Prayer Statistics: Insights on Prayer Habits and Impact

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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?

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rdorsey@outreach.com'
Rochelle Dorsey
Rochelle's expertise includes leadership of digital content marketing, SEO, and social media marketing. A South Dakota native, she enjoys the thrill of walleye fishing and the smell of freshly-cut alfalfa fields.

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