Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is somewhat important

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201437%28%12%21%1%8,311
200738%29%11%20%1%9,092
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 daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among adults who say religion is somewhat important by religious group

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic38%31%13%17%1%2,225
Evangelical Protestant47%30%11%12%1%1,382
Historically Black Protestant59%21%10%11%< 1%228
Jewish15%24%11%48%1%313
Mainline Protestant32%34%13%20%1%1,990
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")28%23%13%36%1%1,498
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 daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are ages…

Frequency of prayer18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least daily22%37%26%15%2,921
Weekly26%35%26%13%2,379
Monthly27%36%25%12%1,014
Seldom/never32%32%22%14%1,778
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least daily13%15%31%31%9%1%2,921
Weekly17%15%28%31%8%< 1%2,379
Monthly18%19%26%30%7%< 1%1,014
Seldom/never21%18%25%27%9%1%1,778
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerMenWomenSample size
At least daily43%57%2,966
Weekly48%52%2,411
Monthly61%39%1,030
Seldom/never65%35%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Frequency of prayerWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least daily64%10%5%16%4%2,929
Weekly73%6%3%14%4%2,378
Monthly70%6%5%16%3%1,025
Seldom/never71%6%5%15%3%1,788
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least daily15%12%73%2,927
Weekly12%10%77%2,385
Monthly14%12%74%1,014
Seldom/never15%12%73%1,789
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have a household income of…

Frequency of prayerLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least daily37%19%26%18%2,641
Weekly31%21%28%21%2,168
Monthly27%19%30%24%924
Seldom/never30%23%26%21%1,591
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who have completed…

Frequency of prayerHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least daily42%31%17%10%2,950
Weekly39%33%18%11%2,402
Monthly39%31%18%12%1,026
Seldom/never43%30%17%11%1,805
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least daily45%10%14%6%24%2,959
Weekly47%8%13%5%27%2,403
Monthly47%12%11%4%27%1,028
Seldom/never42%11%11%4%33%1,802
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least daily31%69%2,959
Weekly30%70%2,405
Monthly30%70%1,026
Seldom/never26%74%1,804
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they…

Frequency of prayerBelieve 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 daily65%28%4%1%1%1%2,966
Weekly53%41%5%< 1%1%1%2,411
Monthly39%46%10%1%3%2%1,030
Seldom/never31%42%12%1%10%4%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend religious services…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily19%54%27%< 1%2,966
Weekly15%58%27%< 1%2,411
Monthly5%66%29%< 1%1,030
Seldom/never6%45%48%< 1%1,812
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 participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who attend prayer group…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily11%12%11%66%< 1%2,966
Weekly7%8%8%77%< 1%2,411
Monthly2%5%10%82%1%1,030
Seldom/never2%3%6%89%< 1%1,812
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 meditation among adults who say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who meditate…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily41%8%5%46%1%2,966
Weekly26%12%6%55%1%2,411
Monthly15%15%10%60%1%1,030
Seldom/never15%8%6%70%1%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily55%20%11%12%1%2,966
Weekly39%27%17%16%1%2,411
Monthly30%24%20%24%2%1,030
Seldom/never29%17%17%36%1%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily44%16%13%26%1%2,966
Weekly36%20%16%27%1%2,411
Monthly31%20%22%26%1%1,030
Seldom/never38%14%16%32%1%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of prayerReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least daily19%12%59%8%2%2,966
Weekly13%14%61%11%1%2,411
Monthly9%16%63%10%2%1,030
Seldom/never7%15%63%13%2%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Frequency of prayerThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily28%70%1%1%2,966
Weekly27%71%1%1%2,411
Monthly26%73%1%1%1,030
Seldom/never22%75%1%1%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who read scripture…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily25%15%13%47%1%2,966
Weekly11%14%15%60%< 1%2,411
Monthly3%9%16%72%< 1%1,030
Seldom/never2%4%9%85%< 1%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of prayerWord 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 daily20%36%3%33%9%2,966
Weekly14%40%1%37%9%2,411
Monthly12%33%1%45%10%1,030
Seldom/never11%24%1%56%8%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in heaven

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily81%12%7%2,966
Weekly80%13%7%2,411
Monthly76%16%8%1,030
Seldom/never60%30%10%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …in hell

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily61%31%7%2,966
Weekly58%33%8%2,411
Monthly55%38%7%1,030
Seldom/never44%46%10%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who identify as…

Frequency of prayerRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least daily35%18%47%2,966
Weekly40%16%44%2,411
Monthly39%19%42%1,030
Seldom/never30%23%47%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who are…

Frequency of prayerConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least daily31%38%25%6%2,966
Weekly30%42%24%4%2,411
Monthly26%41%28%5%1,030
Seldom/never25%38%30%7%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who would rather have…

Frequency of prayerSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least daily49%45%3%3%2,966
Weekly56%39%2%3%2,411
Monthly57%38%2%3%1,030
Seldom/never49%43%3%5%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of prayerDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily43%52%4%2%2,966
Weekly48%48%3%1%2,411
Monthly48%47%3%2%1,030
Seldom/never42%52%4%2%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say abortion should be…

Frequency of prayerLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least daily63%33%4%2,966
Weekly64%33%3%2,411
Monthly66%31%4%1,030
Seldom/never69%27%4%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say homosexuality…

Frequency of prayerShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily73%20%4%3%2,966
Weekly76%18%3%3%2,411
Monthly77%17%3%2%1,030
Seldom/never79%15%3%2%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of prayerStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least daily63%28%9%2,966
Weekly67%26%7%2,411
Monthly68%26%6%1,030
Seldom/never72%22%6%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say…

Frequency of prayerStricter 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 daily35%59%2%4%2,966
Weekly38%59%2%1%2,411
Monthly36%60%2%2%1,030
Seldom/never34%61%3%2%1,812
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 say religion is somewhat important by frequency of prayer

% of adults who say religion is somewhat important who say humans…

Frequency of prayerEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least daily30%33%5%28%4%2,966
Weekly38%32%4%23%2%2,411
Monthly41%28%5%24%3%1,030
Seldom/never54%20%6%17%3%1,812
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.