What does the cryptic crossword clue "Coming before one to ask insensitively for a hearing? (5)" mean?

The definition is "Coming before". The wordplay uses a homophone (sounds like). sounds like PRYER(one to ask insensitively) The answer is PRIOR.

Coming before one to ask insensitively for a hearing? (5)

Times Cryptic #28558 | 7 Down | 2023-03-23 flower