Definition

1. Noun:
   • A building for religious worship: A structure, often consecrated, where people assemble to pray and perform religious devotions.
   • A place of communal prayer: Any building designated for a congregation to gather for the primary purpose of prayer and spiritual observance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The small chapel served as a house of prayer for the local community.
  • People of all faiths are welcome in this house of prayer.
  • The historic building was preserved as a house of prayer.

Advanced Usage

• Used as a formal or inclusive term: The phrase "house of prayer" is often used in interfaith contexts or formal language to denote a place of worship without specifying a particular religion.
  • The university's interfaith center is a house of prayer for students of all beliefs.

Variants and Related Words

• Place of worship (n): A more general synonym for any building used for religious services.
• Chapel (n): A small building or room for Christian worship.
• Oratory (n): A small private chapel or place for prayer.
• Sanctuary (n): A sacred or holy place, often referring to the most sacred part of a house of prayer.

Synonyms

• Place of worship
• House of God
• Sacred building
• Temple (in a broad, non-specific sense)

Related Phrases

• House of worship: A very common and nearly identical phrase.
  • The city has houses of worship for a dozen different religions.

Related Idioms

• A house of prayer for all nations: An idiom emphasizing universal welcome and inclusivity in a place of worship. This phrase has biblical origins.
  • Their mission was to create a house of prayer for all nations.

Noun

1. any building where congregations gather for prayer