Monday Morning Motivational Message - Prayer

When was the last time you prayed for someone, or someone prayed for you?

According to a December 27, 2024, article in ChurchLeaders.com, here are some statistics on prayer:

 - Approximately 84% of Americans claim to have prayed in the past week, with this percentage remaining constant since 1993.

 - According to a poll funded by U.S. News and Beliefnet, 56% of those who pray do so for family members, while 3.3% pray for strangers. Forty-one percent of respondents indicated their prayers are often answered. At the same time, 73% believe that unanswered prayers don't align with God's plans.

 - A Newsweek poll found 82% of people pray for the health or success of a family member, 75% pray for help in overcoming weakness, and 51% do not believe God answers prayers regarding sporting events.

 - A Gallup poll found that 76% of Americans favored a constitutional amendment allowing voluntary prayer in public schools. Additionally, 49% of teenagers stated that they would attend prayer meetings before or after school if offered the opportunity.  

However, people who do engage in prayer are often criticized and ridiculed by those who don't pray, as the practice is seen as a waste of time. So, does prayer provide any quantifiable scientific advantages?

The following are proven benefits of prayer from a July 2, 2022, article by David Small and published in theprayerwarrior.com:

 - Research has shown that prayer improves mental health by reducing stress and depression.

 - Some studies have shown that Individuals who pray live longer because prayer improves immunity and overall heart function.  

 - Among religious people, either praying for oneself or receiving prayerful intervention from others has been shown to reduce pain.

 - A 2008 Oxford University study found that prayer increases self-confidence by decreasing anxiety, depression, and loneliness.   

During my thirteen-year battle against aggressive melanoma, prayer has been an integral part of my daily life. Not only do I pray for my healing and well-being, but I also pray for the health and safety of family members, along with cancer patients and caregivers I have met during my cancer journey. 

Turning over my anxiety, negativity, and pain to the Creator of the Universe, to a Being who is pure love and is so much bigger than me, allows a feeling of comfort and peace I've never experienced by other means.  

The next time you're nervous, stressed, or facing adversity, why not turn to God with your concerns and ask Him to assist you? You might be pleasantly surprised by the outcome.