New Study Finds Relationship With God Affects Personal Benefits of Prayer

A new study conducted by Baylor University has found that a person's relationship with God impacts how their prayers affect their mental health.

The study, conducted by Baylor University and published in the Sociology of Religion journal, found mental health derived from praying depends on one's relationship with God. The study reports that those who believe their God is loving and supportive are far more likely to have their anxiety-related issues, such as fear and self-consciousness, subside than those who do not see their God as comforting and loving.

"For many individuals, God is a major source of comfort and strength that makes the world seem less threatening and dangerous. Through prayer, individuals seek to develop an intimate relationship with God," Dr. Matt Bradshaw, a researcher for the most recent study, said in a statement. "Those who achieve this goal, and believe that God will be there to protect and support them during times of need, develop a secure attachment to God."

"Other people, however, form avoidant or insecure attachments to God — meaning that they do not necessarily believe God will be there when they need Him," Bradshaw continued.

"For these individuals, prayer may feel like an unsuccessful attempt to cultivate and maintain an intimate relationship with God. Rejected, unanswered, or otherwise unsuccessful experiences of prayer may be disturbing and debilitating — and may therefore lead to more frequent and severe symptoms of anxiety-related disorders."

A recent online survey conducted by U.S. News and Beliefnet finds that 68.1 percent of Christians pray more than once a day. Out of those questioned, 78 percent of Christians said their daily prayers were related to health and safety, while 55 percent said their prayers were associated with personal finances or work.