A study of hospital prayer journals reveals how, and how often, people pray to God.

Researchers from Brandeis University studied the public prayer books used by hospital patients and visitors.

"Most prayer writers imagine a God who is accessible, listening, and a source of emotional and psychological support, who at least sometimes answers back," Wendy Cadge, the sociologist who guided the research, told The Washington Times.

They found that 28 percent of the prayers included requests of God, while 22 percent were prayers of thanksgiving.

And another 28 percent included giving thanks and specific requests.

"Dear Jesus, thanks for staying by my side. I love you," one person wrote.

Another simply said, "Love U."

The study also claims that 90 percent of those people prayed every day. Half say they pray several times a day, including prayers for small things, like finding a good parking spot.

According to the National Institutes of Health, many consider prayer to be "mind-body therapy."

Source: CBN News, The Washington Times