In the name of…: Legitimate interactants in the dialogue of prayer

摘要: Abstract Prayer, it is said, a communicative act, conscious dialogue. But with whom does the supplicant speak? How do individuals conceptualize and choose their partners in prayerful interaction? Many explain an individual's choice of prayer “target” reference to religious affiliation. this paper, we suggest affiliation tells only part story. If truly then selecting co-interactant should involve additional social factors—factors beyond directives socialization or doctrine. To explore idea, spoke 100 regarding practices. We found that respondents’ selection appropriate targets influenced by (1) characteristics individuals’ profiles, including not simply but gender, marital status, occupation; (2) interactive intent—i.e. purpose goal prayers (3) “histories”—i.e. perceptions regularly respond appeals. These findings much more than ritual ordained training—the product what Jerolmack Porpora call “uncritical habituation” (2004: 157). Rather, enacted perceived accord norms practices guide broader, secular sites interaction exchange. While presumably transports other-worldly domain, nevertheless originates from worldly place shared behavioral rules expectations.