Page 180 - ce_cusco_2019

RELIGION AS A HEALER: THROUGH THE POWER OF PRAYER

ABSTRACT

Healing has always been a concept in our lives and has been described heavily within the Bible, evolving

around Jesus Christ and God. Jesus created the building blocks to most European religions, and primarily that

of Catholicism. The belief and devotion towards God and the connection that his people share with him

through prayer can be a very powerful entity in our lives. In many cases, the psychological effects of prayer

can help us be healthier people. This is because prayer can help release the neurochemicals that are produced

in the human body. These specific neurochemicals are also known to be chemicals behind why we are happy.

Prayer itself can also be a very powerful tool in the process of distant healing, with several experiments

highlighting the benefits of living a religious and spiritual life. Overall, the consensus appears that living a life

of Catholic faith appears to have positive health benefits, ultimately leading to the body being in better

physical health.

Keywords: Religion: Healing: Prayer: Mental: Health.

INTRODUCTION

Religion is the center of many people’s lives. With many people of religious faith, they will turn to

prayer in a time of need. Commonly, those who seek guidance, reassurance, or help with life problems often

turn to their god(s) to ask for answers. Often, people seek help when it comes to being healed. These illnesses

can either be mental or they can be physical. In Catholicism, the powers of healing that Jesus and his disciples

possess are thought to be miracles and have now inspired those who are sick to pray to God and Jesus Christ.

Studies have shown that the power of religion does offer beneficial health benefits. The benefits that religious

rituals have on our mental and physical health can be astonishing. Are these “miraculous” actions of healing

sincerely a miracle? Or is there a more scientific answer to as why religion provides these health benefits?

There are a series of articles discussing this precise topic. The goal of this paper is to highlight the importance

of mental health on our physical health, and how prayer/ritual can help promote a healthy life.

180