Most Protestant churchgoers in the United States spend time alone with God on a daily basis — but most talk to God through prayer rather than listening to Him through His Word.
That’s according to a study by Lifeway Research. It found 65% of Protestant churchgoers intentionally spend time alone with God at least daily, with 44% saying daily and 21% saying more than once a day.
83 % of churchgoers say they are more likely to talk to God through prayer rather than reading from the Bible or a devotional.
An earlier discipleship study from Lifeway Research showed that praising and thanking God is one of the top five predictors of high spiritual maturity.
Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research said, “This is a widespread practice among churchgoers when they are alone with God.”
He added, “Today’s Christians have more resources than ever to aid them in spending time with God and His Word. As new resources are created, they can encourage someone who, without that innovation, wouldn’t have spent time with God. But there is also a strong relationship between spending time alone with God’s Word and worshiping frequently with others who may encourage you in your walk with God.”
The frequency of church attendance also impacted time alone with God: The study found that those who attend worship services at least four times a month (26%) are more likely than those who attend one to three times a month to say they spend time alone with God more than once a day.