Frequency of prayer among adults in the Silent generation

% of adults in the Silent generation who pray…

Survey yearAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
201467%13%4%16%2%5,989
200766%13%4%15%2%7,853
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 daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

Frequency of prayer among adults in the Silent generation by religious group

% of adults in the Silent generation who pray…

Religious traditionAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Catholic74%14%3%8%2%1,361
Evangelical Protestant81%11%3%4%1%1,611
Historically Black Protestant85%7%3%3%2%249
Jewish25%15%5%52%2%195
Mainline Protestant61%18%6%13%2%1,478
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")22%7%4%65%2%731
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 daily, Weekly, Monthly, Seldom/never

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among adults in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are ages…

Frequency of prayer18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
At least daily< 1%< 1%< 1%100%3,843
Weekly< 1%< 1%< 1%100%747
Monthly< 1%< 1%< 1%100%221
Seldom/never< 1%< 1%< 1%100%1,071
Don't know< 1%< 1%< 1%100%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of prayerMenWomenSample size
At least daily34%66%3,843
Weekly50%50%747
Monthly60%40%221
Seldom/never65%35%1,071
Don't know38%62%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Frequency of prayerWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
At least daily79%10%1%7%2%3,801
Weekly88%5%1%5%2%739
Monthly77%6%6%8%3%221
Seldom/never91%2%1%4%2%1,060
Don't know77%6%< 1%7%10%102
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of prayerImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
At least daily9%9%81%3,799
Weekly6%10%83%742
Monthly10%10%80%217
Seldom/never9%16%75%1,065
Don't know10%9%80%104
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who have a household income of…

Frequency of prayerLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
At least daily47%25%20%9%3,074
Weekly40%25%23%12%614
Monthly39%24%26%11%190
Seldom/never32%19%29%20%908
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who have completed…

Frequency of prayerHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
At least daily54%25%11%9%3,828
Weekly53%24%12%11%747
Monthly55%21%13%11%221
Seldom/never38%22%20%20%1,069
Don't know43%31%14%11%105
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of prayerMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
At least daily52%2%12%32%3%3,831
Weekly58%2%12%26%3%745
Monthly58%4%14%22%2%221
Seldom/never59%4%13%20%4%1,066
Don't know43%1%24%28%5%105
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of prayerParentsNon-parentsSample size
At least daily3%97%3,839
Weekly2%98%747
Monthly1%99%221
Seldom/never2%98%1,068
Don't know3%97%106
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they…

Frequency of prayerBelieve 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 daily86%10%1%1%< 1%1%3,843
Weekly65%30%4%1%1%< 1%747
Monthly47%38%6%1%6%4%221
Seldom/never18%24%13%3%34%8%1,071
Don't know54%25%3%12%1%5%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say religion is…

Frequency of prayerVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
At least daily86%11%2%1%1%3,843
Weekly53%39%5%2%1%747
Monthly28%51%14%5%2%221
Seldom/never9%26%25%38%2%1,071
Don't know61%30%5%< 1%4%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who attend religious services…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily67%19%14%1%3,843
Weekly39%39%21%1%747
Monthly13%55%32%< 1%221
Seldom/never6%23%70%< 1%1,071
Don't know39%29%26%7%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who attend prayer group…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily43%9%9%37%1%3,843
Weekly18%8%10%64%< 1%747
Monthly7%4%12%77%1%221
Seldom/never1%1%3%95%1%1,071
Don't know18%5%3%59%15%107
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 meditation among adults in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who meditate…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily70%5%2%19%3%3,843
Weekly39%16%7%36%2%747
Monthly26%17%13%43%2%221
Seldom/never17%8%6%68%2%1,071
Don't know43%8%2%26%20%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily80%8%3%6%2%3,843
Weekly54%18%12%13%2%747
Monthly33%20%19%25%3%221
Seldom/never25%10%11%51%3%1,071
Don't know55%10%6%13%17%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily52%12%10%23%3%3,843
Weekly32%14%15%36%3%747
Monthly25%19%26%30%1%221
Seldom/never32%11%15%39%2%1,071
Don't know53%10%2%15%20%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Frequency of prayerReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
At least daily54%5%33%3%4%3,843
Weekly25%9%55%7%4%747
Monthly13%9%65%11%3%221
Seldom/never5%14%61%19%2%1,071
Don't know20%4%56%3%18%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say…

Frequency of prayerThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily41%54%2%3%3,843
Weekly33%64%1%1%747
Monthly27%71%1%1%221
Seldom/never22%76%1%1%1,071
Don't know32%55%6%7%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who read scripture…

Frequency of prayerAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
At least daily61%9%6%23%2%3,843
Weekly23%14%15%47%1%747
Monthly9%7%18%64%1%221
Seldom/never2%3%4%90%< 1%1,071
Don't know23%6%4%49%18%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say the holy scripture is…

Frequency of prayerWord 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 daily50%28%5%10%7%3,843
Weekly26%37%3%23%11%747
Monthly22%35%3%31%9%221
Seldom/never6%11%1%74%8%1,071
Don't know19%19%15%24%23%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in heaven

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily87%6%7%3,843
Weekly78%12%10%747
Monthly66%22%13%221
Seldom/never27%63%10%1,071
Don't know52%20%28%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who …in hell

Frequency of prayerBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
At least daily69%21%10%3,843
Weekly54%34%12%747
Monthly43%46%11%221
Seldom/never17%75%8%1,071
Don't know33%30%37%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who identify as…

Frequency of prayerRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
At least daily46%14%40%3,843
Weekly49%8%43%747
Monthly37%11%52%221
Seldom/never32%12%57%1,071
Don't know36%35%29%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who are…

Frequency of prayerConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
At least daily52%27%14%7%3,843
Weekly42%32%23%3%747
Monthly37%43%18%1%221
Seldom/never28%31%36%5%1,071
Don't know31%31%10%29%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who would rather have…

Frequency of prayerSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
At least daily59%32%4%6%3,843
Weekly64%30%3%4%747
Monthly57%34%5%5%221
Seldom/never54%36%4%5%1,071
Don't know57%21%3%19%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say government aid to the poor…

Frequency of prayerDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily49%43%4%4%3,843
Weekly55%40%2%3%747
Monthly46%49%1%4%221
Seldom/never40%54%3%3%1,071
Don't know41%42%1%15%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say abortion should be…

Frequency of prayerLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
At least daily37%57%7%3,843
Weekly53%41%6%747
Monthly63%34%3%221
Seldom/never78%17%5%1,071
Don't know37%28%35%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say homosexuality…

Frequency of prayerShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
At least daily39%52%4%5%3,843
Weekly53%40%4%3%747
Monthly56%38%2%5%221
Seldom/never73%20%4%3%1,071
Don't know38%29%9%24%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who …same-sex marriage

Frequency of prayerStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
At least daily27%63%10%3,843
Weekly39%50%11%747
Monthly44%46%10%221
Seldom/never64%28%8%1,071
Don't know35%34%31%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say…

Frequency of prayerStricter 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 daily45%44%4%8%3,843
Weekly45%48%3%4%747
Monthly47%48%2%3%221
Seldom/never33%60%3%4%1,071
Don't know31%35%8%26%107
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 in the Silent generation by frequency of prayer

% of adults in the Silent generation who say humans…

Frequency of prayerEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
At least daily13%24%4%49%10%3,843
Weekly25%30%5%30%10%747
Monthly36%17%4%35%7%221
Seldom/never62%10%5%18%5%1,071
Don't know17%17%15%28%23%107
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.