First off, let me say on a personal note… I believe, prayer, is a direct communication of faith, with our Father, The Creator of all things, The Highest Power that exists and a very necessary part of life and living, that forms and grows a loving family bond and relationship between us and God that will never end.
I question those that say they believe in God, but don’t pray or spend time with God or get to know Him by the study of His word. Why would you not, when He is the source of all things? When, only a little bit of inquiry will tell you, God created us and He loves us and He’s not going to hurt us, He’s going to HELP US. Actually, my five year old grand- daughter is more aware, insightful and appreciative of this relationship and BLESSING, then most hard-hearted, stubborn and “worldly” adults I know.
Many people though, do know, that prayer can offer emotional comfort, a sense of connection, and a framework for coping with a variety of issues and ailments, including anxiety and depression, leading to improved mental well-being.
Stories and studies fill the internet demonstrating the power of prayer in miraculous ways. Surgeons saying there was no hope and they don’t understand it, but somehow the person is completely healed after the church group prayed together or a mothers prayer for her sons protection and he comes home with a miraculous story of his life being saved.
Prayer is gift for us and it doesn’t always have to be a miraculous healing, The Lord says in the bible, He wants to be a part of everything in our lives, no matter how large or small, “the good, the bad and even, the ugly.” He says, He can stand it, and He wants us to surrender that to Him, because that’s when He can help, that’s when, He can get inside of a situation and can change it for the glory of God.
More psychological and emotional benefits of prayer include:
- Reduced anxiety and depression
- Sense of connection and purpose
- Hope and optimism
- Coping mechanism
- Mindfulness and relaxation
- Emotional comfort
- Social support
- Reduced isolation
- Increased gratitude
Gracefully Calm 