tell a prayer vs say a prayer

Both 'tell a prayer' and 'say a prayer' are commonly used phrases in English, but they are used in different contexts. 'Say a prayer' is the more common and idiomatic phrase, used when referring to the act of praying. On the other hand, 'tell a prayer' is less common and usually used when someone is asked to narrate or recite a specific prayer.

Last updated: April 05, 2024 • 1880 views

This phrase is correct but less common in English. It is used when someone is asked to narrate or recite a specific prayer.

"tell a prayer"

This phrase is used when someone is asked to verbally share or recite a prayer, usually in a specific context.

Examples:

Can you tell a prayer before we start the meal?
She told a prayer for the well-being of her family.
He told a prayer for peace in the world.
The priest told a prayer for the congregation.
They told a prayer together for those in need.

Show examples from the web [+]

The song "Prayer" is divided into three parts, which are presented evenly throughout the CD, tells a prayer full of magic: fantastic, religious, and secular.
She said that her grandmother... used to tell this story like a prayer.
When our women give birth to a child, we tell prayers and charms; so, we must help also the earth that is about to have a new birth, after the winter.
The Book of Common Prayer tells us we must rid ourselves of all blemish and sin if we are to be fit for matrimony.
If someone asks you why so much prayer, tell them, my dear children, that there is an urgent need for conversion.
And we will do different but similar end for the devilish work of those ecclesiastical Goebbels and complacent laymen who are now attached as polyps of the Chair of Peter, just like tells the Prayer to St. Michael the Archangel of Pope Leo XIII.
Don't ever tell me that prayers aren't answered.
What did She tell us about prayer?
You should not decide on a trip in order to please your friends; you have to follow what your heart tells you in prayer and stick to it.
If we fail to do so and if we let our thoughts and feelings wander, our experience will tell us that prayer is impossible.
The Blessed Virgin always tells us that prayer is like a flame and that all together we become a great force.
They declare themselves disciples of anyone who might give them a blessing pill, tell them the special prayer or mantra to repeat, or give them the potent practice to do - like making a hundred thousand prostrations - that will automatically fix their problems.
Carefully choreographed yoga-prayers allow participants to "embody a prayer," Father Ryan tells his classes.
Tomislav to tell us - in the light of this experience - how best to form a prayer group according to Mary's guidelines.
In this regard, St Paul, the Pope explained, "in the eighth chapter of the Letter to the Romans, tells us that it is a prayer of intercession".
It is heartwarming to see how the people are happy with the picture and above all when we tell them that Mary is the mother of all people, all nations, and that her prayer is a prayer for world peace.
Usually there is a prayer, selected according to the place and the people encountered, followed by a moment of fraternity and sharing which may include a small party, singing or simply listening to the tale of troubles these people have to tell.
Chardonnay and a prayer, honey.
Little elbow grease and a prayer... maybe.
Dad's kneeling on a prayer mat.

Alternatives:

say a prayer
recite a prayer
offer a prayer
pray
utter a prayer

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It is the more idiomatic way to refer to the act of praying.

"say a prayer"

This phrase is used when referring to the act of praying, either individually or in a group.

Examples:

Let's say a prayer before we begin the meeting.
She said a prayer for her sick friend.
He always says a prayer before going to bed.
They said a prayer together for the success of their project.
The family gathered to say a prayer for their deceased loved one.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was going to say a prayer for him.
I think that we should say a prayer for Maxine's recovery.
I want to say a prayer for my husband where he died.
The time to say a prayer On April 10, 1945, during Easter week, Rolando assisted at Holy Mass in San Valentino.
First and foremost I would like to say a prayer for our Bishop Emeritus Benedict XVI.
Because I'd like to say a prayer for them.
Then say a prayer for me because there's my mother.
I'm going to church tomorrow to say a prayer.
Perhaps I'll say a prayer for her.
I think we should say a prayer for Maxine.
Then let us say a prayer for both our fathers.
If they do, say a prayer.
Not if we say a prayer.
You should say a prayer to St Zita.
Just say a prayer that we find... whoever.
The sister wants to say a prayer.
I'd like to say a prayer for my boyfriend.
Then, every day, say a prayer for them.
So you're stopping by to say a prayer?

Alternatives:

tell a prayer
recite a prayer
offer a prayer
pray
utter a prayer

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tell a prayer vs say a prayer

"tell a prayer"

"say a prayer"

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