Power of Prayer: 10 Surprising Health Benefits of Spiritual Practice

‘What? Health Benefits of Prayer?’ This is the response I get when I talk about the physical health benefits of this spiritual practice. But it’s not some Indian folklore. Science says that praying regularly can have a protective impact on your physical and mental health.

People often doubt the authenticity of ancestral customs. Chanting mantras, following rules, and adhering to complex rituals, the modern mind questions everything.

But no one takes the time to look into the science behind these rituals.

One such simple ancestral practice that many people doubt today is ‘prayer’.

A few months back a young IT professional came to me. He was suffering from mild depression. I suggested gratitude writing and prayer saying as a regular therapy.

And he replied, ‘Sir what’s the benefit of saying prayers that no one is listening?’

Well, there is no concrete way to prove the presence of God.

But the benefits of prayers are well-proven by studies and research.

Mantras are nothing but words of affirmation. Affirmation when blended with trust and faith has the power to change one’s life. Scientific researches and studies say the same.

Even if you don’t chant ancient mantras, saying your wishes and desires aloud is effective.

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Research Quotes: Health Benefits of Prayer

Prayers have psychological benefits. A 2011 study by the Ohio State University, quoted the health benefits of prayer. It says, “Prayer may help people see situations ‘in a new light’ or from a different perspective.”

Studies further quote that prayers may help one in having better control over anger. It has a calming effect that helps in reducing anger and aggression.

Anger is a reason for subdued stress. It increases the risk of hypertension, diabetes, and several other chronic diseases. Prayer also calms down stress which is a major cause of many modern ails.

A regular habit of praying has unending benefits for overall health.

Health Benefits of Prayer

1. Combats stress

Submitting to the ultimate power is a big stress buster. Praying helps you believe that your problems are getting worked on. As a result, it calms the mind, relaxes the nerves, and breathes away stress.

2. Treats depression

Prayer and spirituality can help ease depression. Prayers can bring a ray of hope even in hours of despair. That’s why prayer and meditation make great complementary therapy. It can be very helpful in treating life-threatening diseases.

3. Aids in treating Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia is a debilitating condition associated with stress. It causes pain in the joints, muscles, and tendons, fatigue, and insomnia. People with stronger religious beliefs had healthier levels of cortisol. This enables them to be more resilient to stress.

4. Lower blood pressure

Stress and anxiety cause an increase in blood pressure. Praying for even a few minutes has a relaxing response. It helps to have better control over one’s emotions.

5. Promotes healing

There are several studies exploring the effects of prayers on healing. It can play a role in quickening the process of healing. Prayers can bring relief in chronic and fatal illnesses.

Patients suffering from cancer have reported miraculous healings. In the tough times of COVID-19, prayer might be one of the defense mechanisms to cope with the trauma.

6. Strengthens the heart

Prayers can strengthen the heart. It may shield the body from many heart-related disorders. People who pray respond better to stress. Some researchers also quote that the power of prayer is more effective than exercise. 

7. Boosts immunity

A body filled with positivity hardly rents space to diseases. A few words of prayer create a protective aura. This protects you from diseases and infections. It boosts resistance to viruses and other infections.

8. Slows Progression of Alzheimer’s 

Prayer is very beneficial in assuring good mental health. It slows down the aging of the mind. There are studies claiming that prayers can be an antidote to Alzheimer’s. Moreover, prayers have a shielding effect on the mind.

9. Keeps negative emotions at bay

A study examined the effect of regular prayer on neuroticism. Neuroticism represents negative emotions. It’s anxiety, anger, guilt, depression, and pessimism. In other words, people performing regular prayers are less likely to manifest negativity.

10. Alleviating Panic Disorders

People suffering from panic disorders can find solace in prayers. Firstly, praying can reduce the intensity of panic attacks. In addition, it can also lower the frequency of panic attacks. Though not an alternative to medicine, it sure is complementary.

Research: Here are five studies on the health benefits of prayer:

1. The Effects of Religious Coping on Physical Health Outcomes: A Meta-Analysis (2016) – This meta-analysis published in the Journal of Religion and Health found that religious coping, including prayer, was associated with improved physical health outcomes, such as reduced pain, improved sleep, and lower blood pressure.
   
2. The Relationship between Spirituality, Religious Practices, and Mental Health (2015) – This review article published in the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health found that religious practices, including prayer, were associated with better mental health outcomes, such as reduced depression and anxiety.
   
3. Spirituality, Religion, and Health in Older Adults: A Review of the Literature (2010) – This review article published in the Journal of Gerontological Social Work found that spirituality and religious practices, including prayer, were associated with better physical and mental health outcomes in older adults, such as reduced pain and improved mood.
   
4. The Effects of Group Prayer on Psychological Well-Being: A Systematic Review (2015) – This systematic review published in the Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health found that group prayer was associated with improved psychological well-being, such as reduced stress and improved mood.
   
5. The Effect of Prayer on Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (2015) – This meta-analysis published in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine found that prayer was associated with improved health outcomes, such as reduced pain and improved quality of life.
   

Conclusion: Health Benefits of Prayer

In conclusion, we can say that prayer is very effective. It can lower the life-threatening effects of stress. It helps your body heal and age more smoothly. All this put together helps the body heal faster and live longer. Above all, prayer for a few minutes can alleviate your energy.