Young more likely to pray than over-55s - survey

[zebo-the-fat]

Young more likely to pray than over-55s - survey

Young people in the UK are twice as likely as older people to pray regularly, a new survey has found.
Some 51% of 18 to 34-year-olds polled by Savanta ComRes said they pray at least once a month, compared with 24% of those aged 55 and over.
It also found 49% of the younger age group attend a place of worship every month, compared with 6% of over-55s.

The study polled 2,075 British adults in August and seems to contradict the stereotypical view that religious groups in the UK are overwhelmingly elderly.

"If younger generations are exploring faith and spirituality online and in non-traditional ways it shouldn't be a matter of debate, but should be encouraged and embraced."

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-58681075

Well, I for one am very surprised, thus survey was taken in the UK, are things the same in other parts of the world?

[Fake Messiah]

I took a quick look at it.
The study mostly doesn't mention particular religion, and when it does it's Muslims.

Also, it doesn't mean that religion is on the rise but that among already religious people the younger pray more.

[Duty]

I pray they grow out of it...

[brewer]

The poll appears to be biased. 

"The study polled 2,075 British adults in August and seems to contradict the stereotypical view that religious groups in the UK are overwhelmingly elderly. It was commissioned by The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer, a project to build a 169ft (52m)-tall arch made of a million bricks, each representing an answered prayer."

Really, answered prayers? Dear god, please let the mail be delivered, hayman. (ads another brick)

https://www.eternalwall.org.uk/uploads/f...le_Bio.pdf

[Mercyvessel]

Fact - in the realm of the spiritual and regardless of physical age, communication with the Divine, the Almighty, vis-à-vis prayer... is imperative. "God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.” - John 4:24

Prayer is different, but arguably akin to, and no less effective than our telecommunication systems. Communication is exchanged, resulting in desired action and results. 

If one doesn't communicate with another/others under applicable circumstances, how will one know anything one needs to know? 

+++

Some prominent points on prayer from the Biblical perspective:


“Pray without ceasing,” - 1 Thessalonians 5:17

“But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly.” – Matthew 6:6

“He shall regard the prayer of the destitute, and shall not despise their prayer.” - Psalm 102:17

“The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, But the prayer of the upright is His delight.” - Proverbs 15:8

“Go and tell Hezekiah, ‘Thus says the Lord, the God of David your father: “I have heard your prayer, I have seen your tears; surely I will add to your days fifteen years.” - Isaiah 38:5

“Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” - Matthew 26:41

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

[brewer]

Fact ........

[zebo-the-fat]

Why pray? If god is all seeing and all knowing then he knows what you are going to pray about, why waste his time telling him stuff he knows allready?

Another slightly related question, why does a god need to be worshipped, what does he get out of it?

[BrianSoddingBoru4]

^^That.

Prayer can be very broadly divided into three categories: intercessory (asking for stuff); thanksgiving (thanking God for good things); and praise (telling God how great he is).

Intercessory prayer is essentially asking God to alter things on your behalf and at your request. This smacks of hubris - God is supposed to change the immutable divine plans simply because someone drowning in sin asks him to do so? Who do you think you are?

Giving thanks to God seems equally pointless. If we take it as read that God can’t act against his own nature, anything you get from God (good or bad) is inevitable. 

Prayers of praise are probably the silliest. God is omniscient - he knows how great he is and he knows you we’re going to tell him how great you think he is. Seems like a waste.

Boru

[no one]

zebo-the-fat:
Another slightly related question, why does a god need to be worshipped, what does he get out of it?


Arousal. When god reaches the point of no return, volcanoes erupt.

[vulcanlogician]

The historical reason it promotes prayer is that Christianity was modelled after mystery cults that were popular in Roman times. As a selling point, these cults would often claim their pet god would do things for you. You also have prayer begging for God to intercede on one's behalf in Judaism, but it's nowhere near as obnoxious as what is described in the New Testament.

Judaism is more like: "Knock... and MAYBE... if God is in a good mood, it will be opened. But probably not." Jews I've communicated to about this site gratitude as the primary motivation for prayer. I'm not sure if this is true, or that's what they said because it sounds good.