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Understanding of Prayer Among African American Children: Preliminary Themes

Harlem Hospital, Columbia University

Honore M. Hughes

Saint Louis University

Deserie Holmes

Saint Louis University

Theoretical accounts of African American culture describe spirituality and religion as significant socializing agents for African American children. Empirical studies suggest that prayer is a vital aspect of religious and spiritual fulfillment for African American families. Studies have also found that religious affiliation and cultural background influence the religious development of children. However, religious practices, such as prayer among African American children, have not been studied empirically. The purpose of this study is to describe how African American children understand prayer within a cultural context. This study also explored emotions that African American children associate with prayer. A convenience sample of 36 African American children aged 8 to 13 years participated in a structured interview. Core ideas among their responses were identified with a consensual qualitative coding method. Results from the current study were used to generate hypotheses regarding understanding of prayer among African American children.

Key Words: prayer • African American • children • spirituality • religion

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