Chronicle poll results: Prayer
We asked our readers how often they pray. Here's what they said.
Last week, the Chronicle asked its readers in an online poll the following question: “How often do you pray?” Of the 256 people who responded, 50% said every day; 17% said at least once a week; 20% said once in awhile; and 13% said never. Comments were submitted by 64 people. A few follow.
I pray to thank the Holy One for our good health and welfare and for healing for my family and friends.
It serves no purpose, aside, I guess, from making someone feel good.
Even if not with a minyan, I ask for Hashem’s help and guidance every day. It’s the best way to start your day on a positive note. I highly suggest it.
I attend synagogue on a regular basis but I honestly don’t have “faith.” Go figure.
I have recently begun to attend a weekly minyan which has been far more rewarding than I had imagined it would be.
Whether you pray every day or once a year, synagogues and other spaces set aside for communal prayer are vital to the future of the Jewish people.
Ever since I realized it’s about the process, not the outcome, it’s become a regular part of my life.
I always say a brief prayer after candle lighting on Friday evening, thanking G-d for the blessings of the past week and asking for guidance in the week to come.
I go to synagogue a few times a year but pray every day in my heart.
I pray all the time. When I hear bad news and I want G-d to intervene, I pray to Him by saying Tehillim. I pray to Him when I wake up, go to sleep and at least three more times during the day.
Formal prayers in synagogues, usually five or more times a week. Quietly over food and at various other times, a bunch more. (Are blessings “praying”?) When watching the news lately I pray a whole heck of a lot.
I pray a bit before getting out of bed, before going to sleep and express gratitude at various times of the day.
I say the Shema regularly, sometimes multiple times per day. I don’t believe that I need to be in shul to pray or to, G-d willing, have my prayers heard.
I have a very active prayer life. I pray before going to bed. I pray upon waking in the morning. And I pray throughout the day. I give thanks all through the day. I came through a very serious illness and was blessed with a recovery, stable health, a very happy life, the care that I need and the ability to live in my own home with an angel of a person. Truly a gift. Oh yes, I pray fervently and often.
I pray at services once a week. I’m not really a believer, but I like being a part of a community. PJC
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