Lawyer in court: May we be heard?
[given permission to speak by the judge, makes an objection].
Judge: Objection overruled.
‘May we be heard’ is a very formal equivalent of ‘Can we say something?’, or ‘Let me say something,’ asking for permission before interrupting an ongoing discussion, with a passive that puts the focus on the other party rather than the person making the interruption.
Is it a question or a directive/order?
Other similar ‘May we be ..’ expressions:
But it is not a very productive form?
May it be noted that ..
It should be noted that ..
May it be done
I am the Lord’s slave,” said Mary. “May it be done to me according to your word.” Then the angel left her. And Mary said, Behold, the handmaid of the Lord; be …
An immaculate and passive (or active?) conception. I think this is an OK, rather than request.