47 Health Benefits of Prayer - Part 1

By Andrew Newberg

Religious beliefs and activities can have a profound impact on our mental and physical well being by reducing stress, improving resistance to diseases, enhancing memory and mental function, and helping us to lead longer lives.

Many studies have looked at how health and well-being are influenced by having spiritual beliefs, praying, and attending religious services, and these have found a wide range of benefits. The Mind Health Report compiled a summary of these benefits.

47. Having a Happier Marriage

Couples who share religious beliefs, practices, and affiliations are happier than those with different or no religious orientation, according to a study of nearly 1,400 Americans between the ages of 18 and 59, conducted by the National Marriage Project at the University of Virginia. The happiest couples think, discuss, and practice their beliefs in the home, rather than only attending church services.

Earlier research has identified three ways in which religion enhances marriages: By promoting ethical behavior (the Golden Rule) and forgiveness; by providing a family-oriented social network; and by bringing a sense of meaning and purpose to life, which increases resilience to stress.

SOURCE: Journal of Marriage and Family

1. Becoming More Forgiving

Two studies at Florida State University found that praying for a person increases your ability to forgive that person. In one study, people who prayed for a romantic partner harbored fewer vengeful thoughts and emotions and were more ready to forgive and move on after a conflict.

In another study, men and women prayed for the well-being of a close friend, daily for four weeks, while others simply thought positive thoughts about their friend. Those who prayed were more willing to forgive, not only the friend but other people in general. Forgiveness is associated with better overall health and satisfaction with life.

SOURCE: Psychological Science

2. Achieving Goals More Effectively

Researchers at the University of Miami analyzed more than eight decades of research and found that prayer and other religious practices improve the ability to pursue and achieve long-term goals. Prayer affects regions of the brain that improve self-control, and people who view their goals as sacred put more effort and energy into attaining them.

SOURCE: Psychological Bulletin

-- Full text of article: 47 Health Benefits of Prayer (12MB)

--Andrew Newberg is a founder of neurotheology, the study of the relationship between spiritual phenomena and the human brain.