Isolation and loneliness are powerful contributors to mental health problems, including depression. But prayer, particularly group prayer, helps combat this isolation, making a sense of connection and community with other people. This leads to raised mental health.
Community fosters a way of belonging and support, which also boosts self-esteem. This all results in a renewed sense of hope and purpose, which directly counters the isolating depression that may debilitate many individuals.
When you pray with others, you join soul-to-soul with other believers. The Holy Spirit flows freely through all gathered as, together, you lift up a standard plea or expression of praise.
Even when you aren’t praying with other people, while you pray for other people, you experience an analogous connection through the ability of the Holy Spirit.
The Spirit is a robust a part of the Triune God. The Trinity encompassed God the Father, God the Son, and God the Spirit. The Spirit is often known as the Comforter, offering peace, guidance, and support. He’s also often known as the Advocate, helping to show and guide believers.
Through the Spirit, all believers are connected with one another and with the Lord.
In 1 Corinthians 12:13, we’re told, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit in order to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” That Spirit connects us as one body much more powerfully once we pray, and that connection increases our sense of community and ultimately decreases depression and isolation.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Tinnakorn Jorruang
