I pressed my palms together and bowed before the family Buddhist altar.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
Used when earnestly asking for something, often with a sense of desperation or deep entreaty. Can be used for both literal begging and figurative pleading.
彼は金を貸してくれと拝むように頼んだ。
He begged me to lend him money, almost as if praying.
もう一度チャンスをくださいと拝んだ。
I pleaded for one more chance.
godan verb (-mu), transitive verb
have the honor of seeing; be granted an audience with
Humble expression (kenjougo) for seeing or meeting someone of high status. In modern Japanese, it is often used sarcastically or humorously to imply that encountering someone is a rare or unwelcome event.
社長を拝むことができて光栄です。
I am honored to have been able to meet the company president.
最近、彼の顔を拝んでないな。
I haven't seen his face lately (said with a touch of sarcasm).