reza por mí
/reθa poɾ mi/from spelling rules
In Spanish, pray for me is translated as reza por mí.
This phrase is used as a request for someone to ask God for help or guidance on your behalf. The phrase is built from the verb rezar (to pray). Another verb, orar, can also be used to mean to pray.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase reza por mí is composed of the verb rezar (to pray), the preposition por (for/on behalf of) and the object pronoun mí (me). In this context, the preposition por is used to mean 'on behalf of' or 'in favor of', whereas para would imply a destination or purpose.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The form rezad por mí is the plural imperative used in Spain when asking a group of people you know well to pray for you.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form reza por mí uses the informal imperative (tú), which is used when speaking to a friend, family member or someone you know well.
How do you pronounce it?
/reθa poɾ mi/
Did you know?
- In some regions, rezar can be used colloquially to mean 'to be very clear' or 'to be stated' in a document, such as when a law reza a certain rule.
- In some Catholic traditions in Spain and Latin America, asking someone to rezar por mí is linked to the practice of 'novenas', where a person asks others to pray for them for nine consecutive days.
- While reza por mí is common, people in many Spanish-speaking countries often say ruega por mí instead. The verb rogar implies a more intense, pleading form of prayer than the standard rezar.
Examples in context
- Le pido que ruegue por mí y mi familia durante estos tiempos difíciles.I ask you to pray for me and my family during these difficult times.
- Reza por mí, tengo un examen difícil.Pray for me, I have a difficult exam.
- Mañana tengo una cirugía, reza por mí.I have surgery tomorrow, pray for me.
Example conversation
Daniel is feeling anxious about a job interview.
- DanielEstoy muy nervioso por la entrevista.I am very nervous about the interview.
- LucíaNo te preocupes, todo saldrá bien.Don't worry, everything will go well.
- DanielPor favor, reza por mí.Please, pray for me.
- LucíaClaro que sí, Daniel.Of course, Daniel.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
