We use prayer all the time to get through the tough days. From trying to manage the stress of losing a job or dealing with a personal relationship that is not going in the direction we want, we lean into prayer to feel empowered and capable of managing life. This powerful tool has been used for centuries for anyone seeking peace of mind. It gives us a focus on a higher power where we can find solace in times of stress, anxiety, or uncertainty. It doesn’t matter if you are religious or not. Prayer can have a positive impact on your mental health and general well-being.
As more and more of us share our everyday life on social media and across various online services, it is only becoming more apparent how much we need prayer. This connection with something beyond our understanding provides a beautiful sense of relief and comfort. It gives us the opportunity to feel more at ease and less overwhelmed by the challenges we face. We know from plenty of research that prayer is an excellent source to lower cortisol levels, the primary hormone causing stress.
Prayer also helps us feel a sense of gratitude and positivity. We are taking a moment to separate our anxiety from the things we shouldn’t focus on and changing them toward an appreciation of the life and benefits we are experiencing. This makes us feel more content and fulfilled, even amid overwhelming circumstances.
With prayer, we have a method to forgive and reconcile. We can find a pathway toward forgiving those who have wronged us or caused us pain. This relieves us from the anger and resentment that is probably holding us back, allowing anyone to move forward with a great sense of peace and compassion.
That is what is so beautiful about the power of prayer. We are dipping into a source of strength and resilience that allows us to transcend the current situation. It gives us the drive to slog through those hardships or immense grief from suffering so we can reconnect with ourselves and the community around us.
Even when we wish to be alone, we can build a network of support through payer. Through our churches, home groups, or friend groups, we can connect with like-minded individuals and develop a greater sense of belonging and connection. That is a critical benefit during those times when we all experience a bit of loneliness.
In this life, there are no guarantees. We cannot say what will happen tomorrow or the next day after that. We need tools and relief from the challenges we face as individuals and in our communities. Prayer is the answer to so many of these problematic situations. Even if we never hear anything back, knowing we can connect and share our innermost struggles with something greater empowers each of us to keep moving forward.