The Effects of Faith and Prayer

The Effects of Faith and Prayer

Until recently, the effects of prayer were just a myth. However, science has decided to take a closer look at this national phenomenon, and study just how much does faith and prayer effect the healing of the body and mind.

For most believers there are no doubts that peace of mind can be traced directly to the effects of prayer. All the trials and tribulations associated with everyday life are somehow transformed through faith; consider the words of Paul: "Gods peace, which is far beyond understanding, will keep your mind safe in union with Christ Jesus" (Holy Bible, Phil. 4.7). If a person subscribes to this sound doctrine, life will not only become easier to bear, it will become a playground for fulfilling many hopes and dreams. Dr. Charles T. Kaelber reported in his article "Link Between Depression and Spirituality" that depression is less common in people who are actively involved in religious activities (4). Because of the instant results that have been associated with prayer, some people have gone as far as praying while driving, praying in the bathroom at work, even praying right in the middle of distress. Most have acknowledged that they felt instant relief just by saying one or two words. Experts have stated with overwhelming evidence that people who prayed were most likely to maintain a well balanced attitude towards life, and have a renewed since of strength, while constantly reaping all the other benefits that are promised through Gods word.

Another effect of faith and prayer can be seen through the miraculous recovery of those who are ill. Georgetown University Medical Professor Dale Matthews says: "Scientific study show that religious involvement helps people prevent illness, recover from illness, and remarkably live longer. The more religiously committed you are, the more likely you are to benefit"(1). There are documented occurrences that show people who were diagnosed with a life threatening illness, somehow recover with no trace of the disease, while leaving doctors completely baffled. Studies have also shown that patients who were diagnosed with AIDS had better immune systems when they engaged in some form of religious activity that included prayer.

A healthy lifestyle can become overwhelming, especially when the disparity of life becomes more evident with each passing day, which often causes people to turn to substances