What does prayer do to my brain?

Prayer and meditation are key features of religious and spiritual practices around the world, suggesting they’re intimately linked to the human condition. But what is going on in the brain during prayer? And is praying beneficial for our mental health?

CrowdScience listener Hilary is keen to find answers to such questions. She’s a counsellor with a strong Christian faith, and is curious to know whether science can illuminate religious and spiritual practices.

Presenter Caroline Steel talks to neuroscientists researching how our brains respond to prayer and meditation; and practices mindfulness herself to explore its similarities to prayer. She discovers that having a relationship with God may depend on more than religious practice. And is there a ‘spiritual part’ to our brains? Or is prayer just one activity among many - like going for a walk or playing music - that can have similar effects on our state of mind?

Featuring:

Professor Andrew Newberg, Director of Research Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, Thomas Jefferson University and Hospital, USA

Tessa Watt, mindfulness teacher

Ven. Hin Hung Sik, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong

Dr Junling Gao, Centre of Buddhist Studies, University of Hong Kong

Dr Blake Victor Kent, Westmont College, USA

Presenter: Caroline Steel

Producer: Jo Glanville

Editor: Cathy Edwards

Studio Manager: Tim Heffer

Production Co-ordinator: Liz Tuohy

(Photo: A crowd of people praying. Credit: Digital Vision/Getty Images)