Praying Differently

Rev. Joshua Patty

Regional Minister and President

One finding from a recent religious survey caught my attention – the significant difference in people who report that they pray daily. The overall percentage in the US has fallen to 44%. There is a striking difference between the oldest and youngest adults: 58% of adults ages 74 and older say they pray every day; only 27% of adults 18-24 say they do.

On one level, this isn’t surprising. Conventional wisdom, backed by some surveys, believes that fewer younger people are religious.  

I wonder if this suggests two different opportunities for faith communities. First, I wonder if this invites us to emphasize spiritual practices, including a variety of prayer practices. I think that all of us are like the first disciples who asked Jesus, Teach us to pray. We need to demonstrate these practices in worship and offer practical ways for people to engage in them regularly beyond worship services.

Second, I wonder if some people have found different spiritual practices that are meaningful to them. If so, we have an opportunity to listen openly and perhaps adapt some of our worship practices.

Sharing “So Much More”

In conjunction with General Assembly, I have recorded a sermon reflecting on the Assembly’s focus scripture, Ephesians 3:20-21. Entitled “So Much More,” it considers the teaching of the scope of God’s love and presence and how our lives and service change the more we really comprehend this truth.

I hope that you will find a way to use it in an upcoming worship service. The message is important and is a reminder of the ways we strive to be one church in Christ’s name.