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Articles on Prayers

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Prayer apps can help guide spiritual practices and encourage people to set goals and stay on track. MangoStar_Studio/iStock via Getty Images

Prayer apps are flooding the market, but how well do they work?

A scholar of Christian spirituality argues that prayers are meant to bring together a faith community – something apps aren’t likely to achieve.
People visiting a Christ sculpture at the Santa Maria Magdalena Church during the Holy Week in Granada, Spain. Álex Cámara/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Why parts of Good Friday worship have been controversial

Prayers and symbols have the power to bind people together, writes a religion scholar, and so it is important to understand the history and context of Good Friday prayers.
Religious services through Zoom: A pastor conducts online services from the basement of her home in Falls Church, Virginia. Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

COVID-19 has shone a light on the millennia-old balance between public and private worship

During the pandemic, the practice of faith has moved to being a more personal one for many. A scholar of the Judeo-Christian tradition explains how tragedy often resulted in private piety.
Muslims can pray anywhere in the world using the prayer carpet. AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes

What are Muslim prayer rugs?

Trump recently tweeted about prayer rugs being left along the border. Many may not know the role and history of Muslim prayer rugs and why they are not likely to be left behind.
Muslim pilgrims pray at the Grand Mosque, ahead of the annual Hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in August 2017. AP Photo/Khalil Hamra

What is the Hajj?

Each year, Muslims from all over the world go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia, known as Hajj. A scholar explains its spiritual significance.
A girl picks up a cupcake as she breaks fast at King Fahad Mosque in Los Angeles, California., during Ramadan. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

Why Ramadan is called Ramadan: 6 questions answered

Muslims observe a monthlong fast for the holy month of Ramadan. A scholar explains the religious observance and its spiritual significance.
Protesters block a highway in near Cannon Ball, North Dakota. AP Photo/James MacPherson

How Standing Rock became a site of pilgrimage

Thousands of people, both those within Native American communities and their non-Native allies, felt called to go to Standing Rock. What was the motivation?

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