Midwest Mary

Prayer is Powerful

Why do you worry?
If you believe in prayer,
you know its power.

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More of my prayers have been answered than I can count, some of which were absolutely incredible. I’ve written on the power of prayer (see also, Winning Prayers) in past posts.

Regardless of how our prayers are answered, the act of praying is spiritually, emotionally, and physically healthy for us. Communication with God is beneficial for our whole being.

Following is an excerpt on this topic from Young in the Spirit. Please read on, and keep on praying.

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“Spirituality is good for our health. There is a saying that our thoughts become our words, our words become our actions, and our actions become our reality. Negative, worrisome, or angry thoughts adversely affect the body. They pollute the body, mind, and spirit and manifest in pain and disability. Friends, family, and peers are affected by our foul actions and words, as well.

In contrast, prayerful and peaceful thoughts alter the whole person and everyone around us in a positive way. Research finds that spirituality is associated with improved immune systems and fewer episodes of chronic inflammation. It also is known to lower rates of depression, a common condition in seniors. At least 25 percent of older adults suffer from depression, and that number increases significantly for those with physical illnesses.

Perhaps spirituality helps with these conditions because of the calming effect of prayer. Prayerful meditation can lower blood pressure and promote peacefulness in both mind and body. In addition, religion can be a strong deterrent to suicide (ASR.14) Older people with depression who are spiritual are less likely to intentionally harm themselves. A study in the September 2008 Journal of Affective Disorders reported that suicide rates are lower among people who regularly attend religious services.

Spirituality relieves stress in difficult times. Throughout the struggles and heartaches of life, religion is the primary method by which a sizeable portion of older Americans cope. As we age, we tend to turn toward our faith in the midst of turmoil.

Spirituality gives hope. When life gets tough, faithful people place their worries in God’s hands. We pray, Thy will be done, and trust that God knows best and will take care of everything. All will be well. Our prayers remove at least a portion of the stress, and therefore, some of the damage stress does to the body. In a sense, we gain control by giving it up to our loving God. We are better able to continue our life journey one step at a time rather than be crippled by fear. “

—Excerpt from Young in the Spirit

©2024, Mary K. Doyle