As conversations in the U.S. surrounding how much religion to allow in schools continue, a recent survey from the Pew Research Center shows that more than half of Americans approve of teachers leading students in prayer.

According to the center's Religious Landscape Study – which surveyed nearly 37,000 Americans – 57 percent of all U.S. adults favor referring to God in prayer, while 52 percent favor referring to Jesus specifically.

However, similar to the issue of whether or not to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms, the support of the prayer in the classroom also varies by state.

For example, the adults in 22 (mostly Southern) states approve of teachers leading their classes in Christian prayers to Jesus, including Mississippi (81%), Alabama (75%), and Arkansas (75%). 

Some 12 states across the country widely oppose allowing teachers to lead prayers that refer to Jesus, including Oregon (65%), Washington (61%), California (56%), Illinois (54%), New York (53%), New Jersey (53%), and the District of Columbia (69%).

There are also 16 states where Americans are divided as to whether to allow Christian prayer in schools. Some of these states are Delaware, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.

A larger portion of Americans overall say they prefer prayers in schools that refer to God, rather than specifically referring to Jesus.

The states that prefer prayers to God include Mississippi (77%), Arkansas (76%) and South Carolina (74%).