09/30/2025
For years now, I have said I want to improve my prayer life. For … years. And what has been the result of me wanting to improve my prayer life? No change in my prayer life.
This isn’t rocket science, but I am discovering that “wanting” and “doing” are two different things. I can want to learn Spanish, but never learn Spanish. I can want to be a better husband, but never be a better husband. My wanting needs to lead to doing, which results in becoming.
Andrew Newberg, an agnostic neuroscientist at Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, has been lauded as one of the “30 Most Influential Neuroscientists Alive.” One of his many books is titled "How God Changes Your Brain." Did you catch that I said he’s agnostic? Hmm. Regardless, he has conducted extensive research, scientifically documenting the effects of prayer on the human brain. Here’s what he concluded:
Biologically, regular extended prayer over an 8-week period can change the brain to such an extent that it can be measured on a brain scan (How God Changes Your Brain, 23-27).
Fellow neuroscientist Richard Davidson says, “You can sculpt your brain just as you’d sculpt your muscles if you went to the gym. Our brains are continuously being sculpted, whether you like it or not, wittingly or unwittingly” (Michael Sandler’s Inspire Nation, July 28, 2020).
Newberg goes on to say that prayer has the same effect on your brain that weight lifting has on your body, in that it allows you to do other sports, activities, and motions better as you get larger muscles. It doesn’t happen overnight, but prayer physically alters the nervous system in measurable ways.
I always find it inspiring when science supports what Scripture teaches.
“Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
“Be constant in prayer” (Romans 12:12).
“Strive together with me in your prayers to God” (Romans 15:30).
“Praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication” (Ephesians 6:18).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God” (Philippians 4:6). “Continue steadfastly in prayer” (Colossians 4:2).
As some of you know, my wife has recently taken up running. She’s gone from not being able to run a mile without stopping to now getting close to running a half-marathon. But this didn’t happen overnight. She didn’t see instant results with her training regimen, but over time, she’s now reaping the benefits of steady, constant exercise. Scripture and science both indicate the same is true for our prayer life. Daily, faithful devotion to the discipline of prayer sculpts our minds and deepens our souls. Over time, WE begin to change, as does our perception of the world.
Sweet hour of prayer! Sweet hour of prayer!
That calls me from a world of care,
And bids me at my Father’s throne
Make all my wants and wishes known.
In seasons of distress and grief,
My soul has often found relief,
And oft escaped the tempter’s snare,
By thy return, sweet hour of prayer!
