petition

Everyday

1. A petition is a written request, signed by many people, asking someone in power to do or change something. tree →
2. To petition someone is to make a formal request to them, often with a petition. tree →
3. (law) A formal written request to a court. tree →
4. (church) A prayer that asks God for something. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship lessons, pupils learn that a petition is a peaceful way to ask for change, such as a new crossing near school. Online petitions collect signatures. In church, the prayers of petition ask God for help. Phrases: «sign a petition», «start a petition», «petition the council», «a petition for divorce» (law).

Examples

• We started a petition for a new zebra crossing. tree →
• Over five hundred people signed our petition. tree →
• The children petitioned the head teacher for a longer break. tree →
• The petition was handed to the mayor. tree →
• In church we prayed petitions for the sick. tree →
• Mum signed an online petition to save the library. tree →
• The court received a petition from the family. tree →
• So they sent a petition to Jupiter asking for a king. tree →

Note

Noun and verb; past «petitioned». A petitioner is a person who makes a petition. Maths: count the signatures and compare with a target (e.g. «we need a thousand; we have six hundred, so we need four hundred more»).

In Jewish tradition

A request or plea, as to a king or to God. Esther made one to the king, and Daniel and Hannah to God.

Interpretation. The tradition sees Hannah's petition as a model of prayer from the heart. Esther's petition shows courage in pleading for her people.

Examples

• Then answered Esther, and said: 'My petition and my request is — (Writings EST.5.7, JPS 1917) tree →
• Then these men came tumultuously, and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. (Writings DAN.6.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath granted me my petition which I asked of Him; (Prophets 1SA.1.27, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Noun and verb; past «petitioned». A petitioner is a person who makes a petition. Maths: count the signatures and compare with a target (e.g. «we need a thousand; we have six hundred, so we need four hundred more»).