noun
suffrage
A prayer asking for help or blessing for others, especially in worship.
The congregation offers a suffrage for those who are sick.
Etymology
The Latin source includes support or assistance. Religious usage applies that supporting action to prayers offered for another person's benefit.
More examples
- We offer suffrages for those who have died.
- The priest leads the suffrages, and the congregation responds.
- Her suffrage asks God to protect families fleeing the war.
Forms
suffrage · suffrages
Similar words
- intercession
- Emphasizes praying on another's behalf rather than a particular prayer.
- prayer
- Broader term that also includes thanks, praise, and personal requests.
- petition
- A specific request, whether addressed to God or people.