The Power of Written Prayer

A study has come out that says online prayer support is helpful to cancer patients, a step beyond simply giving survivors the ability to better cope with their illness.

Jump to the article I read or stay here for my synopsis: Seems writing religious words (like pray, worship, faith, holy and God) in online support groups is associated with lower levels of negative emotions and higher levels of self-efficacy and functional well-being.

"From a psychological standpoint, there are a variety of reasons why cancer patients may benefit from prayer - whether on the Internet or elsewhere. In reviewing the messages, some of the most common ways study participants used religion to cope with their illness included putting trust in God about the course of their illness and consequently feeling less stressed, believing in an afterlife and therefore being less afraid of death, finding blessings in their lives and appraising their cancer experience in a more constructive religious light."

Of course, I believe in the power of prayer. I'm also a writer. So I take away this message ... if you are in an online support group, and you are the recipient of prayers and giver of prayers, more power to you (literally). If you are not in an online support group ... you can still benefit from writing your personal prayers down for your eyes to read and the Lord to smile upon. It is still putting trust in God and He knows it and I know it and you know it.

You can learn how to keep a prayer journal by reading this article at Deeper Devotions or simply get a blank book and start writing. There are also online prayer journal sites like this one and online prayer support groups like this one.

Finally, most breast cancer support groups have prayer forums -- if this is your preference, head over to my favorite one at breastcancer.org.