Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6, 7 (GNTD)

During the past 10 years, research on prayer has doubled as scientists delve into the power of prayer to heal, help and offer hope.

A recent study by Baylor University shows prayer can ease anxiety-related disorders, but how well depends on the person’s attachment to God.

These findings are consistent with a growing body of research showing that a person’s perceived relationship with God can play an important role in shaping mental health.

According to the study, those who prayed to a loving and supportive God whom they thought would be there to help them were less likely to show symptoms of anxiety-related disorders than those who prayed, but didn’t expect God to comfort or protect them.

“For many individuals, God is a major source of comfort and strength that makes the world seem less threatening and dangerous,” researcher Matt Bradshaw, PhD, in Baylor’s College of Arts & Sciences, said in a press release about the study. “Through prayer, individuals seek to develop an intimate relationship with God.”

Those who develop this intimate attachment to God feel more emotional comfort through prayer. This comfort lessens anxiety-related disorders, including irrational worry, fear, self-consciousness and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.

But people who don’t have a secure attachment to God may not necessarily believe he will be there when they need him. This belief can, in turn, exacerbate their anxiety symptoms.

“For these individuals, prayer may feel like an unsuccessful attempt to cultivate and maintain an intimate relationship with God,” Dr. Bradshaw said. “Rejected, unanswered or otherwise unsuccessful experiences of prayer may be disturbing and debilitating.” This can increase symptoms of anxiety and its related disorders.

In theory, people who pray regularly may be inclined to live out their religion more faithfully, which may lead to less stress, researchers wrote. People who pray often may have more of a sense of purpose in their lives and have more supportive personal relations.

Scripture is replete with verses that cite the necessity for prayer. As Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 5:17: “Never stop praying.”

He knew, like us, that prayer can heal, help and offer the hope we so often need.