pray 
/ˈpreɪ/ verb
prays; prayed; pray·ing /ˈpreɪ/ verb 1 a : to speak to God especially in order to give thanks or to ask for something [no obj] ▪ praying to God/Allah daily ▪ There's little else to do now but hope and pray. ▪ The minister said, “Let us pray.” — often + for ▪ We prayed (to God) for their safe return. ▪ pray for forgiveness [+ obj] ▪ The family prayed (to God) that she wouldn't need surgery. ▪ He prayed that they would have the strength to go on.
b : to hope or wish very much for something to happen [no obj] — usually + for ▪ She's praying [=hoping] for a chance to play in the game. [+ obj] ▪ He prayed that he would find a parking spot. 2 [+ obj] old-fashioned : to seriously ask (someone) to do something
▪ I pray [=beg] you, tell me where they went. ▪ I pray you be careful. [=please be careful] — used to introduce a question or request in a polite or deliberately old-fashioned way ▪ Pray be careful. ▪ Pray [=please] tell me what to do. ▪ Why should I trust them, pray tell? [=tell me why I should trust them; I do not think that they should be trusted]
b : to hope or wish very much for something to happen [no obj] — usually + for ▪ She's praying [=hoping] for a chance to play in the game. [+ obj] ▪ He prayed that he would find a parking spot.
▪ I pray [=beg] you, tell me where they went. ▪ I pray you be careful. [=please be careful] — used to introduce a question or request in a polite or deliberately old-fashioned way ▪ Pray be careful. ▪ Pray [=please] tell me what to do. ▪ Why should I trust them, pray tell? [=tell me why I should trust them; I do not think that they should be trusted]
