Rezar vs. Orar

Question

• How are they different in definition?
• Which is used more for the word pray?
• Are they used differently?

Answer 1

Hola y bienvenido,

In my church, (evangelical Christian) orar is used occasionally and I don't think rezar is at all. Clamar and interceder are more common than orar. In the noun form, prayer, oración is what is used. From the definitions in the translate bar I'm thinking rezar may be used more in Roman Catholic churches, as in, to pray the rosary. So that means lazarus is right as usual, because, far more Latinos are Roman Catholic than evangelical.

Edit: Thanks Jeremias, you seem to confirm my thoughts. Sorry, my answer was so slow. I was interrupted.

For the record, my pastor is from Colombia. The membership is roughly 40% Colombian, 40% Mexican, 10% Cuban and the rest from other places.

Answer 2

Católicos--rezar. Evangélicos--orar

I don't know about other countries, but in Mexico rezar is used by Católicos for "to pray", whereas Evangélicos us rezar.

J

??? You might want to edit this response, somewhat. - samdie, Sep 6, 2010

Answer 3

How are they different in definition?

Both have many definitions, depending on the use.

Which is used more for the word pray?

Rezar is more common. Orar is normally more formal.

Are they used differently?

Yes. "Orar" also means to make a speech or to beg. "Rezar" also means to go (=to read), to grumble, and to say or recite the word of God.

Answer 4

Orar is used by Evangelicals because that is the word used in the Bible. Catholics use Rezar because rezar means more to repeat certain prescribed prayers over and over. So I would use Orar all the time because it what is used in the Bible.

We always end our prayers like this: En el nombre de Jesús Cristo oro. Amén

Answer 5

http://kyreles.blogspot.com/2013/05/spanish-praying.html