Addresses deity in audible commendation (5)
I believe the answer is:
prays
'addresses deity' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with communicating as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'audible commendation' is the wordplay.
'audible' shows a homophone (sound like).
'commendation' becomes 'praise' (praise is a kind of commendation).
'praise' is a homophone of 'PRAYS'.
'in' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for prays that I've seen before include "Entreats" , "Implores" , "Begs" , "Makes one's devotions" , "Wrestles with God" .)