Jets ignoring leader of Sharks' appeals (7)

I believe the answer is:

prayers

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'appeals' is the definition.
('prayer' can be a synonym of 'appeal')

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for prayers that I've seen before include "Communications to a deity" , "Appeals to a deity" , "Occasion for worship" , "Requests to God" , "Orisons" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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