Our Father Who Art in Heaven: an Exploration of Prayer Using Grounded Theory

The purpose of this study was to explore the subjective use of prayer among Christians from conservative, Baptist denominations. The individual variables of age and gender were also examined in relation to prayer use. A total of 24 individuals participated in the study. Results revealed five major communicative functions of prayer: 1) prayer as a transactional communication event; 2) prayer as the foundation to an interpersonal relationship with God; 3) prayer as ritual; 4) prayer as catharsis; and 5) prayer as an entitlement and mandate of Christians. Perceptions of prayer varied among age categories. Young adults (18-34) reported using prayer as a type of reassurance, the mid-life individuals (35-64) used prayer as an insulator and form of after-life insurance, while people 65 and older utilized prayer as a form of assurance. Gender was also shown to affect the prayer experience. Women used more emotional expression in prayer and also disclosed the topics of their prayers more readily than males.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Arts in Communication

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication

Year

1996

Author dc:creator

• Dobbs, Kelly L.

Contributors dc:contributor

• Charlene Berquist

• Communication

Statement dc:rights

• © Kelly L Dobbs

Repository record dc:identifier

https://bearworks.missouristate.edu/theses/250

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:bearworks.missouristate.edu:theses-1251