Survey yearAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201431%11%6%51%1%5,299
200728%10%5%56%2%5,789
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

Frequency of meditation among adults who pray weekly by religious group

% of adults who pray weekly who meditate…

Religious traditionAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic29%12%7%52%1%1,431
Evangelical Protestant29%10%4%55%1%1,105
Historically Black Protestant38%11%6%45%< 1%219
Jewish40%7%10%43%< 1%135
Mainline Protestant27%12%5%55%1%1,323
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")32%12%5%50%1%754
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: At least once a week, Once or twice a month, Several times a year, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are ages…

Frequency of meditation18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least once a week21%33%28%18%1,704
Once or twice a month24%30%26%20%611
Several times a year23%31%29%17%319
Seldom/never27%36%25%11%2,540
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
At least once a week13%14%27%34%12%1%1,704
Once or twice a month16%15%24%31%14%1%611
Several times a year13%14%27%35%11%1%319
Seldom/never18%16%30%30%6%< 1%2,540
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Gender composition among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationMenWomenSample size
At least once a week51%49%1,727
Once or twice a month49%51%620
Several times a year56%44%324
Seldom/never48%52%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who identify as…

Frequency of meditationWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least once a week61%11%3%22%3%1,698
Once or twice a month64%8%5%19%4%612
Several times a year65%8%7%16%5%320
Seldom/never73%10%3%11%3%2,551
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least once a week20%11%69%1,715
Once or twice a month16%13%71%611
Several times a year19%8%73%323
Seldom/never10%9%82%2,540
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who have a household income of…

Frequency of meditationLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least once a week39%20%24%17%1,536
Once or twice a month36%20%24%19%562
Several times a year31%17%23%29%286
Seldom/never30%20%30%20%2,269
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who have completed…

Frequency of meditationHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least once a week45%28%15%12%1,719
Once or twice a month40%33%16%11%619
Several times a year36%25%25%14%323
Seldom/never42%34%16%9%2,563
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least once a week44%8%15%7%26%1,719
Once or twice a month42%7%16%7%29%619
Several times a year52%12%11%5%20%324
Seldom/never49%7%11%4%29%2,567
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least once a week28%72%1,721
Once or twice a month24%76%617
Several times a year29%71%323
Seldom/never34%66%2,569
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say they…

Frequency of meditationBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
At least once a week63%29%5%1%1%1%1,727
Once or twice a month54%37%7%1%< 1%1%620
Several times a year56%37%5%1%< 1%1%324
Seldom/never64%30%4%< 1%1%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Importance of religion in one's life among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say religion is…

Frequency of meditationVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least once a week48%38%9%4%1%1,727
Once or twice a month39%48%10%3%< 1%620
Several times a year43%46%9%2%< 1%324
Seldom/never41%48%8%2%< 1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who attend religious services…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week32%42%25%1%1,727
Once or twice a month25%50%25%1%620
Several times a year28%51%21%< 1%324
Seldom/never23%50%26%< 1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who attend prayer group…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week20%12%9%59%< 1%1,727
Once or twice a month12%16%14%59%< 1%620
Several times a year7%10%20%64%< 1%324
Seldom/never10%8%9%72%< 1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week66%16%9%8%1%1,727
Once or twice a month50%29%13%7%1%620
Several times a year35%28%25%12%< 1%324
Seldom/never40%24%16%18%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week53%17%11%19%1%1,727
Once or twice a month41%24%15%20%2%620
Several times a year34%20%22%23%< 1%324
Seldom/never30%18%17%33%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of meditationReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least once a week25%16%47%9%3%1,727
Once or twice a month23%14%50%12%2%620
Several times a year25%13%54%6%2%324
Seldom/never23%10%57%9%2%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say…

Frequency of meditationThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week28%70%1%1%1,727
Once or twice a month27%71%1%1%620
Several times a year25%73%1%1%324
Seldom/never31%68%1%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who read scripture…

Frequency of meditationAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least once a week29%14%11%45%< 1%1,727
Once or twice a month16%25%15%44%< 1%620
Several times a year14%14%27%45%< 1%324
Seldom/never13%13%14%59%< 1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of meditationWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week27%27%2%35%9%1,727
Once or twice a month23%34%1%35%6%620
Several times a year21%34%1%36%9%324
Seldom/never22%42%2%27%6%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who …in heaven

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week74%18%8%1,727
Once or twice a month76%17%6%620
Several times a year77%16%8%324
Seldom/never87%8%6%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who …in hell

Frequency of meditationBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least once a week56%35%9%1,727
Once or twice a month56%35%9%620
Several times a year56%34%11%324
Seldom/never67%25%7%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who identify as…

Frequency of meditationRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least once a week32%18%49%1,727
Once or twice a month38%14%48%620
Several times a year34%19%48%324
Seldom/never43%16%41%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who are…

Frequency of meditationConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least once a week31%35%29%5%1,727
Once or twice a month35%36%26%3%620
Several times a year24%45%27%5%324
Seldom/never35%39%21%6%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who would rather have…

Frequency of meditationSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least once a week47%46%3%3%1,727
Once or twice a month53%42%3%3%620
Several times a year52%42%2%4%324
Seldom/never54%41%2%3%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of meditationDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week40%54%4%2%1,727
Once or twice a month44%52%2%2%620
Several times a year44%50%3%3%324
Seldom/never50%46%3%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say abortion should be…

Frequency of meditationLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least once a week59%37%4%1,727
Once or twice a month60%35%4%620
Several times a year57%38%4%324
Seldom/never56%42%3%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say homosexuality…

Frequency of meditationShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week69%25%4%2%1,727
Once or twice a month71%21%3%5%620
Several times a year68%28%2%2%324
Seldom/never70%24%3%3%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of meditationStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least once a week60%32%8%1,727
Once or twice a month62%30%7%620
Several times a year60%35%5%324
Seldom/never60%33%7%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say…

Frequency of meditationStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least once a week35%60%2%3%1,727
Once or twice a month35%61%2%2%620
Several times a year39%57%2%3%324
Seldom/never41%56%1%1%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among adults who pray weekly by frequency of meditation

% of adults who pray weekly who say humans…

Frequency of meditationEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least once a week35%29%4%28%4%1,727
Once or twice a month35%32%6%23%3%620
Several times a year33%31%4%29%3%324
Seldom/never30%34%3%29%3%2,575
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.