Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Twenty-seven per cent of Christians say they never pray<br />
More than a quarter of Christians in the UK have never prayed, a poll published by the<br />
Christian charity Tearfund suggests. The survey of 2,069 adults was conducted by<br />
ComRes, and published on Sunday 14 th January.<br />
Of all respondents, more than half – 1,065 – identified themselves as Christian. Of<br />
these, 73 % said that they had prayed in the past. But the frequency of prayer varied<br />
from several times a day (7%) to hardly ever (10%), or only in times of crisis (13%).<br />
Several denominations were represented in the poll, though most (622) described<br />
themselves as Anglican. Of all Christians surveyed, 27% said they had never prayed.<br />
Another finding from the poll is that one in five of the 869 non-religious people<br />
surveyed, said that they had prayed in the past. Of these, most prayed in times of<br />
personal crisis or tragedy (55%), or on the off-chance that an element of their life or<br />
circumstances might change (32%). Almost one quarter said that they prayed as a ‘last<br />
resort’, or to feel comforted or less lonely.<br />
Other reasons given for prayer included belief in God (39%), or the belief that prayer<br />
could bring about change (32%). The most popular topics of prayer included the family<br />
(71%); thanking God (42%); healing (40%); and friends (40%). Prayers for global<br />
poverty or natural disasters were less common (24%), though the youngest and oldest<br />
generations (<strong>18</strong>-24yrs and 65yrs+) were more likely to pray for these issues.<br />
Lent is a very good time to address this, if you feel that you fall into the 27% of nonprayers.<br />
The penitential season of Lent begins with a special Eucharist at 7pm on Ash<br />
Wednesday 14 th <strong>Feb</strong>ruary at St.Hilary’s (10.30am at All Souls). Throughout the season,<br />
there are opportunities to examine your faith using the Church Army Faith Pictures<br />
courses – for details see the back of your church.<br />
Have you got something you would like to say? Read a good book? Seen a good film or play? Had<br />
a good holiday? Recommend a recipe? Gardening tips? Something interesting or funny happened<br />
to you? Tell us about it. There is a post box at the back of church – just drop in your contributions<br />
and we will share them in the magazine. Or e-mail to reesfolk@btinternet.com Articles for the<br />
magazine can be submitted any time up to the last Sunday of the month for publication the<br />
following month.<br />
Roger<br />
Parish of Killay !13<br />
20<strong>18</strong>
Change language