Our species has
probably been praying for as long as we have been able to contemplate our
existence. And though we may never be able to establish evidence that a deity
or spiritual
force actually hears our prayers, in recent years, scientists have begun to
consider the potential tangible (i.e., measurable) effects of prayer. And this
research suggests that prayer may be very beneficial.
So here are five
scientifically-supported benefits of prayer:
1.
Prayer improves self-control
Studies have
demonstrated that self-control is like a muscle. That is, it gets fatigued. You
can only do so many push-ups before your muscles give out. Similarly,
activities that require self-control are fatiguing, making it more difficult to
make good choices the more you have to use your "self-controlmuscle." Think about it. You are more likely to lose your cool or engage
in mindless eating when you are mentally exhausted.
Recent research
indicates that prayer can help you get more out of your "self-control
muscle." Research participants who said a prayer prior to a mentally
exhausting task were better able to exercise self-control following that task.
In addition, other studies demonstrate the prayer reduces alcohol consumption,
which may reflect the exercise of self-control. Findings such as these suggest
that prayer has an energizing effect.
2.
Prayer makes you nicer
Researchers found
that having people pray for those in need reduced the amount of aggression they
expressed following an anger-inducing
experience. In other words, prayer helps you not lose your cool.
3.
Prayer makes you more forgiving
Researchers found
that having people pray for a romantic partner or friend made them more willing
to forgive those individuals.
4.
Prayer increases trust
Recent studies found
that having people pray together with a close friend increased feelings of
unity and trust. This finding is interesting because it suggests that praying
with others can be an experience that brings people closer together. Social
prayer may thus help build close relationships.
5.
Prayer offsets the negative health effects of stress
Researchers found
that people who prayed for others were less vulnerable to the negative physical
health effects associated with financial stress. Also, it was the focus on
others that seemed to be contributing to the stress-buffering effects of
prayer. Praying for material gain did not counter the effects of stress. So
thinking about the welfare of others may be a crucial component of receiving
personal benefits from prayer.
