bidding of beads, beads-bidding; bidding of prayers, bidding prayer. As to these expressions there has been a series of curious misapprehensions…

The action or practice of praying; prayer. Now rare.

The action of praying; prayer. Obsolete.

A solemn request to God, a god, or other object of worship; a supplication or thanksgiving addressed to God or a god.

to bid a bead: to offer a prayer; hence beads bidding, the saying of prayers. Also to say one's beads.

Primarily, the slaughter of an animal (often including the subsequent consumption of it by fire) as an offering to God or a deity. Hence, in wider…

The action of offering something for acceptance, esp. formally or ceremoniously; handing over, delivery; bestowal, giving. Also: an instance of this.

A request; a prayer or supplication. Also: the action or practice of praying. Obsolete.

The act of praying, spec. the recitation of (liturgical) prayers, usually accompanied by a swaying, bending, or rocking motion.