Prayer is an essential part of life for many people, nurturing our faith and relationships and offering a rich connection to our spiritual lives. It also comforts us during times of need or crisis. The National Day of Prayer is observed yearly on the first Thursday in May. Designated by the United States Congress, it asks people to “turn to God in prayer and meditation.”

An evangelical movement called for the President and Congress to proclaim a National Day of Prayer in the early 1950s. The movement spread, and a young leader, evangelist Billy Graham, led services for 20,000 people on the Capitol steps in February 1952. That same year, Congress declared a joint resolution for a National Day of Prayer. President Harry Truman proclaimed the day to be celebrated on July 4, but President Reagan moved the observance to the first Thursday in May.

As the country commemorates the National Day of Prayer, a new study delves deeper into Americans’ attitudes and habits surrounding prayer. The National Day of Prayer study, conducted by Skylight and commissioned by City Square Associates from April 6 to April 17, surveyed a sample of adults aged 18-64 about how they connect to God. The study found that Americans have varied methods and definitions of prayer, but those who pray spend about 18 minutes praying every day, with almost half saying they pray regularly.

This survey took a new look at why and how Americans pray. Despite statistics suggesting Americans are becoming less religiously affiliated, prayer seems to be a constant practice in people’s lives. For example, the study revealed that Americans spend 3.6 billion minutes daily praying, and 53 percent of those who pray prayed more during the pandemic lockdowns, with only eight percent saying they pray less often.

Of the reasons why people pray, the top three were praying for someone who is sick, praying for other people, and praying for a loved one in need. Sixty-five percent of Americans say they regularly connect with a higher power through meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or repeating affirmations.

Prayer is the connection we have to God. It’s how we communicate with Him, sharing the troubles of our hearts and thanking Him for His blessings. On this National Day of Prayer, let us continue to remember why we pray and pray without ceasing. For more information on the National Day of Prayer study, visit this link.