Pray to some in centre: atheists? (7)

I believe the answer is:

entreat

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'pray' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for entreat that I've seen before include "Beg earnestly, implore" , "Ask (someone) earnestly" , "Beg earnestly, beseech" , "Beseech, implore" , "Request earnestly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph and The Sun.

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