Benefits of Prayer: longer & healthier life

Recently I read two very interesting articles in The Mind Health Report about the benefits of prayer. According to Andrew Newberg, “Religious beliefs and activities can have a profound impact on our mental and physical well being by reducing stress, improving resistance to diseases, enhancing memory and mental function, and helping us to lead longer lives.”

Below are two of the benefits listed from various studies, including the source of the analysis:

1.      Becoming More Forgiving: Many Christians understand that it is essential for us to forgive others in order for the Father to forgive us (Matt 6:15). What we may not have considered is that praying for another helps us with conflict management and enhances our overall health.

a.       Two studies at Florida State University found that praying for a person increases your ability to forgive that person. One study noted when couples pray for one another, the one praying harbored less vengeful thoughts and was more ready to move on after a conflict.

b.      Another study noted: there was a marked difference between couples/people who merely thought good thoughts and those who actually prayed for  their loved one or friend. Those who prayed were more likely to forgive not only the person for whom they were praying but for other people in general.

c.       Conclusion: forgiveness is associated with better overall health and satisfaction with life. (source: Psychological Science).

2.       Living a Longer Life: Did you know that people who pray, and attend religious services, and are involved in church activity are predicted a longer and healthier life??!! (according to an analysis of 42 studies with more than 125,000 people! Health Psychology)

ASSIGNMENT: pray 15 minutes a day! Prayer changes thingsJ

“Lord, thank You for Your continued intervention into each our lives. How blessed we are that You have chosen us! We love You. Help us to diligently pursue You in prayer. We pray that You will surround Israel with Your arms of protection. Be with the Israelis – help their physical and emotional infra-structures. Be with our soldiers. Heal them and their families. Bring revival to our Nation. Thank You for Your continued healing of Paul. Touch him, revive him. Heal him. In Your holy Name.”

IMMEDIATE Prayer Requests:

1.      PROTECTION FOR ISRAEL – God’s will bring His peace to J’lem and all of Israel.

2.      REVIVAL IN AMERICA!

3.      Thanksgiving dinners: God will be glorified; families drawn together.

4.      Paul: total restoration: back pain to leave. Total restoration. That he will be able to remain at HealthSouth until he is ready to go home.

5.      Lynn: sleep and rest.

6.      Murray: broken foot; god-son to be re-fucused

7.      John: healing.

8.      Joan, Bonnie, & Connie: healing and ordering of their footsteps for treatment.

9.      Move (Phyllis & family; Rhonda & Norm): their moves will be filled with His peace; that all decisions will be obvious.

10.  Dennis: wisdom concerning early retirement.

11.  Bonnie: emotional healing from sister-in-law’s death.

12.  Niece (Bonnie): healing for 4-yr old’s body.

13.  Connie: new place to live; victory in her life. Son to move to Tucson.

14.  Aunt (Jeannette): fell and hit head; airlifted to El Paso; healing and salvation.

15.  Leonard (Phyllis brother): kidney action to be resumed; doctors to determine problem.

16.  Family members who are far off will return and serve God.

17.  Families to serve God.

18.  Power to overcome temptations.

19.  David (Bev & Ruben): repentance, deliverance.

20.  Brother (Bev): healing from massive heart attack and salvation

21.  God son (Doc): attitude change; wisdom for Doc.

22.  Amy, Debbie, Charity (Debbie & Dennis): prayer for resolving emotional scars of past which are affecting extended family relationships.

23.  Nephew (Bev & Ruben): Believer diagnosed with leukemia.

24.  Friend (Norman G): able to conceive a child

25.  New jobs for those in need.

26.  Favor, peace, and wisdom in the work place.

27.  Dawn’s daughter and grandson: accident. Both cars totaled; hallelujah: they were not hurt but badly shaken.

28.  Chantell: new job

29.  Joanne (Dawn): 84 yrs and not well. Please pray for her salvation

30.  Laura (Norman G): unspoken; prayer for Steven as he begins life since his wife’s death

31.  Maxine, Bonnie, Jim, Joe, Deb, John, Phyllis, and all others: pain-free, energy, healing, and vitality.

32.  Brother (Murray): healing spiritually and physically.

33.  Ron (Debbie & Dennis): light stroke; no apparent damage; air lifted to UMC. Prayer for total restoration.

34.  PJ & Tracy: house and finances.

35.  Son (Les’a’s co-worker’s son): healing and motivation

36.  Adriana (Yvonne’s sister): continued emotional healing.

37.  Krinskys: sale of home and moving mercies

38.  Natan and Chantell: finances and transition into ‘normal God-centered life’

39.  Natan: PTSD – transition home and all will quickly “be on the same page”

40.  Son (John): divorce and custody, know the God of his father

41.  John: correct medicine will be prescribed and there will be no side effects

42.  Families: please pray that God will intervene and bring His peace and righteousness to these families.

43.  Uncle (Deb): cancer

44.  Father (Deb): seek medical needed medical assistance to be able to regain mobility

45.  Friends and family (Deb): close relationship with the Messiah

46.  Rhonda: stress & car issues.

47.  Unspoken: spiritual battles. Pray that His love & truth will prevail.

48.  Jobs (Dawn’s ‘grandson’, Debbie’s daughter, Betty, Art’s son, Les’a and Don’s daughter in law): favor and wisdom. God will open the doors to jobs where they can prosper (emotionally, physically, and financially)

49.  Pamela & Norman: finances. That we ALL will be debt-free by 12/31/2012!

50.  Heather (Tracy & FaceBook): coma due to brain aneurism; she awakens

51.  Bonnie: work comes early in the week – with no technical difficulties.

52.  Tere: 2-year legal proceeding regarding mother’s care to come to a close quickly. And with a positive outcome.

53.  Tsilla (Debbie): depression

54.  Prayer for our soldiers: spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally whole!

55.  Jordan (Les’a & Don): Navy Sailor – prayer for him & his family.

56.  Kyle (Yvonne’s son): heart to the Lord – heaviness of depression to lift.

57.  Debbie & Dennis (& us all!!): God will lead and guide our footsteps and use us to minister to others.

58.  Cynthia: lawsuit against her parents and their food bank ministry. Pray suit will be dropped & healing will result.

59.  Isabel Mercedes Celis (6-year old Tucson girl who was abducted April 21): pray for safety and return to her family.

Read ALL He is doing this year  through prayer!

1.      Paul: 6 weeks in hospital. He has more strength; Friday, he was able to sit in chair for 3 hrs! It only took 2 people to get him out of bed, not 3! We continue to pray for total restoration! Prayer focus: the excruciating back pain from not moving for 6 weeks will leave so he is able to endure all physical therapy and can remain at HealthSouth.

2.      Nephew (Les’a): serious auto accident with car’s being totaled. His outlook is great!

3.      Maxine: trip was fantastic!

4.      Krinskys: home has sold and they are getting ready to move.

5.      Interviews (Dawn’s ‘grandson’ and Debbie’s daughter): God to open doors to jobs

6.      David (Bev & Ruben): he is fulfilling court obligations. Pray for total deliverance and repentance.

7.      Danielle (Phyllis): excellent report – no cancer!

8.      Somewhat estranged son (John): initiated a visit!! Visit was good!

9.      Phyllis: feeling better!

10.  Lord is orchestrating timing!

11.  Becca (Tracy’s friend): surgery successful and, after a month in physical therapy, is able to go home!Prayer for salvation.

12.  Tere: trip was amazing!

13.  Danielle (Phyllis’ daughter): surgery successful – no malignancy. Doing amazingly!!!

14.  Jim’s nephew: able to return to work in record time!! (accident and all facial bones, except jaw, were broken.)

15.  Steve (Pamela’s friend): successful surgery & desire to be discipled.

16.  PJ: truth verified regarding his physical situation.

17.  Yom Kippur fast: several commented this was their first fast & it was very special.

18.  Janet: during Yom Kippur fast received word that her art was accepted in a festival!

19.  Maxine & Joe: trip was refreshing.

20.  Leonard (Phyllis’ brother) is out of the hospital!

21.  Jim: trip was fruitful.

22.  Pamela: strained back: able to work.

23.  John (Phyllis): going to AA everyday and is determined to make good decisions. He and his wife are speaking!! Hallelujah!!

24.  Harold: a fantastic word about his new job!!! TYJ!

25.  Maxine’s baptism: amazing and refreshing for all – especially her!

26.  Rudy (Les’a’s friend’s son): cracked skull resulting in major mental complications – improvement and is able to have part-time job. Please continue to pray for total restoration.

27.  Debbie’s and Dennis’ trips to see families: very good.

28.  Deb: trip to ABQ to see father, was very specialtime & experiences during visit, & seeds of love, devotion, & hope were planted.

29.  Daughter (Tere): successful out-patient surgery to remove fatty tissue cyst on leg.

30.  Joe: procedure: revealed no problems! Prayers they determine what is causing him the pain.

31.  Ramon (Krinskys): PSA count went from 4.0 to 0.0!! Doctor was extremely pleased and said he didn’t need to see him for 6 months.

32.  Bob (Maxine & Joe’s friend): excellent report from Mayo Clinic– cancer is in remission!!!

33.  Adriana (Yvonne’s sister): appears to continue doing better. Prayers that she continues with treatment.

34.  Betty & Harold: new jobs!

35.  Les’a & Don: God healed our water softener – repairman asked his Bible study to agree with himJ

36.  Family members are opening to the Word and prayer!

37.  Matthew (Frank): decided to stay in rehab!! Pray for total deliverance.

38.  Frank’s trip: good report

39.  Olympic Runner Paul Ryan: announces God is his coach

40.  Gabby Douglas: gives God glory for her Olympic gold medals in gymnastics.

41.  Many little signs of His involvement in various situations all week – He is continuing to move – and we get to be part!!!!! Yes, we are His elite soldiers!

42.  Jeff (Paul & Lynn’s son): GRE tests went very well!

43.  Jeannette: camping was trip great with unexpected blessings.

44.  Sylvia Powell (friend of Jeannette): family adjusting well without her.

45.  Suzi (Jeannette’s friend): recovering from knee replacement – pray for continued healing.

46.  Hawkins (soldier friend of Natan’s who was hurt in explosion in Afghanistan): he is doing well.

47.   Infant Maxwell (parents are missionaries to Poland): 10 weeks old and over 12 pounds. Still tired and sleeps nearly all day, but nursing well. Pray his heart shows improvement, so he can go off meds. The family is “forever and a day grateful that you prayed for his life!”

48.  Norman G: finished back taxes!

49.  Bonnie: huge blessing regarding work hours.

50.  Maxine: pain-free

51.  Maxine & Joe: trip was fantastic

52.  Marita: “Prayer Tools on your website is very popular.” It is being read in Israel, South Africa & France and is being translated into Spanish!!! May His Word continue to go forth! 

53.  Brian (Paul): received the Lord! Pray Brian turns to God for comfort during his grieving.

54.  Men’s meeting: good food; great fellowship; interesting discussion. – if you’re a guy, don’t miss the next meeting!

55.  Operation Jericho answers are coming!

56.  Lori received medical report showing improvement!! Pray for 100% healing.

57.  Natan returned from 3rd deployment.

58.  Jim received an excellent report from doctor!!!

59.  Bonnie: mechanical miracle with medical device – huge blessing!

60.  God again spared Natan and others from insidious attacks by the enemy – an explosion was only 40 meters away. (As Natan put it, had it been closer it would have been a ‘bad day’!)

61.  Quinton (Art’s grandson): born healthy!

62.  Family reunions continue to occur – pray that they will all be joyous!! To date, good reports from all reunions!!

63.  Lori (Norman G’s daughter): approval at new job. Please pray for housing.

64.  Pamela and Norman: have work – hallelujah! Let us pray they have divine appointments– & full schedules!

65.  Friend (Dawn): Court ruled earthly justice. Pray for emotional and spiritual healing for all.

66.  Bonnie: family visit was excellent

67.  Don: trip for his mom’s 90th bday was terrific!

68.  Les’a: unexpected financial blessing (insurance company suddenly paid 100% of $219 vaccine, which previously they would said they would not!) TYL! – let us continue to pray we will all be debt-free, except for housing, by the end of 2012.

69.  Lynn Mann: healing from foot surgery.

CONTINUOUS PRAYERS!

Families (all of our families):

• To be whole and walk in the ways of the Lord!
• God to continue strengthening and building family relationships!
• Josiah D: favor, protection & a heart like King David.
• God would bring godly helpmates and partners in ministry: T (Les’a & Don’s friend & a man of God), Cynthia, etc.

Healing:

• Marita (in Israel): prayer for total healing from kidney stones. She does much for the Kingdom!
• Jeff & Paul (Paul & Lynn Mann): healing from knee surgeries.
• Krys (Les’a’s co-worker’s husband): serious problems caused by Parkinson's.
• Susie (Bonnie): from previous cervical fusion, one of the screws started migrating and was pushing at her esophagus threatening a puncture. Prayer for recovery from surgery and acceptance of Jesus.
• Bud (Tracy’s father): continued healing; insurance issues resolved.
• Bonnie: healing with oxygen levels.
• Christopher & Liz (Maxine): she has ovarian cancer, resulting in financial problems. Pray for encouragement.
• Bob & Pat (Maxine & Joe): healing.

Call to Prayer intercessors:

• Debt-free by the end of 2012!
• Intercessors for The Call To Prayer: wisdom and tenacity to continue on to see victory!

Employment:

• Favor & wisdom in the work force: We would be excellent in the work place – even as Joseph, Daniel, etc. were – blessings to the companies because we are there!
• Deb and all those who not listedGod will give them fulfilling & rewarding employment where they will have great favor!

Relationship with our Lord:

• 5 grandchildren (Debbie & Dennis): to know the salvation and love of Yeshua.
• David (Bev & Ruben): his mom’s request “he quickly come to the end of himself and look up. Protection for him and all of his family.” Warfare is intense.
• Keith (Dawn’s grandson): come to the God of his parents and grandmother

Countries:

• The hearts of Americans: turn to God! Our land will be healed.
• Peace of Jerusalem!

Soldiers:

• Natan (Les’a and Don’s son and his family) & our soldiers:
• Pray for wisdom, accuracy, and knowledge. God will bring them home whole: spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally. And God will be with their families.

Pastors:

• God’s wisdom, power, anointing, and favor.

PRAYERS OF THE RIGHTEOUS BRING GREAT RESULTS: read a summation of what our LORDdid last year!!

1.      He has miraculously saved lives physically and spiritually.

2.      He has healed many from surgeries and sicknesses.

3.      He intervened and a 7-week premature baby was born healthy and continues to thrive a year later.

4.      He is mending many, manyfamily relationships.

5.      He opened doors where there were none.

6.      He has provided many with employment.

7.      He has touched finances.

8.      He has protected our soldier.

9.      He has taught us to be consistent and persevering in prayer.

On the website are specific answers from year 1 of Call To Prayer