should challenge us to walk as close to Him as we can. Like Ezra, I pray to God for safety and protection (Ezra 8:21-23). The root ShL to draw out enables us understand Solomons name even more when we remember the Lord appeared to him in a dream asking him what he wanted. jewish spouse president npr ceo chair 21st century paul In Old Testament times the major judicial decisions were made at the gates and entrance to the city. Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz! The job seemed like the answer to her prayers. Therefore His own arm brought him salvation (Is 59:15b,16a). Change your default dictionary to American English. Learn a new word every day. In many cultures, prayer involves singing. Post the Definition of prayer to Facebook, Share the Definition of prayer on Twitter, 'Dunderhead' and Other Nicer Ways to Say Stupid, 'Pride': The Word That Went From Vice to Strength. The longest prayer in the Bible is Psalm 119 (all but three verses are addressed to the Lord Himself). . The new picture we have in ShL is the which is a picture of teeth meaning to press, devour, eat and also double/two and is the Sh sound. Simply put, prayer is conversing with God. I confess my sins when I pray to God (Ezra 9:6; Ezra 10:1; Nehemiah 1:6; Nehemiah 9:1-3; Isaiah 59:12-13; Daniel 9:4-5; Daniel 9:20, Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4). soul fearing harm doubt (1 Kings 4:25) To prosper is a drawing out of what is needed. Psalm 118:23. This word means perform i.e. It is important that we trust and persevere in prayer, even when there is seemingly no solutions and the answers to our prayers are being drawn out. By signing in, you agree to our Terms and Conditions Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for prayer, Nglish: Translation of prayer for Spanish Speakers, Britannica English: Translation of prayer for Arabic Speakers, Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prayer. The people in Bible times had amazing concrete examples of pleading in their daily lives as the courts convened and they saw the daily pleading of those carrying grievances desperately looking for just answers.

In both Testaments, prayer is sometimes associated with fasting from food or food and water for a specific time. The definition of a prayer is a wish or is a communication with God. This picture also reminds us of the persevering widow and the unjust judge in Luke 18:6,7 Notice what the corrupt judge says. This word is used frequently in asking for Gods direction and counsel. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find this trust on the earth at all? Added to this root is the letter aleph which in its original picture form is an ox head meaning strength. Interestingly the first use of this word is in Gen 18:14 Is any thing too hard (pala) for Adonai? I participate in public prayer on special occasions (1 Kings 8:30; Ezra 10:1; Acts 3:1). Jesus answered her prayer and commended her faith. This definition certainly does apply to some passages of scripture but it is not the full Hebraic meaning. In prayer for our own neighbourhoods, towns, counties God is waiting to do great miracles out of the pleadings of His people, because in His heart prayer and miracles are very much related. Solomon pleased the Lord by asking for wisdom. Like Abraham, I am the recipient of incredible blessings when I listen to God and believe Him wholeheartedly (Genesis 15:1-6). My friend went to help and brought the African lady and her young child to her destination. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16). You Can Share a Gift & a Bible With a Fatherless Boy. My fourteen year old daughter told us two girls from her year which she knew had run away from home and the parents were obviously very anxiously trying to find them with the help of the Gardai (Police). Some other words from the PL root are Paliyl and Peliylah which mean a magistrate and justice respectively. Yet, on the other hand God does not require anything of us that is too difficult (pala). The Ancient Hebrew Language and Alphabet Jeff Benner, Food at the time of the Bible Miriam Feinberg Vamosh. An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving. Previously we have seen that the original meaning of to pray is to fall down and plead. communicate intimately with; be in a state of heightened, intimate receptivity. I tell you that he will judge in their favour, and quickly! I pray concisely and thoughtfully (Ecclesiastes 5:1-5; Matthew 6:7-9; Luke 11:2). When we read this, we are immediately drawn to the parables and sayings of Jesus concerning asking, seeking and knocking. This in turn brings about a judgment. From our human point of view it doesnt seem quick at all, but God doesnt lie and from his perspective the timing will be perfect. Whats more, Solomon, Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, and the Levites all offered lengthy prayers to God. This is very different to our modern western languages and culture which consider what we think or believe more valuable and separated from what we do. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is Gods will for you who belong to Christ Jesus (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, NLT). After Jonah explained who he was, who the Lord God is (maker of heaven and earth and the seas), why the Lord had sent the terrible storm, and what they had to do before He would stop it, they cried out to the Lord, Jonahs God. The Apostle Paul taught: Dont worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1), 14th century, in the meaning defined above, Middle English, from Anglo-French priere, praiere, preiere, from Medieval Latin precaria, from Latin, feminine of precarius obtained by entreaty, from prec-, prex, Middle English prayere, from prayen to pray + -er entry 2. In a storm the mountain climbers won't have a prayer. The lady drove off disregarding the womans petition, perhaps due partly to the fact that she was completely taken aback by manner of the womans request. The judgement is then what is determined out of the pleading. It is very unusual in our western culture to experience such intense pleading, but is still common in other cultures, especially where great respect is shown. Daniels prayer of repentance to the Lord on behalf of Gods people (Daniel 9:3-20).

This is an immense honour. It can be persistently, even to the point of annoyance! By 11pm that night we heard that the parents were on their way to collect the girls who were found safe and well outside Dublin, around three hours from where we live. We were pleased to receive a fast answer to prayer last week. 2022. Definition and synonyms of prayer from the online English dictionary from Macmillan Education. Maybe he will have mercy on us (Jonah 1:6). Why Did Jesus Say, My House Will Be Called a House of Prayer? The important thing is that we trust in Him whether we receive immediate or delayed answers. Prayer. Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prayer. Here again we can see prayer and action clearly linked. But what are the prayers of the whole universe more than expansions of that one cry? Our quickly and Gods quickly many times dont coincide because we like fast answers to prayers, especially when we are in a tight or difficult place. Then you will experience Gods peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. 1A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity. This is perfect advice for prayer if we truly desire to magistrate or judge situations as God wants us to because we need to hear from Him how to pray for something before actually praying. So whenever you see beans from now on, be reminded that our pleadings and prayers are making a difference to the One in authority who will bring about justice!! Just on the fun side. Like Jehoshaphat, I face trials and danger with songs of praise for God's faithful love (2 Chronicles 20:1-28). Christian ceremonies, services, prayers and practices. The most common noun for prayer in scripture is tphillah which also has the same PL root and in fact comes from the word palal. It has the g sound. A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship. No, not at all. O Lord, they pleaded, dont make us die (Jonah 1:14). Here Are Our Top English Tips, The Best Articles To Improve Your English Language Usage, The Most Common English Language Questions. Accessed 21 Jul. Pray comes from the Old French preier, "to pray," with its Latin root word, precari, "ask earnestly, beg, or entreat.". This certainly lifts our faith to new heights of trust in God for awesome things when we pray. A daily challenge for crossword fanatics. (Is 6). In some religions, a devotional service consisting chiefly of prayers. I pray about my own needs (Matthew 6:11-13; Luke 11:3-4; Philippians 4:6; James 5:13). The Father of Zerubabel was Shealtiel which means I have asked God. (1 Kings 3). All rights reserved. I pray in times of crisis (Exodus 2:23; Judges 4:3; 2 Kings 19:1; 2 Kings 19:4; Ezra 9:5-15; Nehemiah 9:1-38; Psalm 5:2; Psalm 30:10; Psalm 55:1; Psalm 71:2; Psalm 109:21-31; Psalm 141:1; Daniel 9:1-19; Matthew 26:42). Sign up to make the most of YourDictionary. Solomons marvelous prayer dedicating the temple to the Lord (1 Kings 8:15-53; 2 Chronicles 6:12-42). Like Jabez, I know God wants to prosper me no matter how humble my birth (1 Chronicles 4:9-10).

Nehemiahs prayer of repentance to the Lord on behalf of Gods people (Nehemiah 1:4-11).

Did God really stop listening to Jeremiah? Any spiritual communion, as with God or a god. Like the Poor Widow, I know God will bless my gifts a hundredfold (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4). In other words he intervened with zealous action and protected more people from dying by the plague. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus(Philippians 4:6-7, NLT). The word used for ask shael is also from the ShL root. The magistrate renders the judgement, which we saw are what is determined out of the pleading. In both the Old and New Testaments, prayer often starts with worship, praise, and thanksgiving to the Lord God. What is prayer? A specially worded form used to address God, a god, or another object of worship. 5 Prayers for Women after Roe v. Wade Decision. Palal literally means to fall down to the ground in the presence of one in authority to plead a cause. A good example of this in Scripture is Isaiah 45:14 (the Sabeans fall down and make supplication to Cyrus). One evening a week, the family would join together in prayer. In Hebrew it is common for verbs to be formed into nouns as the language is very much action-based. Ezras prayer of repentance to the Lord on behalf of Gods people (Ezra 9:5-15). The first new picture form in this word is the picture of a foot which means to walk, gather, carry etc. One woman particularly had faith for healing, and when she touched the hem/shuwl of Jesus garment, was instantly healed. Yes, the great prophet, priest, and judge Samuel told Gods people: I will certainly not sinby ending my prayers for you (1 Samuel 12:23). Like we read earlier in Luke 18 Is he delaying long over them? Like Asaph, I turn to God in prayer when something shakes my faith (Psalm 73:1-28). The goal of one that judges or rules is to bring a pleasant and righteous life to the people. The Lord's prayer in signs is not the Lord's prayer in English. Rashi (A well-known Jewish sage) says it has to do with the fact that they used fig leaves to cover themselves: ..which they had eaten, and by the very thing by which they were corrupted they were rectified. Other commentators deduce this because the fig tree was obviously nearest them when they discovered they were naked. UnlikeZechariah, I do not want to doubt Gods answers to my prayers (Luke 1:5-23). In 2 Sam 17 when Davids friends brought supplies and food, beans were included. I pray privately (Matthew 6:5-6; Matthew 14:23; Luke 9:18). An example of a prayer is when you hope and wish that your family will all stay healthy. What Does it Mean to Walk in the Valley of the Shadow of Death? We can now picture the people of the day hastening to the gates and when their turn comes, falling down and earnestly asking for intervention in their situation of injustice. The portion of the pleadings that contains this request. The word judgement here is also Palal. This could be an impingement, which figuratively means to attack with persistent requests. As Jesus says in the book of Revelation I will come quickly. Are You Learning English? Grandpa never misses a chance to go to prayer. Never stop praying. An earnest request; entreaty; supplication.

Privacy Policy. Samuels role was to pray, but also to give instruction which together brought about righteousness and justice. Special thanks to my ongoing Hebrew teacher Fr John Durkan and also Jeff Benner for his awesome research and personal encouragement. It is a coming to one in authority to intercede or plead on ones own behalf or for another. In our western culture we have been trained to separate things into definite categories, thus sometimes giving a different meaning to the one originally intended by the Biblical author. Here the words for intercession are paga. I go to Chapel every Sunday and I say my prayers. Davids prayer of thanks to the Lord (1 Chronicles 17:16-27). His action of intervention was counted to him as righteousness, to all generations forever. After a brief prayer, she opened her eyes and glanced up. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. It is not what God can give us, but God that we want.. In our modern culture, prayer means mainly communication between man and God. His newest book is Life Map Devotional for Men published concurrently with his wife Renees new book, Life Map Devotional for Women. Pala is used primarily with God as its subject, expressing actions that .. and in our eyes it is amazing! Like Daniel, I will remain true to God and pray in the midst of crisis situations (book of Daniel). He closed his eyes and said a prayer of thanks. No wonder Africans know how to pray! Have no chance at all of succeeding at something. Palal is also used of Samuel in 1 Sam 12:23 .. far be it from me to sin against Adonai by ceasing to pray (palal) for you! A request attached to the end of a pleading asking for specific damages or relief to which the plaintiff believes he is entitled. Like Hezekiah, I go to God in prayer when I am attacked, and the Lord is blasphemed (Isaiah 37:1-20). In other words uses concepts that can be seen, touched, tasted, smelled and heard. Copyright 2022 Vocabulary.com, Inc., a division of IXL Learning All Rights Reserved. It is translated wonder, marvellous, and extraordinary. American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition. In Psalm 106:30 we read that Phineas stood up and wrought judgement so the plague was stopped. Merriam-Webster defines prayer as "an address (such as a petition) to God in word or thought. Solomon, the son of David, the man who loved wisdom. Like Enoch, I can walk in close fellowship with God through prayer my entire life (Genesis 5:22-24). If one reads through all the verses using paga a good number of them are about falling on someone and the person dying, so there is great intensity in this word. (ShL) meaning to draw out. 7 Spiritual Elements in Thor: Love and Thunder. Middle English from Old French preiere, based on Latin precarius obtained by entreaty, from prex, prec- prayer. Recently, a good friend of mine was visiting a town 10 km from ours and happened to notice an African lady on her knees pleading to another local lady for a lift as she had been left completely stranded. Dont forget: Jonah prayed to the Lord his God from inside the fish (Jonah 2:1). Join Macmillan Dictionary on Twitter and Facebook for daily word facts, quizzes and language news.

I believe God hears the prayers of sinners who call out to Him (Psalm 51:17; Psalm 145:18; Luke 15:10; Luke 24:47). The sailors were awestruck by the Lords great power, and they offered him a sacrifice (Jonah 1:16). As soon as they threw Jonah overboard, the storm stopped. . Jars of Clay sings about this in its hauntingly beautiful song, Oh My God, one of my favorite tracks on the artistically amazing and widely acclaimed Good Monsters album. To pray is to talk to a deity or god. The woman came forward. Jesus knew power had gone out of Him and so he asked the crowd to the surprise of the disciples watching the people pressing against Him. She had certainly been healed by drawing out the power of God. The second word usually translated intercession is the child root paga . A religious service, especially a regular one, at which people gather in order to pray together. We may experience a lengthy delay before God answers some prayers. Jesus taught His disciples and followers that prayer takes persistence. Then again, the Bible makes it clear that prayer isnt restricted. David Sanfords book and Bible projects have been published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Thomas Nelson, Doubleday, Barbour, and Amazon. One of the words meaning to pray is Palal from the parent root PL which literally means Speak to Authority. Deut 30:11. The request for relief by a party initiating a lawsuit, stated in the pleadings. Like Nehemiah, I seek Gods very best despite the obstacles in my way (Nehemiah 1:1-11). Jesus taught His disciples and followers that prayer takes persistence. A solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God or another deity.

Like Hannah, I am confident God brings joy out of sorrow when I pray (1 Samuel 2:1-10).

The former is easy as well (saying whats on your heart). After the terrible fall of Jerusalem, Jeremiah said: And though I cry and shout, he shuts out my prayers (Lamentations 3:8). In Mathew 14, Mark 5 and Luke 8 we read of people touching the shuwl or hem of Jesus garment and being healed. The mouth, in this case, representing speaking, and the staff meaning authority- (hence modern day monarchs holding a sceptre or bishops a crozier.). However, with our new understanding of these various words lets now look at 1 Chron 16:12 Remember the wonders (pala) He has done, His signs, and his spoken judgments. Not just talking to the Lord but listening. Of this we can be certain - God will bring about His justice on His return. The early church devoted themselves to the apostles teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer (Acts 2:42). When God sent a terrible storm at sea, the pagan captain woke Jonah and commanded, Pray to your god! Boost your test score with programs developed by Vocabulary.coms experts. The Levites offer in a great prayer to the Lord (Nehemiah 9:5-37). He added: Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart (Colossians 4:2, NLT). Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced searchad free! For Baha'is theres a difference between obligatory and devotional prayer. The half-brother of Jesus, James, taught: Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 'All Intensive Purposes' or 'All Intents and Purposes'. Many times we may ask why some prayers take so long to answer. This is the British English definition of prayer.View American English definition of prayer. In particular, He taught them to ask, seek, and knock (Matthew 7:7-8). So what Isaiah is pointing out is that God desired to bring about justice, but there was no intercessor no-one willing to impinge on Him and because of the terrible state of the land, and no-one praying, God was appalled and disappointed. Like Elijah, I know God will meet my needs even in the most desperate of circumstances (1 Kings 19:1-18). In Hebrew often when the word and/or but is used it is not joining two separate sentences like in English, but two ideas which are linked. This word Palal also means judgment.