The Healing Power of Prayer: Does It Work?

What if the key to feeling better isn’t just in medicine, therapy, or food, but in something much simpler? What if true healing goes deeper than what you can see or even feel — touching the beliefs in our hearts and minds? 

For a long time, prayer has given hope, comfort, strength, and healing to many people. It can bring a sense of peace that you can’t always explain. While scientists are studying the benefits of prayer, many people have always known its healing power.

Does prayer have the power to heal?

Prayer can change how you feel both physically and mentally, according to research. Prayer is a powerful practice that people often use to connect to God, the universe, or something bigger than themselves. Some may think of prayer as just “something to do” — with no real effects on health. So, prayer is sometimes overlooked as a source of healing and renewal. 

Yet, prayer is more than a ritual. Recent research is beginning to confirm what many have long understood. Praying as a first response, not only when you have no other choice, improves mental health. And, it leads to better health outcomes. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the healing benefits of prayer. 

1. Better mental health

Studies show prayer can lead to improved mental health. Prayer can help to:

• Reduce worry and sadness

• Provide comfort and support

• Lower stress

• Decrease stress hormones, like cortisol

Regular prayer can boost positive emotions like gratitude, compassion, and forgiveness, which improve your mental and emotional health.

2. Pain relief

Prayer might also play a part in managing pain. People who pray or receive prayerful support from others report reduced levels of pain and discomfort. This seems to be the case for those with both acute and chronic pain.

Participating in prayer may have a positive effect on reducing pain intensity and increasing pain tolerance.

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3. Lower blood pressure

When you pray, it may help to lower your blood pressure as well. One study showed that older adults who participated in religious activities — like prayer— were more likely to have lower blood pressure.

It’s not entirely clear why prayer has a positive effect on blood pressure. Other studies have shown that the regular practice of prayer or meditation may lower blood pressure due to its relaxing effect.

4. Boost immune response

Making prayer a regular part of your life can enhance your immune system. Studies show that those who pray often have better immune responses. This is likely due to the peaceful nature of prayer. It can also help to calm stress and support overall health. 

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The positive effect of prayer on the immune system is also seen in those with autoimmune disorders. Those who engaged in prayer had less intense inflammation and fewer symptoms.

5. Quicker recovery

Prayer can be an important part of recovery. People who pray or receive spiritual support during treatment often recover faster from illness or surgery and have fewer complications. Those who are active in their faith during times of sickness can feel:

• More hopeful

• More at peace

• Less worry

• Less anxiety

Feeling more positive overall as a result of prayer may help the body to heal and recover a little easier.

6. Better sleep

Prayer has a positive effect on sleep and may even help those with sleep disorders, like insomnia. When you pray, you can talk about your day, let go of your worries, or say thank you for the good things in your life. This can make your heart feel lighter and your mind calmer. When you feel relaxed, it’s easier to fall asleep. So, praying before bedtime can be a nice way to wind down and get ready for a good night’s rest.

Challenges surrounding prayer and healing

Many people believe in the power of prayer to heal, but it’s not always easy. Each person’s experience with prayer and healing is unique. For some, prayer has led to miraculous recovery and healing from a chronic or seemingly incurable diagnosis. And sometimes things don’t go the way you had hoped after prayer. You’re not alone. Some common challenges with prayer and healing include:

• Unanswered prayers: A big challenge is when prayers seem unanswered, especially in illness or trouble. People may feel abandoned by God or doubt their faith if they pray for healing but don’t see any changes.

• Balancing prayer with medical treatment: It can also be hard to figure out how to combine prayer with medical care. Some may believe prayer alone is enough and avoid getting medical help when needed. This can slow their healing. Remember, prayer and medical treatment can complement each other.

• Emotional burden: For some, praying can feel like a lot of pressure. They might think they need to pray in a certain way or pray a lot to help someone get better. This can add stress to an already difficult situation, leading to guilt or self-blame.

• Questioning God’s role: Some people struggle to understand God’s role in prayer and healing. They may ask why a caring God would let pain and suffering happen, even when many people are praying for help. These questions can lead to confusion and make it hard for people to have faith.

Differing beliefs about prayer

A long-standing debate exists on faith versus science in healing. Prayer is spiritual. Healing practices in medicine are based on science. Some find it hard to reconcile the two. This creates tension over which approach is “right” or more effective.

Views on prayer differ based on culture, religion, and personal experience. Many believe prayer is a way to communicate to reach a higher power, like God or the universe. Some might pray silently, while others pray out loud or with friends and family. These differences can cause confusion or disagreements. This is especially true when people from different backgrounds come together to pray for healing. 

Ultimately, if and how you choose to pray about your health and healing is a personal decision. The common thread in prayer for many is the search for inner peace and strength. It’s a reminder that, even in the most difficult moments, there’s always a source of comfort and hope. Prayer can help you feel emotionally stronger when facing sickness — believing that things will work out for the best.

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Written by:

Bernadette Anderson, MD, MPH

A native of Saginaw, Michigan, Dr. Bernadette earned an undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. She completed a master's degree in public health at the University of California, Berkeley, and a doctorate of medicine from the Medical College of Ohio.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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