There is a close relationship between prayer and recovery.
Dr. Rob Whitley, author and psychologist, writes, “New research indicates that regular prayer can have many mental health benefits.”
A study completed by Harvard professor Tyler VanderWeele found that young adults who prayed daily tended to have fewer depressive symptoms, and higher levels of satisfaction and self-esteem, in comparison to those who never prayed.
Another study examined the perspective of over 2,000 adults with mental illness in California, finding that over 80 percent agreed that spirituality was very important to their mental health.
The psalmist knew this centuries ago. He prayed, “Answer me when I call, O Lord. You have given me relief when I was in distress. Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!” (Psalm 4:1).
Recovery Step: Become a person of prayer.
Author: Mark Denison
Mark and Beth Denison, married for 36 years, launched There’s Still Hope as a national movement to call men and women into lives of sexual integrity. Their ministry offers 90-day recovery plans for addicts and one-on-one and group coaching for addicts and their spouses. TSH also produces resources for pastors and churches to confront the porn epidemic that is destroying so many lives.
Dr. Denison was a senior pastor for over 30 years, NBA chaplain, and board chairman at Houston Baptist University three times. With a Master’s Degree in Addiction Recovery, Mark is a certified PSAP and active member of the American Association of Christian Counselors.
Mark has written four books on recovery: Porn in the Pew, 365 Days to Sexual Integrity, A 90-Day Recovery Guide, and 40 Days to Porn-Free Living. His latest book, Jesus on the 12 Steps, will be released later this year.
