state prayers: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Ecclesiastical, Official, Historical
Quick answer
What does “state prayers” mean?
Prayers that are officially prescribed or recognised by a government or a state church for use in public services, often in a parliamentary or national context.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Prayers that are officially prescribed or recognised by a government or a state church for use in public services, often in a parliamentary or national context.
This term can also refer to formal, often intercessory, prayers used on state occasions (e.g., the opening of parliament, remembrance services) or prayers specifically for the government and nation, as distinct from personal or congregational prayers. In historical contexts, it can refer to specific prayers mandated by law.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The concept is far more established in the UK due to the Church of England being the established church, with 'state prayers' (e.g., in Parliament) being a historical and current reality. In the US, due to separation of church and state, the term is used primarily in historical, academic, or comparative discussions about other countries.
Connotations
In the UK: Neutral/constitutional. In the US: Can carry connotations of state religion, establishment, or historical European practice.
Frequency
Significantly more frequent in UK political, historical, and ecclesiastical discourse. Very low frequency in general American English.
Grammar
How to Use “state prayers” in a Sentence
The [official/archbishop] read the state prayers.State prayers were [prescribed/abolished/recited].The [ceremony/service] included the state prayers for [the nation/the royal family].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “state prayers” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The Speaker will state the prayers before the session begins.
- The Chaplain is to state the prayers from the authorised book.
American English
- The minister stated the prayers for the republic as written in the historic liturgy.
- The constitution no longer allows the government to state mandatory prayers.
adverb
British English
- The prayers were recited state-prayerfully, with great formality.
- The service proceeded state-prayerly, according to ancient custom.
American English
- (This adverbial form is extremely rare and non-standard in both varieties.)
adjective
British English
- The state-prayer book is kept in the parliamentary archives.
- He followed the state-prayer tradition meticulously.
American English
- The state-prayer controversy was central to the court case.
- They discussed state-prayer provisions in colonial charters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in history, political science, and theology papers discussing church-state relations.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in ecclesiastical law, parliamentary procedure (UK), and constitutional studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “state prayers”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “state prayers”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “state prayers”
- Using it as a singular (*a state prayer* is less common but possible for a single prescribed prayer).
- Confusing it with 'the state of prayer' (a spiritual condition).
- Capitalising it unnecessarily (unless part of a formal title).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. The 'Book of Common Prayer' contains prayers for many occasions, some of which are designated for state use. 'State prayers' specifically refer to those official prayers used in government or national contexts, which may be drawn from the Prayer Book.
No, the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the US Constitution prohibits the federal government from establishing an official prayer or religion. The term is used historically or to discuss practices in other nations.
In the House of Commons, the Speaker's Chaplain reads them. In the House of Lords, the Lord Speaker's Chaplain (often the Bishop of London or another senior bishop) leads them.
Yes, but the process is formal. In the UK, changes to the state prayers used in Parliament or by the Church of England as the established church typically require consultation, synodical approval, and sometimes parliamentary assent.
Prayers that are officially prescribed or recognised by a government or a state church for use in public services, often in a parliamentary or national context.
State prayers is usually formal, ecclesiastical, official, historical in register.
State prayers: in British English it is pronounced /steɪt preəz/, and in American English it is pronounced /steɪt prɛrz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated; related to 'prayers of the faithful' or 'intercessions'.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine the STATE of the nation: its leaders in parliament, all in a formal PRAYER meeting. STATE + PRAYERS = official government prayers.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE STATE IS A CONGREGATION (where the nation collectively petitions a higher power through its official representatives).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'state prayers' most likely to be used correctly?