Keywords
qualitative research, phenomenology, clergy prayer, vocation, church, spiritual renewal
Abstract
This qualitative phenomenological study explored the lived experience of clergy concerning their prayer life as part of their spiritual renewal and vocational satisfaction. The central research question is “How do clergy describe the relationship between their prayer life, vocational satisfaction, and spiritual renewal?” This study used Michael Gemignani’s (2002) Spiritual Renewal Theory and Super’s (1953) Theory of Vocational Development as lenses. The research design consisted of semi-formal interviews with open-ended questions. The investigation shed light on the lived experience of prayer as part of spiritual renewal and its potential positive effect on vocational satisfaction. This study included five participants who were recruited through purposive sampling. The participants reported experiencing spiritual renewal when they combined prayer with Bible reading. This, in turn, led them to a more intimate relationship with God, helped them keep burnout at bay, and to be more satisfied with their vocation. In conclusion, prayer combined with Bible reading as part of spiritual renewal contributes to vocational satisfaction. The implications of this study may prompt further research into the relationship between pastoral burnout and vocational satisfaction.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Z. C. (2026). Clergy Prayer Life and Vocational Satisfaction. Great Commission Research Journal, 18(1), 57-72. Retrieved from https://place.asburyseminary.edu/gcrj/vol18/iss1/4
Included in
Christianity Commons, Practical Theology Commons, Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion Commons
