Prayers are the daughters of almighty Zeus.              
Lame, wrinkled, cross-eyed, they try to follow
behind Folly, who, because she's strong and quick, 
runs far in front of them, appearing
all over the world, bringing harm to men.
Far behind, Prayers carry on their healing.
If a man honours these daughters of Zeus
as they come near, they will help him greatly,
paying attention to him as he prays.

Homer, Iliad

Litae (ancient Greek meaning 'Prayers') are personifications in Greek mythology.

They appear in Homer's Iliad in Book 9 as the lame and wrinkled daughters of Zeus (no mother named and no number given) who follow after Zeus' exiled daughter Ate ('Folly') as healers but who cannot keep up with the fast-running Ate.

This is an obvious allegory on the supposed power of prayer to mitigate the misfortunes into which one's folly has led one.

If someone dishonors them, then they go to Zeus and ask that Ate be sent against that person.

Greek Mythology

See also : Greek Mythology. Paintings, Drawings