Did you know prayer can change the structure of your brain? If you are going through challenging times, if work feels overwhelming, anxiety has been high, or you just can’t seem to get ahead, prayer may be just what you need. In fact, “nearly 90% of Americans have prayed for healing.”
In the Fall 2021 edition of Unlimited Human, Norma Lent Auerbach recapped the studies on prayer by Dr. Michael Krucoff, a cardiovascular specialist at Duke University as well as that of Dr. Andrew Newberg (Thomas Jefferson University Hospital) and Dr. Herbert Benson (Harvard University Medical School). “These studies were remarkably consistent in suggesting the potential measurable health benefits associated with prayer or spiritual intervention.”
Dr. Andrew Newberg found the relationship between prayer and lowering depression, reducing blood pressure, having a greater ability to handle financial concerns, improving overall health and well-being after examining the effects of prayer on the brain across more than 30 years. In 1,200 studies, Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University found that those who engage in religious practices live longer, have less illnesses, and bounce back faster from depression.
Yesterday was a cloudy Saturday. This entire week, I felt a nudging within my spirit to go towards the water. As the body is widely intelligent, I listened to it and headed for the beach. About halfway into my visit, as I was sitting on a chair reading, instantly I wanted to stand up. I stepped over towards the rocks behind me. I played “How Great Is Our God” as my eyes shut and I brought my senses inward.
As my legs began to move, swaying side to side dancing, my arms lifted up into the air in praise and worship. I did not care who watched or what others would think. I felt a surge of gratitude, joy, and freedom fill up my mind and body. I knew the benefit of going to the beach for clarity of mind, to boost one’s spirit, and relieve stress as the water’s negative ions balance the positive ions we pick up from computers, phones, polluted air, and more.
Little did I know I’d get a spiritual mood booster through prayer and worship in public. I noticed that the two sheriffs department gentlemen who had been speaking a bit far removed from where I was standing had now moved in front of my eye line. It was obvious I was offering prayers of gratitude as my smile looking up to the sky and my finger pointing up to the one who has never left my side demonstrated. Perhaps they wanted to feel some of that!
As my morning concluded and I headed back to the car, I literally said out loud, “thank you for my reset!” I could feel the biochemical upgrade, my nervous system re-balanced, and my mind renewed. It was then that I made the decision to make these beach visits part of my monthly practice. Throughout my day, I speak with God but this was quite the experience.
It makes logical sense that the #1 Bible verse looked up in 2020, when the world was in the greatest fear, had one powerful message. Isaiah 41:10 ranked as the most searched, read, and bookmarked verse on the app: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (ChristianityToday.com).
Here is my gift to you. Place a headset over your ears. Close your eyes. Bring your senses inward. Meditate on the spiritual guided journey (link below). May you feel restored and repurposed. You are loved just as you are. You are equipped to overcome. Your brain was designed to adapt to handle adversity well. You simply need to take the first step.
Wishing you peace and joy,
Jessica Morales Myers, CHt.
Founder of Be YOU Bloom®