The Influence of Private Christian Prayer Types on Mental and Physical Health

Abstract

The relationship of religiosity/spirituality to health is a well-established area. This theoretical paper explores how prayer types may influence physical health via mental health and summarizes relevant literature. In the Christian religion, private prayer refers to private, personal communication with the God that Christians believe in. It is often distinguished into five types: petitionary prayer (asking God to intervene), meditative prayer (reflection on being present with God), colloquial prayer (conversational dialogue with God), ritualistic prayer (reciting established prayers), and intercessory prayer (praying on behalf of others) [1]. Most studied literature spans multiple denominations.

A literature review suggests that prayer is generally linked to improved psychological well-being [2]. However, the effects depend on the prayer type. Petitionary prayer often shows no benefit or negative associations with mental health, such as increased anxiety. In contrast, colloquial, meditative, and ritualistic prayers consistently correlate with positive mental health, happiness, positive affect, and decreased levels of stress, anxiety, and depression [1]. Lastly, a meta-analysis claims that results of studies on intercessory prayer are often inconsistent, suggesting no discernible effect on the health of the prayer-for [2].

Different prayer types appear to engage distinct processes. Colloquial and meditative prayer involve sharing personal struggles with God, which can function like therapeutic disclosure. Prayer can also induce relaxation and a “mindfulness” effect, with slower breathing, lower heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol reactivity to stress [3]. Belief in divine oversight can reframe adversity as purposeful, helping gain control over events. Further, prayer activates brain networks involved in social cognition, suggesting prayer can serve as a medium for a supportive attachment with God, which provides perceived companionship. Additionally, prayer can foster "positive" emotions like hope, peace, love, and joy, improving overall well-being.

Mental health has far-reaching effects on physical health through multiple pathways—hormonal, neurological, immunological, and behavioral. For example, reduced anxiety and depression dampen HPA-axis arousal and inflammation, exhibiting smaller cortical cortisol spikes under stress, which helps protect cardiovascular and immune health [3]. Hence, prayer could indirectly reduce inflammation and cardiovascular strain. 

Future studies could clarify unique mediators that differentiate prayer and mindfulness. Few studies integrate psychoneuroendocrine measures to map the full chain from prayer to mind and body. The role of intercessory prayer on the health of the person praying could be more studied. Future research should employ precise conceptual models, measure specific prayer types, utilize controlled or longitudinal designs [2], and investigate effects on both mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression) and physiology (e.g., cortisol, inflammation, cardiovascular markers).

References

[1] M. Jantos and H. Kiat, “Prayer as medicine: how much have we learned?” Medical Journal of Australia, vol. 186, no. S10, pp. S51-S53, 2007.

[2] K. S. Masters and G. I. Spielmans, “Prayer and health: review, meta-analysis, and research agenda,” Journal of behavioral medicine, vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 329-338, 2007.

[3] J. Tartaro, L. J. Luecken, and H. E. Gunn, “Exploring heart and soul: effects of religiosity/spirituality and gender on blood pressure and cortisol stress responses,” Journal of health psychology, vol. 10, no. 6, pp. 753-766, 2005.