A new poll has revealed what British people are praying for during the coronavirus pandemic.
The research commissioned by Christian Aid found that found that one in four (26 per cent) British adults say they have prayed for an end to the Covid-19 crisis since lockdown, while an equal proportion say they have prayed for people working on the frontline and other key workers since the crisis began.
One in five British adults say they have prayed for people living in poverty in the UK or around the world since the lockdown.
Chine McDonald from Christian Aid said: “At times of crisis like the world is experiencing now, faith can play a key part in helping people to cope with daily realities and pressures. It’s great to see that many Brits are praying for our own domestic situations, but also praying for those living in poverty in the UK and around the world.”
The poll also showed that the Covid-19 lockdown is slightly more likely to increase than decrease people’s faith in God (5 per cent vs. 2 per cent), life after death (4 per cent vs. 2 per cent) and the power of prayer (5 per cent vs. 2 per cent). This was particularly true of younger Brits aged 18-24.
The poll also found young people aged 18 to 34 were more likely to say they plan to give more to charity, volunteer or take part in community activities post-lockdown than they used to. Twenty-one per cent of them said so, compared to 11 pet cent of their older counterparts aged 35-54 and 55+.
The research, carried out by Savanta ComRes was published at start of Christian Aid Week (10-16 May) which this year will raise money for poor and marginalised communities around the world who will be significantly impacted by the spread of coronavirus.
McDonald added: “The coronavirus pandemic will be devastating for many of the communities in which Christian Aid works around the world, where social distancing measures, health provision and social and economic safety nets are impossible or severely lacking.
“As we in Britain continue to count the cost and mourn the thousands of our near neighbours who have lost their lives, we would encourage those who want to take action to support our Christian Aid Week appeal and help our neighbours further afield in some of the most challenging places on earth.”
