Prayer Frequency in the U.S.
- Barna Research reports that slightly more than four out of five adults in the U.S. (84%) claim they had prayed in the past week.
- This statistic has remained consistent since Barna began tracking the frequency of prayer in 1993.
Prayer and Healing
A group of physicians conducted a double-blind study on the efficacy of Christian prayer on healing, involving patients at San Francisco General Medical Center:
- Patients were randomly divided into placebo and test groups.
- The test group was prayed for by Christians, while the placebo group received no prayer.
- Results showed that patients who were prayed for experienced:
- Less congestive heart failure
- Reduced need for diuretic and antibiotic therapy
- Fewer episodes of pneumonia
- Fewer cardiac arrests
- Reduced need for intubation and ventilation
(Source: Rich Deem, GodandScience.org)
U.S. News and Beliefnet Poll Findings
A poll funded by U.S. News and Beliefnet explored why, how, and when people pray:
- 75% of respondents were Christian.
- 64% pray more than once a day.
- 56% pray most often for family members, while 3.3% pray for strangers.
- 38% believe the most important purpose of prayer is intimacy with God.
- 41% say their prayers are often answered.
- 1.5% believe their prayers are never answered.
- 73% believe unanswered prayers often do not align with God’s plan.
- 79% pray most often at home, while 5% pray in a house of worship.
- 67% say their prayers in the past six months have focused on giving thanks to God.
(Source: Pastor’s Weekly Briefing, 12/24/04)
Pastors’ Prayer Habits
An Ellis Research survey for Facts & Trends found:
- 16% of pastors are very satisfied with their prayer lives, while:
- 47% are somewhat satisfied.
- 30% are somewhat dissatisfied.
- 7% are very dissatisfied.
- The median daily prayer time is 30 minutes, typically divided as follows:
- 12 minutes on prayer requests.
- 8 minutes in quiet time.
- 7 minutes giving thanks.
- 7 minutes in praise.
- 5 minutes confessing sin.
- Top prayer topics include:
- Individual congregation members’ needs.
- The congregation’s spiritual health.
- Wisdom for church leadership.
- Spiritual growth of the church.
- Personal spiritual growth.
(Source: Facts & Trends, 5/6/05)
Newsweek Poll: “Is God Listening?”
A Newsweek poll explored perspectives on prayer:
- 87% believe God answers prayers at least some of the time.
- 85% accept unanswered prayers as part of God’s plan.
- 82% continue to pray despite unanswered prayers.
- 54% believe unanswered prayers align with God’s will.
- 82% pray for health or success for family members.
- 75% pray for strength to overcome personal weaknesses.
- 73% believe prayers for finding a job are answered.
- 51% do not believe God answers prayers to win sporting events.
- 36% have never prayed for financial or career success.
Additional Prayer Statistics
- 49% of teens say they would attend prayer meetings before or after school. (Source: Foster Letter, 6/04)
- The Bible contains 377 references to praise and 375 references to prayer.
- 20% of Americans aged 45+ who are somewhat religious cite prayer as their most satisfying spiritual experience. (Source: Foster Letter, 2/05)
- A Gallup Poll found:
- 76% of Americans favor a constitutional amendment allowing voluntary prayer in public schools.
- 69% prefer a moment of silence for contemplation or silent prayer.
- These views have remained steady for over a decade.
Final Thoughts
These statistics offer intriguing insights into the habits, beliefs, and perceived impact of prayer. What do you think about these findings?
