prayer-book
Definition
- Noun:
- A book containing prayers: "prayer-book" refers to a book that contains written prayers, often used in religious services or for personal devotion. It typically includes a structured set of prayers, readings, and sometimes hymns for specific occasions or times of day.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She brought her prayer-book to the morning service. (A book of prayers for religious worship.)
- The old prayer-book had been passed down through generations. (A family heirloom containing prayers.)
Advanced Usage
"to read from a prayer-book": to use the book as a guide for reciting prayers aloud.
- The priest read from the prayer-book during the ceremony. (He used the book to lead the congregation in prayer.)
"a prayer-book is a devotional tool": it is used for structured, repetitive prayer.
- Many Christians use a prayer-book for daily morning and evening prayers. (A tool for regular, organized prayer.)
Variants and Related Words
Prayer (n): a solemn request for help or expression of thanks addressed to God.
- He said a prayer before the meal. (A spoken or silent petition to God.)
Book (n): a written or printed work consisting of pages glued or sewn together.
- The library has a large collection of books. (A bound volume of text.)
Synonyms
- Missal: a book containing the prayers and texts for the Mass in the Roman Catholic Church.
- Breviary: a book containing the prayers for the Divine Office (canonical hours) in the Catholic Church.
- Liturgy book: a book containing the order and texts for religious worship.
Related Idioms
"to pray by the book": to follow a prescribed form of prayer, often using a prayer-book.
- The congregation prayed by the book, using the same prayers every Sunday. (They followed a set liturgy.)
"a prayer-book Christian": a person who follows a formal, structured religious practice.
- He is a prayer-book Christian, attending church regularly and using the prayer-book. (A person devoted to liturgical worship.)