Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201440%10%8%40%2%2,883
200741%11%8%37%2%2,830
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by religious group

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic43%10%9%37%1%730
Evangelical Protestant43%10%6%39%2%781
Historically Black Protestant40%8%10%41%1%182
Mainline Protestant35%11%9%42%2%627
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")32%12%9%43%4%233
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are ages…

Frequency of meditation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week17%29%29%26%1,259
Once or twice a month16%42%24%18%296
Several times a year29%31%25%15%210
Seldom/never30%39%22%9%1,016
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week9%12%25%34%18%2%1,259
Once or twice a month9%19%30%30%11%2%296
Several times a year20%15%24%28%10%1%210
Seldom/never20%18%31%25%6%< 1%1,016
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationMenWomenSample size
At least once a week44%56%1,280
Once or twice a month49%51%305
Several times a year56%44%215
Seldom/never49%51%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who identify as…

Frequency of meditationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week64%13%4%15%5%1,265
Once or twice a month60%8%4%24%4%304
Several times a year53%15%9%20%3%213
Seldom/never66%12%7%12%3%1,022
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week17%9%74%1,268
Once or twice a month25%7%68%300
Several times a year26%10%63%212
Seldom/never16%9%75%1,017
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who have a household income of…

Frequency of meditationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week33%22%28%17%1,123
Once or twice a month38%18%26%18%282
Several times a year43%22%24%12%189
Seldom/never30%20%28%22%924
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who have completed…

Frequency of meditationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week34%32%21%13%1,271
Once or twice a month41%31%17%12%302
Several times a year50%25%18%7%213
Seldom/never40%33%15%12%1,031
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week50%6%13%11%20%1,277
Once or twice a month47%7%13%5%27%305
Several times a year45%10%10%5%30%214
Seldom/never50%7%10%4%29%1,033
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week27%73%1,276
Once or twice a month33%67%304
Several times a year31%69%215
Seldom/never37%63%1,031
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say they…

Frequency of meditationBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
At least once a week79%16%2%1%2%1%1,280
Once or twice a month64%25%5%2%3%2%305
Several times a year67%25%4%1%3%< 1%215
Seldom/never73%20%3%< 1%2%1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say religion is…

Frequency of meditationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week75%19%4%2%1%1,280
Once or twice a month60%34%4%1%1%305
Several times a year58%37%3%2%< 1%215
Seldom/never60%33%4%2%< 1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who attend religious services…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week43%49%7%< 1%1,280
Once or twice a month29%64%7%< 1%305
Several times a year28%64%8%1%215
Seldom/never32%60%7%1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who pray…

Frequency of meditationAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week80%13%3%4%< 1%1,280
Once or twice a month49%28%11%11%1%305
Several times a year51%25%14%9%1%215
Seldom/never61%23%6%9%1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week75%14%7%5%1%1,280
Once or twice a month57%25%12%6%< 1%305
Several times a year43%15%34%8%1%215
Seldom/never53%19%16%11%1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week55%16%12%14%2%1,280
Once or twice a month42%17%20%20%1%305
Several times a year29%18%29%23%1%215
Seldom/never34%17%18%30%< 1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week43%12%36%7%3%1,280
Once or twice a month29%11%47%10%3%305
Several times a year33%9%46%9%3%215
Seldom/never34%9%46%8%2%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say…

Frequency of meditationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week36%62%1%1%1,280
Once or twice a month35%64%1%1%305
Several times a year29%69%1%1%215
Seldom/never36%62%1%< 1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who read scripture…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week49%19%16%16%< 1%1,280
Once or twice a month25%20%35%20%< 1%305
Several times a year16%16%45%22%1%215
Seldom/never25%18%26%30%1%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of meditationWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week35%37%4%19%6%1,280
Once or twice a month34%31%2%24%9%305
Several times a year37%32%1%21%9%215
Seldom/never33%40%3%19%6%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …in heaven

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week82%12%6%1,280
Once or twice a month80%14%6%305
Several times a year85%11%4%215
Seldom/never86%9%5%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …in hell

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week67%25%8%1,280
Once or twice a month66%27%8%305
Several times a year61%27%12%215
Seldom/never71%24%5%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who identify as…

Frequency of meditationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week41%16%43%1,280
Once or twice a month36%18%46%305
Several times a year36%14%50%215
Seldom/never45%18%38%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who are…

Frequency of meditationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week40%34%20%6%1,280
Once or twice a month39%38%19%3%305
Several times a year30%43%22%5%215
Seldom/never44%35%16%5%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who would rather have…

Frequency of meditationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week52%42%3%4%1,280
Once or twice a month47%47%4%2%305
Several times a year44%51%1%4%215
Seldom/never54%41%2%3%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of meditationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week44%50%4%2%1,280
Once or twice a month43%51%4%2%305
Several times a year46%48%5%2%215
Seldom/never48%47%3%2%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say abortion should be…

Frequency of meditationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week48%47%5%1,280
Once or twice a month56%41%3%305
Several times a year55%41%3%215
Seldom/never51%47%3%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say homosexuality…

Frequency of meditationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week58%34%4%5%1,280
Once or twice a month66%23%4%7%305
Several times a year60%32%2%6%215
Seldom/never59%33%5%3%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of meditationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week46%46%8%1,280
Once or twice a month57%37%6%305
Several times a year50%42%9%215
Seldom/never50%42%8%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say…

Frequency of meditationStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week39%56%1%3%1,280
Once or twice a month37%59%2%2%305
Several times a year38%59%3%1%215
Seldom/never40%56%2%2%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who attend prayer groups several times a year by frequency of meditation

% of adults who attend prayer groups several times a year who say humans…

Frequency of meditationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week21%33%4%38%5%1,280
Once or twice a month27%25%5%40%2%305
Several times a year29%31%4%28%7%215
Seldom/never23%32%4%38%3%1,035
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.