Thinking about prayer? A chaplain offers guidance.
When you think of prayer, you may associate it with an organized religion and automatically dismiss it if you don’t consider yourself religious. But prayer can be applied to any kind of spiritual practice — even if there isn’t a deity involved — and the act itself can benefit your health.
Rev. Kevin Massey, system vice president of Mission and Spiritual Care at Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care, isn’t a stranger to the benefits of prayer. After working for 7 years in disaster response, including as a chaplain during recovery operations at Ground Zero, he’s seen firsthand the power of prayer in times of crises.
“We’ve long known that spirituality is a powerful tool that people often turn to that help them keep a sense of perspective, meaning and purpose,” Massey says.
While prayer is experienced differently among practitioners, studies have shown noted health benefits like a decrease of stress and aggression. It has also been a way for people to cope with their current situation, feel a greater connection with a sense of purpose or meaning, a feeling of peace and even lower blood pressure, Massey says.
“There’s evidence that spiritual yearning really is human and universal because every religious practice ultimately has this centering practice that leads to a greater sense of self-awareness and a greater sense of peace,” Massey says.
For those looking to start praying, Massey encourages people to identify if there is a religious tradition they are interested in or are currently participating in. People find comfort in familiarity, he says, and sometimes the use of ancient words, chants or mantras can be helpful in decluttering your mind, even if they are not in your primary language.
But even if a specific world religion doesn’t appeal to you, you can still partake in prayer.
Massey offers some tips to start:
- Turn off distractions like the TV or your laptop
- Declutter your mind of day-to-day worries
- Take several deep breaths, breathing in slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth.
- Focus on a single word, like “God,” “One,” “Peace,” “Calm,” or a sound like “Ohm”
- Take several more breaths while focusing on your word of choice
“There is still time for people to draw upon religious traditions and develop new ones,” Massey says.
Learn more about Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care’s spiritual care here.
“Prayer” without a deity involved is not prayer – it’s mindfulness, or meditation, both of which focus on self instead of on a higher power. Mindfulness and meditation are not bad practices, but can not replace praying to a loving and merciful God. I understand that a chaplain must service people of all faiths and spiritual practices, which must be very difficult at times. Never the less, I felt compelled to respectfully respond to the article.
Agree with Renee. Well said.
Also agree with Renee. Nice article
I have to agree with you. Praying is talking to a higher power/God, and if you’re not conversing with God, you’re just meditating. They’re not the same.
Thank you Ms. Wong for this uplifting article as it reminds me that prayer is a spiritual experience and not necessarily one of religion.
Have a beautiful and spirit-filled day!