The Power Of Prayer
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What is Prayer, Really?
Yet my husband who claims not to believe in God, prays all the time. He gives thanks before every meal, prays for sick and injured people, and does all sorts of little prayers every day. Sometimes I tease him and ask "if you don't believe in God, who or what are you praying to?"
He usually gives me sarcastic answers like "the aliens" or "MacDonalds", but he does admit to asking the universe for things, and that when he does, the Universe usually does bring it to him.
I think a better explanation of what prayer actually is, would be when one focuses all of their thoughts & energy on to something specific. Regardless of what prayer is, or whom or what people pray to, the reality is that prayer often works wonders and miracles.
Can Science Prove Why Prayer Works?
I googled this question and was amazed to find just how "hot" this topic actually is. After wading through dozens of articles, blogs and web pages, I was able to see a pattern of 3 different opinions.The way prayer studies have been conducted is to divide people with similar illnesses into two groups. One group is actively prayed for the other is not. The findings in every one of these studies have shown a dramatic difference in recovery. The patients that are actively prayed for have a much higher survival rate than the non-prayer group.
The first and most common opinion about the results of these studies, was no, science cannot prove that prayer works. After reading these articles, the argument seemed to be mostly related to how scientific studies could not be accurate because, there was no way to prove that someone hadn't prayed for the people in the non-prayer group.
The second most common opinion was yes, these studies prove the existence of God. These articles were mostly written by religious organizations or with a strong Christian theme.
The third opinion seemed to be the one that actually came from the scientific and medical communities. This opinion was that even though there is no way to prove that the non-prayer group did not receive some prayer, that the studies did in fact prove that prayer works. Partly because even though the non-prayer group could have received some prayers, the prayer group received daily prayer, by groups of people all focused on the same outcome.
Also because so many other studies by the scientific community have confirmed that human thought can affect the physical world from a distance, that even though those studies have not been about prayer, it does relate. Also multiple studies have been done in controlled environments where prayer was done on animals from one group and not on the other group, and the animals that were prayed for also had a much higher recovery rate.
The Healing Power of Faith
How Belief and Prayer Can Help You Triumph Over Disease
The Healing Power of Faith: How Belief and Prayer Can Help You Triumph Over Disease
Amazon Price: $12.75 (as of 02/16/2012)
In this extraordinary book, Dr. Harold G. Koenig presents groundbreaking scientific evidence that provides answers to these puzzling medical mysteries. You will read about the pioneering study that found nonreligious patients with heart disease to be three times more likely to die following surgery than their religious counterparts. You'll learn why saying prayers regularly can be as effective as taking medicine, and why prayer and medicine together are such a potent combination.
Here you will meet the unforgettable patients who taught the doctors so much as they triumph over life-threatening disease, heartbreaking marital problems, dangerous addiction, and more. With simple, practical methods for harnessing the power of faith, this potentially lifesaving book provides an astonishing and immensely effective strategy for healing.
About the Author
Harold G. Koenig, M.D., is the Director of Duke University's Center for the Study of Religion/Spirituality and Health. He is also Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Associate Professor of Medicine at Duke University Medical Center. Dr. Koenig is the author of fourteen books and over 175 articles for a professional audience. This is his first book for the general public. He lives in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife and two children.
Why Prayer Really Does Work
Basic physics gives us a really good idea of why prayer works. We know that everything on a atomic level is made up of energy in the form of electrons, protons, and neutrons. To keep it simple with out going into different types of quarks, particle and quantum physics, it's long been established that all matter is made up from energy.On a metaphysical level, even our thoughts are a form of energy. All energy has the ability to manifest. Prayer is a form of focused and concentrated thought. When multiple people direct their prayer (or thoughts) toward one specific thought (as in praying that Harold recovers from his cancer) that focused energy can manifest and help Harold recover.
The more people who pray (or use focused thoughts) toward a common goal, the stronger that energy ( as in prayer = thought = energy) becomes. This is why prayer chains and prayer groups have such a high success rates.
Handbook of Religion and Health
Handbook of Religion and Health
Amazon Price: $65.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
Duke Univ., Durham, NC. Handbook reviews and discusses the extensive research on the relationships between religion and a variety of mental and physical health outcomes, including depression, anxiety, heart disease, hypertension, stroke, cancer, and immune system dysfunction. Critiques 1,200 separate studies and ranks them according to their methodology and results.
Different Types of Prayer
Almost every religion and spiritual belief includes some form of prayer. Some belief systems use very strict ritual forms of prayer, while others consider dance to be a form of prayer.Some Christians bow their heads and fold their hands, while others kneel and some even use song and music. Many Native Americans Dance, burn sage and chant. Some Hindus chant mantras, some Sufi's whirl, Orthodox Jews sway while Muslims kneel and prostrate.
Some people have morning and evening prayers every day, some people only pray on one day of the week and some people only pray when they are in trouble.
Some people call their prayers meditations, contemplations, rituals, spells, curses or even just thoughts. Some pray before meals, some pray loudly, in song or in total silence. No matter what you call it, where you do it, when you do it, the reality is that it is all just a form of prayer.
Prayer ~ Music CD
A Multi Cultural Journey of Spirit
Prayer: Multi Cultural Journey of Spirit
Amazon Price: $299.07 (as of 02/16/2012)
Prayer" is a deeply moving, beautiful collection of various prayers & chants from around the world - and I have to say that it's truly soul stirring!
I enjoy listening to music when I meditate & this has quickly become one of my favorite "meditation music" CD's! Although many of the songs are sung in a different language, you can feel their meaning within you - the music "speaks to you"...
I also really liked the liner notes that accompany this CD - they include short discussions on prayer - what it is & why it's so important, as well as the words for each of the songs, written in both the original language it was created in, as well as english.
Overall, I absolutely love this CD & I highly recommend it to anyone interested in prayer/chant music &/or music to help you get to that "special place" during meditation. ~ Amazon Review by: Katie "book worm"
What Do You Think About the Power of Prayer?
Does Prayer Really Work?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, and here is why...
Jewelsofawe says:
I believe in it! It saved my youngest daughter's life when she was born.
Posted February 13, 2011
ChrisDay says:
Yes - I have too many possible ideas how it may work but work it does!
Posted December 21, 2010
Oliver, R. says:
Indeed it does, and if you are abiding with Gods Spirit, your specific prayer has divine power and substance unmatched on earth. Hallelujah !!!
Posted August 16, 2010
CrypticFragments says:
prayer is energy which is sent into the universe...how you send it isn't so important, but passion and focus are...
I was raised Christian. For some reason, Christianity never "worked" for me. I think it was because I did not believe.
I have recently been introduced to Tibetan Buddhism, and with the aide of mantras,prayer flags and prayer wheels,as well as the knowledge that a positive mind works wonders!
Posted March 13, 2010
No way, because...
Prayer Flags
Traditional prayer flag were made of wood with prayers, wishes and symbolic pictures written on them. More modern prayer flags are made of brightly colored cloth, with specific mantras & symbols for each of 5 colors that symbolize the elements.Prayer flags are used to promote peace, compassion, wisdom and strength. Prayer flags blow in the wind to spread good will and benefit all.
Tibetan Prayer Flags
Medium Tibetan Prayer Flags
Amazon Price: $4.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
These Prayer Flags are inscribed with the prayers and auspicious symbols of Tibetan Buddhism. They may be hung either inside the house or outside. When hung outside it is believed that the passing wind sends out a prayer with every flap of each flag.
Prayer Wheels
Traditionally a prayer wheel has the mantra "Om Mani Padme Hum" written in Sanskrit on the outside of the cylinder or wheel, along with other sacred symbols. Spinning a prayer wheel is said to have the same affect as orally reciting the "mantra" or prayer.Prayer wheels are used to acquire wisdom and good karma, as well as to purify ones negative energy and bad karma.
There are many different types of prayer wheels that are used for different purposes, and are made from different materials.
Digital Prayer Wheels
These are animated gif images of prayer wheels found on websites. The current Dalai Lama is very computer savvy & it is said that he approves of these and that these work as well as any other prayer wheel.
Because computer hard drives spin at several thousand rotations per minute, it is said that saving an image of the mantra "Om mani padme hum" can have the same effect as a prayer wheel.
Electric Dharma Wheels
Prayer wheels powered by electric engines are often called "Thardo Khorlo." These types of prayer wheels often have multiple copies of different mantras, and also often have lights and music. Some say that these types of prayer wheels are less effective than prayer wheels powered by one's own energy.
Fire Wheel
These prayer wheels are powered by the heat of a flame or small light. It is said that the light from these prayer wheels purifies negativity and bad karma.
Internet-operated Prayer Wheel
These are the interactive prayer wheels found on websites where one can enter a mantra, wish or prayer on the site, before spinning the wheel. Some of these have animated image wheels other have webcam access to an actual prayer wheel that the person visiting the website can activate.
Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel
Tibetan Buddhist Copper Hand-held Prayer Wheel
Amazon Price: $24.97 (as of 02/16/2012)
This Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel is made from wood and copper material. This prayer wheel is 9 inches long and 2.5 inches wide on the top of the prayer wheel. The Tibetan Buddhist mantra, "Om mani padme hum," is written around the outside of the prayer wheel. This prayer wheel was handmade in Nepal.
More Kinds of Prayer Wheels
Mani WheelThese are prayer wheels powered by hand. Mani Wheels are often made with a metal cylinder that revolves around a wooden handle. These prayer wheels are used for meditation, prayer, rituals and celebrations.
Samurai Prayer Wheels
Samurai's would put small blades in their prayer wheels to symbolize their swords. These prayer wheels were said to give the warrior protection in battle.
Stationary Prayer Wheels
These large prayer wheels are often found at monasteries. They are usually in the form of a row of prayer wheels, set side by side, so that people can turn the wheels by sliding their hands across them while walking by.
Water Wheels
These are often found by lakes, rivers & streams and are powered by the flow of the water. They are said to bless and purify all living things that touch the water.
Wind Wheels
These are prayer wheels that are powered by wind.
Buddhist Prayer Wheel Pendant
Pendant, Buddhist Prayer Wheel - including faux leather cord
Amazon Price: $43.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
An elaborately embossed prayer wheel pendant with auspicious signs and Om Mani Padme Hum pendant. Om Mani Padme Hum (hail to the jewel in the lotus) is a mantra recited by millions of people every day in order to send blessings to the universe. These prayer wheels are fully functioning prayer wheels. Turn the wheel to increase your spiritual good fortune. 1.25 inch height.
Prayer Beads
Beads are used during praying by almost every religion. Since one touches the beads as one prays, the beads help the person praying keep track of how many times certain prayers have been said, as well as what prayer has been said, with prayer beads that have different types of beads for different prayers.The number of beads vary depending on the religion.
* The Islamic prayer beads have either 99 or 33 beads.
* Roman Catholics use a rosary that consists of 54 beads of one type and 5 beads of another type.
* Eastern Orthodox Christians use a rosary with 100, 50 or 33 beads or a prayer rope with 100, 50 or 33 knots.
* Buddhists and Hindu Brahmanists use prayer beads they call "Japa Mala" which usually consists of 27 beads or malas, which they use to count off 108 prayers, by touching each bead 4 times.
Prayer beads are often made of semi-precious stones to give the user a metaphysical connection to the beads as well as a physical and psychological connection. Prayer beads are used for praying, chanting and meditation.
Tibetan Buddhist Bodhi Seeds Prayer Beads Mala
Tibetan Buddhist Bodhi Seeds Prayer Beads Mala with a Free Hinky Imports Om Hemp Gift Bag
Amazon Price: $24.99 (as of 02/16/2012)
Bodhi seeds come from the bodhi tree. It was under the Bodhi tree where the Buddha Shakyamuni first found enlightenment. Bodhi seeds are considered the most auspicious material to use as prayer beads. This Bodhi seed prayer beads mala is made from 108 Bodhi seeds. The tassel in the middle helps you return to the beginning point when using this bodi seeds prayer beads mala for meditation. This mala can be worn as a necklace or wrapped around your wrist and worn as a bracelet when you are not using it. Each bodhi seed is 6 mm wide. This Tibetan Buddhist bodhi seeds prayer beads mala was handmade in Nepal.
Pagan Prayer Beads
Magic and Meditation with Pagan Rosaries
Pagan Prayer Beads: Magic and Meditation with Pagan Rosaries
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
Religions from around the world--Buddhism, Hinduism, Catholicism, Islam, and many more, including the Pagan earth religions--use prayer beads as useful guides to remembering prayers and principles. Pagan Prayer Beads by John Michael Greer and Clare Vaughn is a unique and practical introduction to the design, creation, and use of Pagan rosaries, teaching the reader to design and make personal prayer beads for use in myriad spiritual practices.
Co-written by a beading expert (Clare Vaughn) and one of the leading lights in modern Paganism (John Michael Greer), this book will garner an eager audience--from beginners to elders--looking for new inspiration in their personal spiritual practice. Beautifully written, instructive, and straightforward, Pagan Prayer Beads is user-friendly and easy to understand. Lovely black-and-white photographs accompany the text to further illustrate the art and craft of Pagan prayer beads. The how-to sections were "tested" by novices to both crafting and "the craft," who found the directions clear and easy to follow. Throughout the book, Greer and Vaughn have included fascinating history and lore as well as crystal properties, Pagan symbology, and deeply meaningful prayers and rituals to use with the rosaries.
24k Tri-Tone Gold Rosary
23" Gorgeous 24k Tri-Tone Florintine Rose, Yellow & White Gold Layered Rosary Filigree Beaded Rosary Necklace with Crucifix and Virgin Mary ~ Comes in a Fancy Velour Gift Box
Amazon Price: (as of 02/16/2012)
28" Gorgeous 24k Tri-Tone Florintine Rose, Yellow & White Gold Layered Rosary Filigree Beaded Rosary Necklace with Crucifix and Virgin Mary
A Serenity Journal
52 Weeks of Prayer and Gratitude
A Serenity Journal: Fifty-Two Weeks of Prayer & Gratitude
Amazon Price: $45.00 (as of 02/16/2012)
Each of the 52 weeks of this journal contains an excerpt from an inspirational work, broken into passages to provide a thought for each day. For each day the user records his or her gratitude, wishes or needs, and miracles already present in life. Focusing on blessings already bestowed helps to "program" one's self for optimism and ultimately break free of paralyzing attitudes and behavior. The author also explains the power of prayer, types of prayer, and adventures in and obstacles to prayer. She shares anecdotes about how she discovered and benefited from this new way to journal. A concluding section shows how to deal with the moods and "shadow side" of one's life.
Meditation
For many people meditation is a form of prayer and also a part of their spiritual beliefs. Meditation is an excellent way to relax and clear your mind of all the noise and worries we deal with from day to day.Anyone can meditate. Basic meditation can consist of just spending 10 minutes per day in silence letting your mind go blank, and relaxing while letting go of all of the noise inside and outside of your head.
As a form of prayer, meditation techniques vary from one religion to another. Concentration meditation is very similar to prayer, as you concentrate on one object, prayer or thought, during the meditative process. This type of meditation is used in many Christianity, Islam, Buddhism & Hindu practices.
Meditation can be done while walking, chanting, praying, during yoga or almost any place or time during your day. Many people use meditation techniques to relieve anxiety and stress, overcome addictions, and even can be used, through guided imagery meditation, to help people with psychological issues.
Yoga Mind & Body
Ali MacGraw
Ali MacGraw - Yoga Mind & Body
Amazon Price: $56.95 (as of 02/16/2012)
Clean white sand and a cool predawn sky are the backdrops for this stunningly produced video, complete with an upbeat New Age soundtrack. Don't be put off by the MTV-like camera work, as this video constitutes an excellent, well-balanced workout. Ali MacGraw and a supporting cast of something-for-everyone models work through this 50-minute routine, overseen by yoga master Erich Schiffman. The first minutes focus on ujjayi breathing, then MacGraw leads us through a complete practice of shoulder stretches, sun salutations, back bends and twists, and standing poses. No equipment is required, but a sticky mat is recommended. Unlike other videos targeted for beginners, Yoga Mind & Body does not offer modifications for difficult poses and so is best suited for practitioners with some previous experience. --Jhana Bach ~ Amazon Review
Meditation for Beginners
Meditation for Beginners
Amazon Price: $6.80 (as of 02/16/2012)
Mindful Meditation Anyone can learn to meditate and promote inner harmony clarity well-being and vitality. In Meditation for Beginners inspiring yoga and meditation teacher Maritza guides a step-by-step practice of mindfulness and shows you how to inwardly focus your mind to release patterns of tension and anxiety that block your vital force. Maritza helps you create your own inner sanctuary with a 15-minute yoga practice to prepare body mind and attention for two 20-minute guided relaxation and meditation sessions. DVD offers additional on-screen instruction pose guide and interview with Martiza. An excellent program for those with no prior meditation experience.
My Prayer Chain Story
On August 6th 2002, my husband was in a flash fire explosion and sustained 3rd degree & deeper burns on 85% of his body. That first night after his accident, the burn doctors gave him only a 3% chance of surviving the night.They told me if he could somehow survive the next 10 days, which they were sure was very doubtful, that then they would raise his chances to a 10% chance. Not great odds, but something to shoot for. As a mystic, I began doing meditative healing prayer on him at once, with a constant mantra chanting in my mind. My sons also did the same.
I also conducted hands on healing and deep meditation trance healing sessions for him every day. We were not alone though, his Aunt a Benedict Catholic Nun, started adding his name to prayer chains all over the world. One of our Lutheran neighbors added his name to the prayer chains at her church and added him to her weekly prayer group.
Many of my relatives and friends added his name to prayer chains at their churches, temples and Mosques. (I have a very diverse group of relatives & friends) I think he might well have had his name on prayer chains from just about every religious denomination around, it really was amazing.
I can't say that he is absolute proof of the power of prayer, but I can say that his recovery was a miracle. Two men were admitted into the Burn Unit on the day of my husbands accident. One was my husband who had 85% burn injury, the other was a firefighter from a different accident, who had 75% burn injury and was 5 years younger than my husband. I mention the age because, the younger you are, the greater your odds are of surviving severe burn injury.
The other man, was recently divorced, no children or sibling and both of his parents were dead. He died 8 hours after being admitted to the burn unit, one hour before my husband arrived. I only mention him because, he should have had better odds of surviving than my husband, yet my husband was the one who miraculously did survive. I like to believe that all those prayers had something to do with it.
Tell Your Story
Thanks for visiting, please take a moment to say hello.
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Heather426
Apr 2, 2011 @ 12:30 am | delete
- I believe in the power of prayer, absolutely! fantastic lens, blessing it:)
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Jewelsofawe
Feb 13, 2011 @ 4:02 pm | delete
- Awesome lens! Blessed it! I believe in prayer and pray all the time.
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ChrisDay
Dec 21, 2010 @ 1:13 am | delete
- Keep up that positive energy - it's wonderful!
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CrypticFragments
Mar 13, 2010 @ 11:09 am | delete
- fabulous! I commented above, but wanted to add here that I enjoyed your page a lot and would like to invite others to look at my recent Tibetan Buddhism lenses ...
my prayers are being answered every minute!
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JaguarJulie
Nov 29, 2009 @ 6:47 am | delete
- This is quite remarkable -- yes I believe in the power of prayer and positive thinking too -- and find it awesome that your husband prays daily -- this is quite remarkable!
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About Mystic Mama
by mysticmama
My name is Bambi. I have Aspergers Syndrome, a type of high functioning Autism. I am a professional writer & artist. I have 2 cats that I adore. I run... more »
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