The Link Between Prayer and Health

Is there a link between prayer and health? Recent studies conducted by scientists and other researchers have proven that there is a significant link between prayer and health. They have determined that those who pray more often and attend weekly religious services are more likely to receive health benefits than those who do not. Put simply, the more you pray the healthier you might stay.
Some examples of these benefits include improved physical activity, stronger mental health, and a decrease in mortality. One such psychiatric study conducted in 2004 by D’ Souza and A. Rodrigo demonstrated that people who use prayer as a form of therapy resulted in them having significant reduced feelings of hopelessness, despair, stress, and other negative feelings. Praying also provides a form of social interaction as well which can be beneficial to your health. When people pray in groups rather than individually, there is a sense of belonging to that individual and he or she can have a more optimistic outlook to whatever problems or issues the individual may be experiencing. Another study which was intriguing, examined people who were experiencing a “religious struggle” within themselves. Examples of some of these religious struggles include feelings of being punished by God, blaming God for his or her problems, or just simply being angry at God. The study concluded that these people were at a much higher risk of poor medical outcomes and a higher mortality than other people. Perhaps this is a sign that they should not look to find outside forces to blame for their issues, but rather they should seek to help themselves.
Medical schools are also taking heed of these studies and there are now nearly thirty schools around the United States that have included courses on religion and spirituality for medical students. Statistics have show that people that pray often were less likely to smoke or drink than those who are not. In fact, if an individual for example went to church and read the bible daily, then he or she is 990% less likely to smoke. When you smoke or drink less, this can translate into lower rates of lung cancer, cardiac problems, or liver problems. In the latter example, we see that praying and attending religious services are involved indirectly in benefiting our health. People who frequently attend religious services also have shown to have a much stronger immune system than those who didn’t. A stronger immune system could mean that you are less likely to fall ill or succumb to diseases like influenza, viral infections, or phenomena.
One particular study showed the effects of religious therapy used on individuals who were suffering from depression. Some of the methods the therapists used were using religious arguments and religious imagery to counter some of the negative thoughts the patients was exhibiting. As a result, the patient would feel better about him or herself and thus reduce the symptoms of depression. What’s surprising about this study was that the therapists themselves were non-religious. Mortality rates have also been proven to be affected by prayer. In one such study conducted by Oxman, Freeman, and Manheimer in 1995 showed that the mortality rates in the elderly that prayed often were lower than those who did not depend on prayer for strength. Even after all of the social factors were considered, the more religious individuals were about one third less likely to die than those who were not. Another report among thirty-three elderly people that were hospitalized for hip fracture showed individuals who depended on prayer were less likely to feel depressed and walked longer distances after they were released from the hospital than those who were not. Consequently, the ones who did not pray or attend religious services very often were more likely to experience more health problems and inevitably have an earlier death.
Of course with every person that supports a link between prayer and health there is usually someone who disagrees. They might say that these findings were inconsistent and that other factors were not considered when making the studies. However, I for one am satisfied with the studies and my faith has grown stronger because of them. I also admire those who make time in their schedules to practice their faith, whatever it may be. After all, we could all use a little prayer every now and then wouldn't you say?