Mindfulness has grown in importance in today's fast-paced environment. When we talk about mindfulness, we mean the ability to be completely present in the moment, aware of where we are, who we are with, and what we are doing. Mindfulness helps us stay grounded, preventing us from overreacting or becoming overwhelmed.

Prayer, by definition, aids in the development and maintenance of mindfulness. By connecting in silent thought to something genuinely spiritual and meaningful, we gain a broader perspective on our lives and experiences. 

Increases Focus
According to studies, prayer, a sort of meditation, improves focus. Prayer helps you to quiet your mind and prevent becoming caught in contemplation. With enhanced focus, you can keep your mind from straying and stay present.

Controls Impulses

According to a 2009 study on religion, self-regulation, and self-control by the University of Miami’s Department of Psychology, being a religious follower can promote self-control and self-monitoring.

Additionally, when studying the effects of meditation on the brain, brain-imaging studies have shown that meditation increases frontal cortex activity. The frontal lobe of the brain is responsible for, among other things, emotional expression, problem solving, and judgement.

More Gratitude

Gratitude is a feeling of appreciation for gifts and favors. By practicing thankfulness, we focus our attention on the positive aspects of our lives. We notice and appreciate anything wonderful in our surroundings.

Prayer, like mindfulness, helps you enhance thankfulness by guiding you through the process of thought change. We can conclude that regular prayer for religious adherents may help them feel more clear-headed and able to focus on what is positive.

We can choose to be appreciative or ungrateful. By using prayer to focus on blessings or mindfulness to focus on the good in our lives, we can get our minds off unpleasant thoughts. Both strategies encourage you to enjoy the present moment.

When your schedule is packed with work and family obligations, it might be difficult to find time for mindfulness meditation or prayer. However, even five minutes a day will make a difference over time, as consistent practice of quiet contemplation will teach you to redirect your thoughts and focus your attention. 

If you’re looking for guidance and direction on how to become more mindful through prayer, give our office a call today. One of our specially trained staff will be more than happy to help.