Theurgy vs. Prayer — What's the Difference?

Theurgy (; from Greek θεουργία theourgía) describes the practice of rituals, sometimes seen as magical in nature, performed with the intention of invoking the action or evoking the presence of one or more deities, especially with the goal of achieving henosis (uniting with the divine) and perfecting oneself.

Prayer is an invocation that seeks with an object of worship through deliberate communication. In the narrow sense, the term refers to an act of supplication or intercession directed towards a god or a deified ancestor.

Divine or supernatural intervention in human affairs.

A reverent petition made to God, a god, or another object of worship.

Magic performed with the supposed aid of beneficent spirits, as formerly practiced by the Neoplatonists.

The act of making a reverent petition to God, a god, or another object of worship

A form of magic designed to allow for worship or conjuration of, or communication with spirits or deities.

An act of communion with God, a god, or another object of worship, such as in devotion, confession, praise, or thanksgiving

A supernatural intervention in human affairs.

A specially worded form used to address God, a god, or another object of worship.

A divine work; a miracle; hence, magic; sorcery.

Prayers A religious observance in which praying predominates

A kind of magical science or art developed in Alexandria among the Neoplatonists, and supposed to enable man to influence the will of the gods by means of purification and other sacramental rites.

A fervent request

In later or modern magic, that species of magic in which effects are claimed to be produced by supernatural agency, in distinction from natural magic.

The thing requested

Magic performed with the help of beneficent spirits

The slightest chance or hope

The request for relief by a party initiating a lawsuit, stated in the pleadings.

The portion of the pleadings that contains this request.

(uncountable) A practice of communicating with one's God, or with some spiritual entity.

(countable) An act of praying.

The specific words or methods used for praying.

A meeting held for the express purpose of praying.

(countable) A request; a petition.

The remotest hope or chance.

One who prays.

One who prays; a supplicant.

The act of praying, or of asking a favor; earnest request or entreaty; hence, a petition or memorial addressed to a court or a legislative body.

The act of addressing supplication to a divinity, especially to the true God; the offering of adoration, confession, supplication, and thanksgiving to the Supreme Being; as, public prayer; secret prayer.

The form of words used in praying; a formula of supplication; an expressed petition; especially, a supplication addressed to God; as, a written or extemporaneous prayer; to repeat one's prayers.

The act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving);

Reverent petition to a deity

Earnest or urgent request;

A fixed text used in praying

Someone who prays to God