The centurion addressed Jesus as Lord to show respect—not specifically as a prayer, but still as a sincere plea for help based on genuine trust in Jesus. Calling Jesus Lord
showed that the centurion, who himself wielded authority, acknowledges Jesus’ power and authority.
He sought to address Jesus in a respectful manner. These words are not to be understood as a prayer in itself, but it did function as such given the fact that he sincerely approached Jesus for help.1 By expressing his great respect for Jesus, the centurion also shows that he places his trust in him. By addressing him as Lord, he acknowledges him as holding authority over himself, which for this centurion is quite significant. He, a commander who has the task of keeping the people in subjection to king Herod, now calls one of those people, Lord,
thereby acknowledging his power and authority.2
6 le priant et disant: Seigneur, mon serviteur est couché à la maison, atteint de paralysie et souffrant beaucoup.