2 sentences for 祈 (qí — pray)

1. 古人常在节日馈神以祈平安。

   gǔ​rén cháng zài jié​rì kuì shén yǐ qí píng'ān.

   Ancient people used to make offerings to the gods during festivals to pray for peace.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary

2. 人们站在神像前焚香祭拜，祈上天保佑全家老小平安。

   rén​men zhàn zài shén​xiàng qián fén​xiāng jì​bài, qí shàng​tiān bǎo​yòu quán​jiā lǎo​xiǎo píng'ān.

   People stood before the statue of the deity burning incense and worshiping, praying for Heaven to keep the whole family safe.

   Source: Dong Chinese Dictionary