By Connor Snow
“Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one’s weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart.”
Many of us think of prayer as a way to communicate with a higher power, God, nature, etc… We rarely think of prayer as a researched practice to enhance mental and physical health benefits. Regardless of the beliefs of each reader, prayer proves to be a powerful principle of positive psychology and puts forth results for millions of people around the world.
The Transformative Power of Prayer: A Path to Positive Psychology
In today’s fast-paced world, where stress and uncertainty often feel like constant companions, I’ve found that finding inner peace and emotional balance is more crucial than ever. Over the years, I’ve tried different methods—meditation, mindfulness, therapy—but what has really stood the test of time for me is prayer. It’s not just a spiritual practice; it’s become a powerful way for me to cultivate a sense of purpose, hope, and gratitude in my daily life.
The Benefits of Prayer
Positive psychology is all about figuring out what truly makes life meaningful—focusing on strengths, happiness, and fulfillment. For me, prayer, whether it’s something I do as part of my faith or just a personal practice, really connects with these ideas. It’s something I turn to that helps me nurture the positive aspects of my life, and I’ve noticed how much it has helped my mental and emotional well-being. Here’s how I’ve seen prayer make a real difference in my life:
Cultivating Gratitude
One of the things that really stands out in positive psychology is gratitude, and I’ve found that prayer is a powerful way to cultivate this feeling. A lot of prayer practices encourage me to reflect on the good things in my life, recognize the blessings I have, and express thanks. When I make time to pray, it allows me to pause and truly appreciate the present moment, which has brought me more satisfaction in life and a much more optimistic outlook. It’s something I’ve come to rely on to help shift my perspective.
Enhancing Hope and Optimism
Prayer provides a sense of hope, especially in times of difficulty. It’s a moment where we can express our desires, hopes, and fears, and feel a sense of connection to something greater than ourselves. This feeling of hope is linked to better psychological resilience and can enhance our overall sense of well-being. Whether you’re praying for yourself or others, the act of praying fosters optimism and a belief that things can improve, even in tough times.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
I’ve also found that prayer can have a really calming effect on both my mind and body. Whether I’m praying silently, speaking the words out loud, or simply reflecting, I’ve noticed that it helps me relax. It seems to activate my parasympathetic nervous system, the part of the body responsible for rest and relaxation, which makes it easier to let go of stress and anxiety. Prayer gives me a break from the chaos of daily life and lets me enter a peaceful, reflective state. Plus, it encourages mindfulness, which has really helped me reduce negative emotions and boost the positive ones (Goyal et al., 2014).
Building a Sense of Purpose
At its core, prayer has always been a practice that helps me feel connected to something bigger—whether I see it as communication with a higher power, the universe, or simply an expression of hope. It’s that moment of clarity and direction I sometimes need. I’ve realized that having a sense of purpose, something prayer encourages me to reflect on, is so closely tied to happiness, self-esteem, and mental health. It’s something I’ve come to rely on, as it helps me align my values and goals, giving me a deeper sense of meaning in life.
Strengthening Relationships and Empathy
Prayer isn’t just about self-reflection for me—it’s also a way to feel connected to others. When I pray for loved ones, my community, or even the world, it helps me cultivate empathy and strengthen my bonds with those around me. I’ve come to realize that meaningful relationships are a huge part of happiness and well-being, and prayer gives me a chance to show compassion for others. By praying for them, I feel more connected and involved in their lives, which has deepened my sense of community.
How to Incorporate Prayer into Your Daily Life
If you’re curious about incorporating prayer into your daily routine but aren’t sure where to start, here are some simple ways to make it part of your life:
Start Your Day with Gratitude: Take a few moments each morning to reflect on what you are grateful for and offer a prayer of thanks for the blessings in your life.
Pray for Others: Think of someone who could use support, whether a friend, family member, or even someone you don’t know personally. Offering a prayer for others can help you cultivate empathy and strengthen your social connections.
Create a Prayer Ritual: Set aside a few minutes each day for focused prayer. Whether it’s in the morning, before bed, or during a break at work, creating a ritual can bring a sense of calm and structure to your day.
Use Affirmations in Prayer: One thing I’ve started doing is incorporating positive affirmations into my prayer practice. Repeating simple statements like “I am strong” or “I am grateful for this moment” really helps shift my mindset and bring a sense of peace. It’s amazing how these affirmations, woven into prayer, can build resilience and reinforce a positive outlook, especially on tougher days. They remind me of my strengths and the things I’m thankful for, helping me stay grounded and hopeful.
Be Present: When I pray, I try to focus on being fully present in the moment. I make a conscious effort to avoid distractions, take deep breaths, and really allow myself to engage with the experience. This mindful approach has made such a difference for me—it’s like I can truly connect with the process. By staying in the moment, I’ve noticed that the positive psychological benefits of prayer deepen, helping me feel more centered and at peace.
In all, prayer has helped me through my hardest times, and along with other mindfulness habits and practices on MyBestSelf101—it can be a powerful tool to change your perspective, behavior, and ultimately your life.
“Prayer is the inner bath of love into which the soul plunges itself.”
References
Emmons, R. A. (2007). Thanks! How the new science of gratitude can make you happier. Houghton Mifflin.
Goyal, M., Krag, M., & Brown, D. (2014). Meditation programs for psychological stress and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 76(5), 319-328. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychores.2014.02.003
Krause, N. (2006). Exploring the relationship between religious involvement and health outcomes in the elderly. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 47(2), 105-122. https://doi.org/10.1177/002214650604700201
Ryff, C. D., & Singer, B. (2008). Know thyself and become what you are: A eudaimonic approach to psychological well-being. Journal of Happiness Studies, 9(1), 13-39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10902-006-9019-0
Snyder, C. R. (2000). Handbook of hope: Theory, measures, and applications. Academic Press.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. (n.d.). Prayer. Gospel Topics.https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/manual/gospel-topics/prayer-study-guide?lang=eng
Watson, D., Clark, L. A., & Tellegen, A. (1988). Development and validation of brief measures of positive and negative affect: The PANAS scales. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 54(6), 1063-1070. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.54.6.1063
Wong, P. T. P. (2012). The human quest for meaning: A handbook of psychological research and clinical applications. In P. T. P. Wong & L. H. Wong (Eds.), Handbook of the psychology of religion and spirituality (pp. 307-322). American Psychological Association.