NEUROtheology - the brain on prayer and meditation

 Neurotheology is an interdisciplinary field that explores the neural basis of religious experiences, beliefs, and practices. It utilizes neuroscientific tools like brain imaging and electrical recordings to understand how the brain processes religious stimuli and generates spiritual feelings.

NYU Langone Health Education and Research Hospital, conducted a study of  MRI brain scans of AA member participants, in 2016.  The study showed cravings are reduced when prayer is invoked.  Click the pic to be taken to the results of the study.

According to the Mayo Clinic,  The meditation process can lead to better physical and emotional well-being.  One method suggested is mantras.  "You can create your own mantra. It can be religious or not. Examples of religious mantras include the Jesus Prayer in the Christian tradition, the holy name of God in Judaism, or the om mantra of Hinduism, Buddhism and other Eastern religions."

A pilgrimage is a journey to a holy place, which can lead to a personal transformation.  Some people take pilgrimages to find healing, clarity, and connection to their higher power.

Here is a comprehensive list of pilgrimage sites around the world.

Medical News Today reports there are currently 10 known health benefits to intermittent fasting.

WARNING:  Fasting should be discussed with your medical professional if you have chronic or acute illness, nursing, are taking medication other than vitamins, or elderly.

• When you don't know how to pray, turn to the one prayer Jesus gave us.  However, the underlying list sets out the types of prayer:
• prayer of faith (James 5:15)
• prayer of agreement (also known as corporate prayer) (Acts 2:42), 
• prayer of request (also known as petition or supplication)  (Philippians 4:6), 
• prayer of thanksgiving (Psalm 95:2-3), 
• prayer of worship (Acts 13:2-3),
• prayer of consecration (also known as dedication) (Matthew 26:39), 
• prayer of intercession (1 Timothy 2:1),  
• prayer of imprecation (Psalms 69),; and 
• praying in the Spirit (1 Corinthians 14:14-15).

Becket had no idea how her prayers influenced his life until he found the Letter for Becket.

 Ephesians 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 

This story is to inspire parents to pen  blessings for their child(ren).  To pray for their protection, healing, peace, blessing, and caring for their soul.  All people struggle - many have  no one to pray for them - don't let your child(ren) be one of them.  Thank God and tuck your letter away some place safe.