Prayer as a Tool for Mental Health
Prayer can help you better understand your new identity in Christ while cultivating personal character growth and spiritual enlightenment. Prayer provides many spiritual and mental health benefits that can help you understand God, his nature, and yourself.
But what is prayer?
One of the most important things you can do on your journey through life is to make space for daily prayer.
Some describe prayer as talking with God and listening to Him and enjoying the presence of God. Ultimately, it's about alignment and connection. According to some studies in a climate of social distancing, human connection is very important for mental health.
Mental Health America (MHA) found that 71% of people turn to family or friends when they feel stressed. Humans have a natural need for social connection and like feeling valued, cared for, and supported by others.
A study from Columbia University found that prayer reduces ego while promoting humility within an individual; this makes them more interested in those around them who are different than they may be used to or comfortable being near before praying for their sake too!
LET'S LOOK AT SOME OF THE OTHER BENEFITS OF PRAYER
Prayer also opens you up to forgiveness. That includes forgiving yourself as well. Studies have found that forgiveness reduces pain, and levels of anxiety, depression, and stress.
Prayer is a powerful and effective way of relieving stress. It helps us to see that God is ultimately in control so we can release our worries and receive God’s peace.
Prayer is a fundamental part of self-reflection and gratitude. Those who are capable of inward contemplation can grow spiritually as well as live out their God-given purpose!
With this space for contemplation comes the opportunity to find new solutions or even an acceptance of challenges in life’s journey. Prayer also offers help in building faith which allows those who pray regularly access confidence during times when they feel weak - because everything will work out eventually if you just believe.
Do you pray daily? Not sure what to pray?
Lord have mercy. My spirit is low, and hope is far from me. Darkness follows me and despair flows within me. I have no answers for any of life’s questions. I am tired. I have no motivation or desire to move forward. I’m sitting here in this pit with the weight of depression on me.
What can I do God? Will you lift this burden of depression?
Turn to me God and please hear me and see me.
Will you come into the pit with me and bring light to this dark place?
Will you?
In my heart, I believe you will. You will send help! You will send aid so I may stand on the rock of my salvation.
In the midst of my depression, I still believe!
For what it’s worth Lord I still believe there is greater for me beyond depression!
With this ounce of strength that I have to pray this prayer by faith I open my heart to receive help in Jesus in name so be it.
Amen.
