The Power of Prayer on the Brain
There’s a common belief in society that faith and science are incompatible—that they inherently conflict with one another. However, if God created the universe with purpose and harmony, then that perception must be false. As Dr. Greg Bottaro shared, “Science cannot be contradictory to truth if it’s good science. If our faith is true and science is done correctly, they will align and come to the same conclusion.” I wholeheartedly agree.
This harmony between faith and science has always fascinated me, which is why I chose a science major in college. Through my studies, I discovered God’s presence in nature, down to the cellular level. Even today, I see life as an ongoing journey of uncovering the mystery of God in the things He has created.
One area that has intrigued me recently is neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to adapt, change, and grow based on our experiences. It suggests that we can shape our brains in the same way we shape our muscles by forming new connections and neural pathways.
In 2009, NPR released a series on the science of spirituality, which covered an interesting study on prayer experiences and how they may shape the brain and reality. The study found detectable changes in the brain with consistent prayer. When someone was in deep prayer, it triggers the frontal lobe, which helps with focus. “The more you focus on something, the more it becomes your reality” (Newberg). In this way, prayer becomes not only communication with God but also a means of spiritual exercise, renewal of the mind, and personal transformation.
This makes sense because, through prayer—which builds our relationship with God—we can be renewed in our identity, and this renewal naturally influences our mindset and actions. When our minds are transformed, we are more likely to express joy, empathy, kindness, and love more freely. In fact, research has found that spirituality and prayer can have a profound impact on health and well-being. One study discovered that those who consistently turned to God develop a stronger immune response.
Prayer should be like breathing—not just a momentary act, but a daily, life-sustaining practice. As we grow in our relationship with God, we are transformed, our mindset is shaped, and our reality is made new.
Prayer is the life of the new heart. It ought to animate us at every moment. But we tend to forget him who is our life and our all. This is why the Fathers of the spiritual life in the Deuteronomic and prophetic traditions insist that prayer is a remembrance of God often awakened by the memory of the heart "We must remember God more often than we draw breath." But we cannot pray "at all times" if we do not pray at specific times, consciously willing it. These are the special times of Christian prayer, both in intensity and duration.
CCC 2697
question to ponder
What are ways I can improve my prayer life?
Coaching Testimonial:
“Roxsan is definitely a beautiful soul to walk with on my own journey to personal discovery and wholeness. Over the past several months, she has helped me identify areas in my life that require stretching, while gently challenging me to reflect on the barriers to growth and healing. Roxsan’s approach is inspiring me to communicate not only with myself but also with my family as we navigate through life together, making tough decisions and moving towards a healthier mindset and lifestyle. I’m so grateful for her work, and I know so many others will benefit because of her commitment to honor each person’s identity as a child of God.”
