Prayer is broadly defined as a deliberate communication with a deity or object of worship. It can be a spoken or silent expression of gratitude, a plea for assistance, or a means of connecting with the divine. Prayer is not typically considered a passive reflection but a direct address to a higher power.
Research suggests that prayer can have a modest yet positive correlation with mental health outcomes, potentially offering benefits similar to meditation by calming the nervous system and reducing reactivity to negative emotions. Studies have shown that regular prayer can lead to measurable changes in the brain, such as growth in the cingulate cortex, which manages emotions and empathy, and decreased activity in the amygdala, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight response. Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist, has spoken about his personal relationship with prayer, noting its positive impact on his mental health and well-being. He emphasizes that prayer provides a sense of peace, purpose, and connection.
