For college student Sophia Labree, prayers are not a planned ritual but a series of whispered conversations throughout her day.
For many college students, scheduled prayer time has been replaced by spontaneous, often silent, moments of reflection. ECC even has its own prayer room in B173.12 located in Student life that it meant to be a quiet space utilized for praying.
According to Pew Research Center, the nature of the practice is shifting, especially amongst young people. While studies show that fewer than half of Americans (44%) say they pray each day.
“I pray every morning and night. It is important to me because it serves as an extra outlet in being able to say what I do not usually say out loud.”
Although she states that she only prays about once a week, ECC student Ashley Kaplon, affirms that praying acts as guidance in times when she needs it the most.
“Whenever I pray it is usually for guidance that I am afraid to go seek out.”
The way in which people practice their faith has evolved dramatically in recent times, with prayers becoming more of an individualized and private act. This trend is specifically evident with college students and those of the younger generations, where the pressures of academic life and constantly shifting cultural norms are forcing students to redefine their relationship with spirituality and religion.
At ECC, Sep. 8, 2025, first year students Lebree and Kaplon convey their stance on prayers and how often it is utilized.
