Does prayer really work? Yes, it does – not because of us, but because of Him. For millennia, prayer has been a fundamental element of human spirituality and religious devotion. Across diverse cultures and beliefs, individuals resort to prayer in moments of distress, thankfulness, or to foster a deeper connection with God. Some people pray every day or several times per day. Yet, does prayer truly have an impact? This inquiry has sparked debates, studies, and introspective discussions for ages. Let’s dive into this intriguing subject and examine the different viewpoints on the effectiveness of prayer. The Bible affirms that prayer is powerful and effective. Jesus taught His disciples to pray and not lose heart (Luke 18:1). He also instructed them to pray continually in every situation (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Jesus Himself often prayed to His Father, especially before important events or decisions (Luke 6:12; Matthew 26:36-46).
Does Prayer Work
How do we know that prayer works? Does cause God to change His mind or alter His plans? Does it make us more deserving of His blessings or less prone to His judgments? Does it guarantee that we will get what we want or avoid what we fear? The answers to these questions are not simple. Prayer is not a magic formula or a vending machine. Prayer is not a way of manipulating God or imposing our will on Him. Prayer is not a means of earning God’s favor or escaping His discipline. It is not a way of programming God to grant our requests.
A Few Selected Studies and Research
The National Library of Medicine, of the National Center for Biotechnology Information in the USA, has on its PMC website, an article published by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry under the title, “Prayer and healing: A medical and scientific perspective on randomized controlled trials” done October – December 2009, by Chittaranjan Andrade, professor of Psychopharmacology and Rajiv Radhakrishnan, Research Officer. The article looks at the mechanisms by which prayer may result in health and healing. The study referenced a study done by Cha et al on infertile women treated with in vitro fertilization embryo transfer in Seoul, South Korea. Women were placed in randomized distant prayer and control groups and prayer was conducted by prayer groups in the USA, Canada, and Australia. It states that the women who had been prayed for had nearly twice as high a pregnancy than those who had not been prayed for.
Retrieved on 04/26/2024 from:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2802370/
In the documentary, “Water, The Great Mystery”, experiments were done which showed that the structure of water changed as it was affected not only by physical factors but also by human emotions and thoughts, including prayer. That particular experiment was conducted by Dr. Masaru Emoto, who was one of the scientists featured in the documentary.
Retrieved on 04/26/2024 from:
https://ossweb.wordpress.com/2016/07/20/water-gratitude-and-prayer/
A Ukrainian scientist, Dr. Michel Lazorik, conducted experiments with patients who suffered from various illnesses. He studied the blood of participants and then had the participant, or a friend pray for 15 minutes saying the Lord’s Prayer, the Creed, or O Heavenly King (Psalm 50). After the prayer, he analyzed the participant’s blood again and said that the blood was different on a cellular level. He said that the human body is almost 80% water and the audial vibrations of prayer act upon it.
Information retrieved on 04/26/2024 from:
https://orthochristian.com/101123.html
Whether these studies and experiments and the myriads of others are conclusive or not, people of faith are convinced that prayer works. Many tell of ways in which their prayers were answered, and some can recount miracles they have experienced.
Aligning Ourselves
Prayer is a way of aligning ourselves with God’s will and purposes. Prayer is a way of acknowledging God’s supremacy, rulership, and infinite wisdom. Prayer is a way of trusting God’s goodness and faithfulness. Prayer is a way of submitting to God’s authority and glory. James 5:16, “Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.”
God in Us
Prayer works because God works. He works in us, through us, and for us. He works according to His perfect plan and timing. He works for His own name’s sake and for our ultimate good. John 14:20, “In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you”
No Guarantee
Prayer does not guarantee that we will always get what we want, but it assures us that we will always get what we need. Prayer does not guarantee that we will always avoid what we fear, but it assures us that we will always overcome what we face. Prayer does not guarantee that we will always understand what God is doing, but it assures us that we will always know who God is. Philippians 4:19 says, “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Prayer Changes Us
Prayer works because it changes us. It changes our perspectives, our attitudes, our characters, and our behaviors. It changes our relationship with God, with ourselves, and with others. It changes our desires, our motives, our priorities, and our goals. Romans 12, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.”
Glorifies Us
Prayer works because prayer glorifies God. It glorifies Him as the Creator, the Sustainer, the Redeemer, and the Judge of all things. It glorifies Him as the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It glorifies Him as the Lord, the Savior, the Master, and the Friend of all who call on Him. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.”
A Gift From God
Prayer works because prayer is a gift from God. It is a gift of grace, mercy, love, and peace. It is a gift of access, intimacy, fellowship, and communion. It is a gift of joy, hope, faith, and power. James 5:15, “And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.”
Prayer is a Privilege
Prayer works because prayer is a privilege and a responsibility. It is a privilege to talk to the King of kings and the Lord of lords. It is a responsibility to listen to His voice and obey His commands. It is a privilege to share our hearts with the One who knows us better than ourselves. It is a responsibility to intercede for others who need His intervention. Philippians 4:6 ESV, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”
An Act of Worship
Prayer works because prayer is an act of worship and service. It is an act of worship that honors God for who He is and what He has done. It is an act of service that expresses our gratitude for what He has given us and what He expects from us. 1 Timothy 2:1, “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people.”
An Expression of Faith
Prayer works because prayer is an expression of faith and love. It is an expression of faith that believes in God’s promises and power. It is an expression of love that delights in God’s presence and pleasure. Ephesians 6:17–18, “And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints.”
Conclusion
So, does prayer really work? Yes, for us believers, prayer is a profound and meaningful practice that connects us with God and provides comfort, guidance, and even miracles. Regardless of one’s beliefs, prayer can be a powerful tool for promoting mindfulness, positive thinking, and focused intention, which can benefit mental and emotional well-being. Whether you believe in the power of prayer or view it as a form of meditation, there’s no denying the profound impact that prayer can have on those who engage in it. In the end, the effectiveness of prayer may be a deeply personal and subjective experience. For some, prayer is a transformative practice that brings about positive change and spiritual growth, while for others, it may not hold the same significance. As with many spiritual and philosophical questions, prayer’s true meaning and efficacy may remain a matter of faith, belief, and personal experience.