Asked For Any Miracles Lately?

I sometimes wonder why some things catch my eye, while others drift past. We were driving across the high desert of California coming back from our recent excursion down to Mexico. I was enjoying the drive, listening to a baseball game and letting the miles go by. Then one little sign off the side of the freeway became one of those things that caught my eye.

It simply said,

prayer changes things

I can already see your eyes rolling. Here we go again. But, I actually thought about this as I continued the journey and wondered, “does it? Does prayer really change things?”

The efficacy of prayer has been a topic of contemplation, debate, and study for centuries, intertwining spiritual beliefs, scientific inquiry, and personal experiences. Prayer is a practice deeply rooted in various religions and spiritual traditions, representing a means of communicating with a higher power or seeking solace in times of need. However, its effectiveness is a matter of perspective, often viewed through religious, psychological, and physiological lenses.

From a religious standpoint, prayer is often regarded as a way to connect with a divine being and seek guidance, blessings, or intervention. Many faiths teach that sincere and focused prayers can lead to positive outcomes, whether in terms of personal growth, healing, or resolving life challenges. These beliefs are grounded in the idea that a higher power listens to and responds to the supplications of the faithful.

In the realm of psychology, prayer can serve as a form of meditation or mindfulness, promoting emotional well-being and reducing stress. Engaging in prayerful reflection can foster a sense of inner peace, helping individuals cope with anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Moreover, the act of verbalizing thoughts and emotions during prayer can provide a sense of release and emotional catharsis.

Scientifically, studies on the efficacy of prayer have yielded mixed results. Some research suggests that prayer can have positive effects on health, potentially influencing factors like pain management, recovery from illness, and overall psychological well-being. But other research suggests that the mechanisms behind these effects remain complex and may involve factors such as placebo responses, social support, and the mind-body connection.

I do happen to believe that prayer is effective and apparently I'm not alone. Former U.S. Representative Mia Love shared this experience recently with some young adults at a conference held here in Utah. I hope you'll take time to read the article, but to boil it down, Ms Love was diagnosed with a brain tumor. It was aggressive and she was given a prognosis that she would only live for another 10 to 15 months.

Then a friend challenged her to ask (pray) for a miracle. Love took the challenge and asked. And she says she got it. Prayer certainly changed things for the former representative.

The there was this last winter, and maybe more important the mostly perfect spring that brought that record breaking snow off the mountains with relatively minor flooding (I know it's never minor to those effected by it). Some will say, you can't prove prayer had anything to do with that. I say, you can't prove it didn't.

It's important to recognize that the effectiveness of prayer is deeply personal and can vary widely among individuals. Some may attribute positive outcomes in their lives to prayer, while others might find solace through different means. Ultimately, the efficacy of prayer resides in the beliefs and experiences of the practitioner.

Does prayer change things? I can only answer for myself, but my answer is an unqualified yes. I know prayer changes things. It changed me.