Is It True That Prayer Works?
There are both psychological and physical advantages to praying.
Religion, faith, and science were all popular subjects in college during my time. Any claim that could not be proven scientifically was not taken into consideration. Religion and prayer, according to one atheistic student, are “a waste of time.” In their opinion, praying was pointless since they did not believe in God.
We are all inclined to think in this manner, unfortunately, even Christians, and I must confess that I am one of them. In prayer, we may get fidgety and believe that we would be better off doing something else if we don’t express it directly to the Lord. We may ponder whether or not God is paying attention to what we are saying.
There was a guy at school who could speak at a hundred miles per hour. My attempts to engage in discussion with this individual were unsuccessful, since it was a one-sided dialogue. After having gone through this, I went into my room to pray like I normally would, but the idea of this rapid talker had such an impact on me that I understood how God must be feeling as he listened to what I said. In the Bible, I found Jesus saying, “do not continue to pray as the pagans do,” which I took to heart. By simply multiplying their words, they believe they may get access to a courtroom.
The Bible says (Matthew 6:7)
As a result, I knelt down and prayed gently as I felt convicted about it. To begin with, it was difficult since my thoughts kept wandering to other hobbies that I loved, such as playing football and a slew of other sports. My attention was constantly drawn back to the fact that I was conversing with the Almighty. The subject of my conversation was Jesus. With each word I spoke, I began to ponder their meanings more deeply.
I thought they were really lovely. Each time the names “Mary” or “Jesus” were spoken, I felt a surge of happiness. Instead than simply words, there were names of actual individuals who existed at the time of this writing. There I was, having a conversation with them! Once again and again, I attempted to pronounce their names with affection. The words stayed in my mind and on my lips for a long time. It didn’t take long for me to lose track of the passing time and cease glancing at my wristwatch. I really recited the whole rosary carefully, and even though it took approximately 30 minutes, it seemed to pass fast. After that, I was in a state of complete tranquility.” That period of prayer was when I had a personal encounter with the Lord.
A significant portion of my life has been centered on prayer. In my own life, I was able to see its consequences firsthand. Recent developments in science have prompted the pursuit of the truth on this issue to become a priority for them. Can you tell me whether or not prayer is effective.
If you look at the data with scientific eyes, you will see that it is true. God hears and answers prayer.
Someone who prays gains from their efforts.
1 According to research findings, Many doctors suggest meditation to patients who are suffering from chronic sickness or diseases such as heart disease, AIDS, cancer, or infertility in order to avoid and manage the agony they feel.
2.People suffering from illnesses such as depression, hyperactivity, and attention-deficit disorder may find that prayer may help them to regain their equilibrium (ADD).
3. Prayer has been proven in medical studies for more than 30 years to be effective in reducing emotional stress and depression.
4.In order to alter behavior, prayer may “reset” the brain (road rage, for example).
5 People who pray tend to be healthier and live longer lives in general. There is a reduction in blood pressure, the incidence of stroke, and the incidence of heart disease in this population. People who smoke or drink less often are less likely to get ill.
6. About 1,200 research on the impact of prayer on health have been conducted, according to the Handbook of Religion and Health’s author. In these investigations, the following statistics were discovered:
The average length of stay in the hospital for individuals who have never visited church is three times higher than the average length of stay for those who go frequently.
• Heart surgery patients who did not engage in a religious organization were 14 times more likely to die as a result of the procedure.
• People over the age of 65 who never or just sometimes attended church had a stroke risk that was twice as high as that of those who went frequently.
The mortality rate from cardiovascular disease and cancer was reduced by 40% among religious individuals in Israel.
A brief review for healthcare providers by Matthew R. Kutz, Ph.D., M.Ed., ATC. Palm Beach Atlantic University, West Palm Beach, FL) and Jeanie Lerche Davis on WebMD.com; Observations on Prayer as a Viable Treatment Intervention: A Brief Review for Healthcare Providers by Jeanie Lerche Davis on WebMD.com
When we pray for someone, it is beneficial to both parties. Is It Effective? Yes, it is.
Prayer has many advantages for the individual, but it also has the ability to heal. All who approached Jesus were cured. The importance of faith in the healing process cannot be overstated! “Your faith has cured you!” Jesus exclaimed again and over in the Bible. Jesus taught this in Mark 5:34 and Mark 10.
This is supported by both science and medicine. After researching the efficacy of prayer, Larry Dossey, M.D. discovered more than 100 studies on prayer that met the standards of sound science and were performed in a controlled laboratory environment. Among the findings are:
According to the findings of the researchers, intercessory prayer is beneficial even when the person being prayed for is unaware that he or she is being prayed for. Praying is Good Medicine (HarperCollins, 1996; page 129)
Secondly, the faith of the person who prays as well as the faith of those who are prayed for increases the efficacy of the prayer.
All of this comes as no surprise to those who believe, but for those who do not, such proof may open their minds to the possibility of contemplating God as more than a phrase on a piece of paper or a religious fiction, but as something that exists in reality and is capable of being experienced. Life is never the same once a person realizes that God exists, and prayer is no longer just an exercise in futility but rather an invigorating source of fresh life.
Practicing contemplative prayer for at least 15 minutes per day counts as spiritual exercise. When you have less than an hour to relax, it is difficult to calm both the mind and the body. Scripture, the rosary, or any other means of prayer are all appropriate. The meditation that follows may be of use.. You should seek out a peaceful spot where you and God may be alone with each other. Remove any and all distractions from the environment. This includes mobile phones, which are strictly prohibited. Begin by making the sign of the cross and asking God to assist you in remaining in his presence throughout this period of prayer (see Figure 1). Being with us is not a difficulty for God. Because of our separation from God, we have a dilemma. Take a few minutes to be silent and listen to God, as well as to reflect on him.
Preparation is key while communicating with others. Allow yourself to be consumed by this idea. Using your imagination, imagine yourself in the upper chamber with the apostles on Easter morning, just before to Jesus’ appearance to the apostles. The atmosphere in the room seemed to be very tense.
I was wondering what the apostles were up to. Fear, according to the Bible, kept them hidden behind closed doors. Take some time to consider this. Observe your surroundings by walking around the room. Consider what happened in that same room just a few days before this conversation began. This is the chamber in which Jesus instituted the Eucharist for the apostles to celebrate. As you can see, this is the chamber where Judas hid after betraying Christ. In this location, Peter had stated his willingness to die in Jesus’s service to him. Jesus had bathed their feet in this location.
See what happened to the apostles. Which of the following do you notice? You get a vision of the Lord all of a sudden.. The apostles have seen his appearance. In his words, “Peace be with you.” What what is going on in the top chamber at this moment is unclear. In your body, what is taking place? Who knows what you’re going to say to Jesus, but it’ll be interesting.
Praise God for the recovery of a sick friend or family member you are aware of. Create a cross on your hand before beginning to read the passage from Mark 2:1-12. Someone who is sick will be brought to Jesus by one of you. Examine their character traits, and make a recommendation to the Savior. Say an Our Father and a Hail Mary at the end of this sentence. Thanking God for our recovery, we next pray, “Glory to God,” acknowledging that we have received it. If your faith and love lead you to do so, keep repeating the phrase.
Is it really necessary to engage in a continuous dialogue with God in order to be successful in prayer?
When we communicate with God, we are praying. When God speaks to us, we experience schizophrenia symptoms. Lily Tomlin is a famous actress.
Isn’t it strange that the concept of talking to God—of praying—seems strange to you?
Normally, when you speak to someone, you can hear what he or she has to say in response to your words. Prayer, on the other hand, is different. Prayer seems to be nothing more than a private conversation with oneself.
How do you converse with someone who does not necessarily respond verbally—at least not audibly? And, if you think that God not only hears prayers but also answers them, how can you tell the difference between your own thoughts and emotions and God’s responses?
There is also the very important issue of whether prayer is really effective.
If God already knows what will happen in the future, orchestrates what will happen, and knows what we need, what’s the purpose of pleading? Despite this, billions of people all around the globe engage in some kind of religious activity. What’s the point of trying if it won’t make a difference?
WHY ARE YOU TROUBLING ME?
A similar thread of prayer runs through the lives of Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Muslims, and followers to many other faiths.
Buddhists, for example, feel that praying to an external deity is less important than praying to awaken one’s own talents that are hidden deep inside oneself. Muslims believe that their prayers, which must be said five times a day, serve as a reminder of God and a summons to a larger purpose that transcends their own lives and well being.
Christians, constant communication, believe that prayer has the ability to transform lives, that it should be performed on a daily basis, and that it may assist us in refocusing our priorities. The Christian faith goes on to teach that prayer has the power to have a significant impact on the world and may have an impact on how God chooses to engage with humankind.
But how exactly does it work? Why shouldn’t God, as an ultimate and almighty entity, carry out his goals in any way he sees fit? It seems doubtful that our little prayers will have any impact on his intentions.
Many Christians might characterize it as follows: God has chosen, in obscure but sovereign ways, to enable prayer to influence and achieve his will. As a way of involving his followers in the plan, he selected prayer as the vehicle through which to do so. The act of praying is one method in which God works to achieve his goals in, through, and around the person who prays.
A HEART THAT HAS CHANGED
Many of us pray to God as if he were a genie in a bottle, and we expect miracles to happen. It is our hope that, if we are fortunate, he would listen to us and act in accordance with our desires.
Many religions, like Christianity, portray prayer in a more in-depth and personal light, while others do not. Rather than seeing God as a means to a goal, prayer sees God as the end in and of itself. The believer prays, placing his or her faith in God’s character and strength.
As a result, one of the primary goals of prayer is to change the heart of the person praying so that it more closely resembles God’s heart. It’s not so much about receiving concrete “results” from God as it is about experiencing God’s presence. Instead, it is a chance to get to know God better, to better comprehend what he expects of each of us, and to build a relationship with him that will last a lifetime.
Prayer is a way of life characterized by humble reliance, living in connection with others, and being in harmony with God, the source of all life.
IF YOU ASK FOR IT, IT WILL BE PROVIDED.
To be clear, this does not rule out the possibility of making particular, personal prayers for God’s guidance and provision in the future. When Jesus was speaking to his followers about prayer, he stated the following:
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and it will be found; knock, and the door will be opened for you to come in. Each and every one who begs gets; the one who seeks finds; and the one who knocks will have the door opened for him or her. Which of you would give your kid a stone if he begs for bread when he is hungry? Or, if he requests a fish, would you provide him with a snake? If you, despite your wicked nature, are able to provide excellent presents for your children, imagine how much more your heavenly Father will provide wonderful gifts to those who come to him in prayer!
These words state that prayer is a chance to approach the greatest parent of all time and communicate our wants and aspirations in an open and straightforward manner, while also explicitly asking for assistance.
But how could God, an entity big enough to create the cosmos, be concerned with the inconsequential minutiae of my little existence?
As Christians, we believe that God loves so profoundly about each of us that he has made it possible for us to establish a genuine and personal connection with him. Because the more we trust in God, the more God shows himself to us, prayer is one of the most wonderful gifts of the Christian religion.
ESTABLISHING TRUST
Prayer, like everything good, is a process that takes time and effort. It will require time, effort, and discipline to achieve success. 4 Prayer is not intended to be performed just in times of extreme need. It is intended to be an on-going dialogue between the parties.
And that’s when things start to get interesting. In the course of a person’s investment in and developing comfort with prayer, one of the ways in which it “works” is via the increasing trust that person develops.
Miracles and responses to prayers have been recorded by individuals who were praying, miracles and answers to prayers that they could never have imagined and definitely could not have produced on their own. They think that prayer was essential in making the difference.
Consider a miracle that you would want to witness—for example, the healing of a sick relative, the restoration of a broken relationship, or the redemption of a situation that seems to be hopeless. Is it possible that prayer can provide you with the solution? Is it possible for you to have a miraculous experience?
There is a growing body of evidence showing prayer has a variety of beneficial effects. Using prayer to soothe and console oneself may be very beneficial when one is suffering from pain or grieving the death of a loved one or when one is confronted with difficult circumstances. Additionally, prayer can be beneficial as a kind of focused mental inspiration for the achievement of one’s own objectives.
Prayer may also assist individuals in focusing their attention on the well-being of others. When one finds himself or herself in a dismal or helpless position, with no actual choices or solutions, and without any practical form of relief, prayer is something to participate in in order—at the very least—to feel as if one is doing something in the face of terrible situations.
People pray, without a doubt, because it makes them feel better, or because it gives them hope, or because it gives them love, or because it makes them feel just a welcomed hair short of being completely helpless. As a result of all of the above, it may be concluded that prayer is effective.
However, when it comes to prayer as a method of requesting something from a supernatural source and then receiving it, there is simply no scientific proof that such mental transmission to an unseen god is effective. All reports of “answered prayers” are purely anecdotal in nature and include no scientific evidence.
Beginning with the work of British statistician Francis Galton, the scientific research of the effectiveness of prayer has been going on for at least 150 years. Galton was perplexed in the 1870s by the fact that the British Royal Family got much more prayers on its behalf than the rest of the population, despite the fact that praying for the royal family was a regular component of Sunday services across Great Britain at that time. After all, shouldn’t they be in better health and live longer lives than the ordinary British person who hasn’t been blessed with prayers of this nature?
Without a doubt, Galton discovered that, despite all of the prayers on their behalf, the royal family did not live longer or enjoy better health on average than the rest of the population. As part of his research, Galton prayed over randomly chosen plots of land, but he discovered that his prayers had no impact on whether parts of land had more plentiful plant life.
So let quickly forward with 2006, the year in which the Templeton Foundation sponsored the most rigorous and empirically sound research of the potential beneficial benefits of prayer ever undertaken in the history of science, which was conducted by the Templeton Foundation. The research, which garnered more than $2.4 million in funding, was conducted in a double-blind fashion and included both a control group and an experimental group.
A total of 1,800 coronary bypass heart surgery patients from six different hospitals were randomly assigned to one of three groups: the first group had Christians pray for them; Christians prayed that the selected heart patients would have “a successful surgery with a quick, healthy recovery and no complications,” and the patients in this group were told that people were praying for them or that they were not. The second group was told that people were praying for them or that they were not.
They were also informed that they may or might not have people praying for them in the case of the second group of heart patients who did not get prayer. Three groups of patients were prayed for, and the patients who were prayed for were informed that they were definitely being prayed for. Each patient’s first and last initial were provided to the Christians who would be praying for them, and they were instructed to pray for them.
As a consequence, there was practically no difference in the recovery trajectories of any group, with all three groups suffering problems at rates and levels that were similar to one another. The few small changes that did emerge actually worked against the prayers: severe problems such as strokes or heart attacks occurred in 18 percent of the patients who had been prayed for, compared to just 13 percent of the patients who did not receive any prayers.
In addition, a Duke University research published in 2003 found that A total of almost 750 heart patients in nine different hospitals, all of whom were scheduled for coronary surgery, participated in this three-year trial in which they were prayed for by a diverse group of religious individuals including Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, and Jews. There were no significant variations in the recoveries or health outcomes between patients who were prayed for and those who were not in this double-blind trial, according to the findings of the previous study. Several more research have come to the same conclusion.
In conclusion, no empirical or scientifically rigorous evidence has ever been shown to demonstrate the effectiveness of prayer.
Take a look at it this way: if praying resulted in the desired outcomes, no prayed-for mothers would ever die of breast cancer, no prayed-for teenagers would ever die on the operating table, no prayed-for dogs or cats would ever fail to return home, and tens of millions of praying people would never starve to death due to a lack of rainfall. All of their prayers, as well as their parents’ prayers, and their children’s prayers, and their spouses’ prayers, obviously did not have the anticipated therapeutic effect. Three hundred million people perished from smallpox in the twentieth century alone.
Naturally, none of the above implies that individuals do not sometimes encounter wonderful and unexplained events, or that prayers are not answered on a regular basis. Something like this happens all of the time: a woman is informed that her dying spouse has little to no prospect of recovery. Prayers are being said. And then, voilà, the spouse miraculously heals, completely confounding the physicians, who are left speechless and unable to explain his recovery. It’s nothing short of a miracle, to be honest.
However, although these things do happen, what is far and away more frequent is that the spouse passes away, regardless of how many ardent prayers have been offered up. Note also that for every person who miraculously recovers, there is another perfectly healthy person who suddenly and without apparent cause passes away from some small sickness or odd condition, or an undiscovered aneurism, or a stroke, or an infection Given the precariousness and unpredictability of the human body and its functioning, individuals may occasionally recover even when the odds are stacked against them, but more often than not, they do not.
Despite all of the data demonstrating that prayers do not function in the manner in which they are intended, praying is still the first thing that most people do when there is nothing else they can do in terrible, frightening, or painful circumstances. So be it. And if it provides them with some measure of comfort and hope during these trying times, then so be it.
