ora pro nobis
[ˈoː.ra ˈproː ˈnoː.biːs]word by word
In Latin, the phrase "pray for us" is expressed as ora pro nobis.
This phrase is used to request that someone ask God to intercede or provide help on behalf of a group. It is most commonly found in liturgical contexts, such as the Litany of the Saints or the Hail Mary, where a person asks a holy figure to intercede with God.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of three parts: ora is the singular imperative form of orare (to pray), pro means "for" or "on behalf of" and nobis is the dative plural of nos (us).
Which one should you use?
Use ora pro nobis when requesting prayer for a group or a community, whereas ora pro me should be used if you are requesting prayer for yourself individually.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form of the verb changes based on whom you are addressing. If you are addressing more than one person, such as a group of saints or angels, you must use the plural imperative orate pro nobis instead of the singular ora pro nobis.
When do people say it?
This expression is a staple of religious liturgy, used to ask holy figures to act as intermediaries in prayer.
Did you know?
- The English word 'oral' comes from the same Latin root as ora, but while ora in this phrase means 'pray', the other meaning of the root refers to the 'mouth' or 'edge'.
- While ora pro nobis is a request for intercession, the verb orare was also used in Roman law to describe the act of pleading a case before a court.
- The Latin root of ora may be related to the Latvian word āra, both potentially descending from a Proto-Indo-European term meaning 'border' or 'line'.
Examples in context
- Ora pro nobis Deum.Pray for us to God.This sentence is useful for seeing how to direct the prayer to God using ora pro nobis.Tatoeba #2183304 by Martka, translation #5320116 by Martka
- Sancta Maria, ora pro nobis.Holy Mary, pray for us.
- Sancte Petrus, ora pro nobis.Saint Peter, pray for us.
Example conversation
Claudia and Lucius are praying together in a church.
- ClaudiaLuci, ora pro nobis.Lucius, pray for us.
- LuciusEgo precabor pro vobis.I will pray for you all.
- ClaudiaGratias tibi ago.I thank you.
- LuciusDeus vobiscum sit.May God be with you.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (ora, pro, nobis) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ora, pro, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
