HEALTHY LIVING
Healing Power of Prayer
1,500 medical studies show people of faith live longer, healthier lives. ::
BY LYNN ALLISON A
mericans who believe in a higher power are healthier mentally, emotionally, and physically.
An analysis of 1,500 medical studies published in the current edition of the Handbook of Religion and Health concluded that people who are more religious and engage in regular spiritual practice have better health. One nationwide study from The
Ohio State University found they lived nearly four years longer than those who had no ties to religion. The Handbook of Religion and
Health analysis shows: Cardiovascular functions.
Fifty-seven percent of the studies found that religious people have significantly lower blood pressure, and 63% of the studies found that those who are more religious have less coronary artery disease compared to those who are less religious. Depression. More than 60% of the
studies found that those who are more religious experienced significantly lower levels of depression. Those who did experience
depression recovered more quickly compared to those who were less religious. Suicide. Approximately 75% of
84 NEWSMAX MAXLIFE | JANUARY 2025
studies found that those who are more religious are less likely to commit suicide, to make suicide attempts, and to have suicidal thoughts compared to those who are less religious. Alcohol and drugs. A full 86% of
studies examining the relationship between religiosity and alcohol or drug use found that those who are more religious are less likely to abuse alcohol or drugs. Well-being and happiness. Close to
80% of the studies found that greater religious involvement is related to greater levels of well-being and happiness. Exercise and risky sexual
behavior. About 68% of the studies found that greater religiosity is related to significantly higher levels
People who pray regularly are more likely to engage in positive health behaviors and to enjoy healthy social connections with others.
of physical activity. And 86% of studies found a
positive correlation between religious affiliations and reduced odds of extramarital affairs or multiple partners. Immune and endocrine functions.
Fifty-six percent of studies found that those who are religious have stronger immune functions than those who are less religious, and 74% of studies found that those who are more religious have significantly lower levels of the stress hormones cortisol and epinephrine than those who are less religious. Harold G. Koenig, M.D., director of
the Center for Spirituality, Theology, and Health at Duke University — and one of the authors of the Handbook of Religion and Health — says that prayer works by reducing psychological stress and providing a sense of meaning and purpose. People who pray regularly are more
likely to engage in positive health behaviors and to enjoy healthy social connections with others. The brain and higher cortical
processes are directly connected through the nervous system to the major physiological healing systems: the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. Prayer enhances the efficiency of these healing systems. Ideally, attending religious services
is the best way to harness the power of prayer. In a public setting, you have a symbiotic support system and can discuss issues with others. Praying at the individual level,
alone, and in the privacy of your home can also strengthen the healing effects of prayer. Most people benefit from having a
prayer or meditative practice first thing in the morning — a time to sit quietly for 20 to 30 minutes. Reading the Scriptures, especially
the Psalms, is a popular way to meditate in prayer. “The Lord’s Prayer is excellent for the Christian, but each part of it must be savored, thought through, and applied to one’s life, for that day,” says Koenig.
DELMAINE DONSON©ISTOCK
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