On a recent Sunday we prayed for a member of our congregation who was scheduled to have a lumpectomy for a diagnosis of breast cancer. The next week we were told that she had reported to the hospital as scheduled, but when a scan was performed to localize the tumor, it was gone! Did prayer heal the tumor, or were the original test results flawed? Another couple at my church are both battling cancer, she pancreatic, he a rapidly growing brain tumor. For this couple prayer is the comfort and support they need as they struggle to get through this trial. If you would ask them they would all say that their faith is what keeps them going.
The medical profession has long known that people who profess a faith in a higher power are generally in better health and more able to deal with both chronic and acute illness. A study presently in progress at John Hopkins is looking to see if prayer intervention has an effect on the health of cancer patients. According to a report about this study in Medserve Medical News "One task of the research project was to learn if a statement from the Epistle of James can be "scientifically validated,". The text reads, "Is any among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him" (James 5:14)."
Another study recently reported shows that church-based nutrition and exercise programs can move African-American women to adopt healthier habits, according to Johns Hopkins researchers. They found that weight loss, and improvement in blood pressure and cholesterol levels was greater among the women who received active intervention and faith based support during the study. Many in this group had spiritual content and prayer added to their regimen. Physical activities included aerobics to gospel music or worship dance. According to the author of the study "This study demonstrates that church-based interventions can greatly improve their cardiovascular health."
In yet another study from Duke University, researchers found that older adults had overall greater longevity when they were involved in some type of religious activity such as prayer, meditation or bible study.
Why does prayer and faith seem to improve health? Experts feel that the overall feeling of community and belonging that the faithful have goes a long way towards decreasing the stress that illness and disability can bring. Rather than having to "go it alone" one can place their problems in other hands. It is very similar to the positive effect that support groups have. Most 12-step programs rely significantly on faith to support those attempting to overcome addiction.
While religion may not be for everyone, if you are open and willing to do what it takes to improve your health, you may want to check out a house of worship. You won't be alone.
