We can talk about the importance of prayer. Most Christians understand prayer is communication with God. Prayer is our way of talking with God. We praise in prayer. We confess. Thanksgiving and supplication are given to God as well.
While conversing with God is important, prayer also produces other results in our lives. There are many studies that have been conducted that show the power of prayer. Here are three that I recently read and thought worth sharing.
- Baylor University researchers discovered people who pray have less anxiety. Anxiety is connected to worry. We cast our worries upon God in prayer, which makes us less anxious about our concerns.
- Researchers at Oregon State University discovered that prayer and meditation helped people regulate their emotions. Most personal conflicts result from a failure to control emotions. Prayer seems to help us manage our emotions.
- Columbia University discovered prayer thickens the brain’s cortex. A stronger cortex guards against depression. Prayer not only has a spiritual impact. It also affects our physical bodies.
It should not surprise us that the means of communication God has given us has far-reaching affects. Having a strong emotional base may not be the reason to pray, but it certainly provides encouragement to pray. While we are talking with God through prayer, it seems God is doing something else within us as we pray.
