A litany prayer is a form of structured prayer consisting of a series of petitions or invocations, typically addressed to God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, or the saints. The leader calls out a specific phrase or request, and the congregation or individual responds, usually with a repeated phrase like "Lord, have mercy" or "Pray for us." Litanies are often used in both public worship and private devotion, providing a way to express petitions, praise, and supplication. Litanies encourage communal participation and can enhance the sense of reverence and focus in prayer.