Which is correct Spanish grammar?

Question

por or para?

I am trying to say: Thank you for your prayers for our family.

Gracias por sus oraciones por nuestra familia. Gracias por sus oraciones para nuestra familia.

Edited title spelling. - mapletw, Dec 31, 2010

Answer 1

With "gracias", use "por". One use of "por" is when there is an exchange of something. Think of the "thank you" in exchange for a gift.

That's a very unorthodox and complicated interpretation. The most common use of "por" is "because (of)":

Gracias por ayudarme = I thank you because you helped me (Thanks for helping)

Answer 2

With "gracias", use "por". One use of "por" is when there is an exchange of something. Think of the "thank you" in exchange for a gift.

Answer 3

"Para" fits better with "To". This is a present from Carlos to Betty: Es un regalo de Carlos para Betty. Or "I´m getting ready to go to the beach": "me estoy preparando para ir a la playa".