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Americans Pray, A Lot
DECEMBER 06, 2008David Johnson, Citizen JournalistSo you get the impression that you are one of a very few who prays on a regular basis? Take encouragement! According to a recent study ninety percent of Americans pray every day, and half pray several times a day!Wendy Cadge, sociologist from Branadeis University which conducted the study, said: "Most prayer writers imagine a God who is accessible, listening, and a source of emotional and psychological support, who at least sometimes answers back."Three quarters of those in the study pray for themselves, families and friends - with about a quarter praying for themselves alone. They also prayed for the big stuff, like health and employment as well as for the small stuff, too, like a good parking spot, or finding lost car keys.Ms. Cadge and and those who helped her with the research based their findings on 683 prayers written in four journals by hundreds of patients and visitors at Johns Hopkins University Hospital in Baltimore. The volumes had been placed near the main lobby over the years and are part of a collection of 40 books; hospital chaplains routinely have set out a blank book every two months since the 1990s.In addition, other research shows a link between better health and the spiritual life. A 2006 University of Pittsburgh Medical Center study that analyzed actuarial death rates found that weekly worship service attendance could add up to three years to a person´s life.For more on this study check out this link: www.washingtontimes.com/news/2008/dec/05
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