[Grammar] Prayed Over or Prayed For

[yeecharles]

Is the following sentence correct?

My father prayed over me when I was sick in bed.
(He put his hand over my head)

A friend told me that the phrasal verb in bold was wrongly used. The correct one should be prayed for.

Thank you for your attention.

 

[SoothingDave]

Not a teacher.

In that context, "prayed over" is OK.

 

[yeecharles]

Not a teacher.

In that context, "prayed over" is OK.

Thank you.

 

[tedtmc]

Is the following sentence correct?

My father prayed over me when I was sick in bed.
(He put his hand over my head)

A friend told me that the phrasal verb in bold was wrongly used. The correct one should be prayed for.

Thank you for your attention.

Yes, in the context of a religious ritual as described, the phrase 'pray over' is correct.
However, in general, you say you pray for someone who is sick if no mention is made on how the prayer is carried out.

not a teacher