Blessing vs. praying

[enlearnercn]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #39 "Yes, Yes, Yes", question 10

The pair of you have my ......... and I hope you have a happy marriage together.

(a) wishing
(b) praying
(c) blessing
(d) hoping

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #39 "Yes, Yes, Yes", answer 10

The pair of you have my blessing and I hope you have a happy marriage together.

Correct answer: (c) blessing

Your answer was: incorrect
The pair of you have my praying and I hope you have a happy marriage together.
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Dear Sir,

Could I use PRAYING here?

thanks
enlearnercn

[Alan]

Hi,

In this sentence you need blessing (a noun here), which is like a benediction. If you wanted to give the idea of pray, you would have to say prayer.

Alan
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English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Make or Do?

[Haihao]

Hi,

Should I think this way that commonly we use blessing when we give our congratulations to a wedding couple whereas we use players or thoughts when we give our condolence to the bereaved?

haihao

[stew.t.]

Hi Haihao

Blessing is more than congratulations it is also a way of permitting or agreeing with sth.

e.g. My Father-in-law after 5 years finally gave his blessing to our marriage.

Prayers can be comfort but also encouragement.

e.g. I will pray for you during your interview.
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Haihao]

Hi Mr. Stew,

Thank you for your interpretation, which is more than convincing and satisfactory.

haihao