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Not all prayer is directed toward a supernatural entity.

Indeed, but it sounds out of place regardless of the target. Now I understand what it is, "request" or similar seems a more appropriate word. "Prayer" evokes some kind super-legal meaning or precedence onto the request that is out of place in a matter-of-fact setting.

Really sounds out of place. I always cringe when I write it.

Sometimes I'll change it to "Request for Relief", and I've never had a judge comment on the change.

It's what the plaintiff wants.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prayer_for_relief