Prayer for Grieving or Mental Illness

Elizabeth Bernstein has written a superb article titled “The Science of Prayer” for the Wall Street Journal (WSJ). A two-line synopsis under the title of the printed article—the online version is slightly different—neatly sums up its contents: “People often pray in crisis.  Research suggests it may boost mental health.”  What struck me in particular in this piece was the deep consolation prayer can give to the mentally ill by letting them feel less alone.  My daughter lives by herself, and I know prayer helps her through her days.

The article was published in the May 18, 2020 issue of the paper.  Since that time, I’ve been trying, to no avail, to find a way to make it available here for free.  I’ve learned, however, that in order to read the entire article one must either already have a subscription to the WSJ or join on a trial basis.   The WSJ is running a limited-time offer right now:  $1 for 2 months (and you can cancel any time), which, I must say, is a pretty good deal.  Failing all else, if you still can’t read it, please write me, and I’ll see what I can do. Ms. Bernstein tells me the Journal regularly publishes articles on mental health.  With a subscription, one can also apparently read back columns on mental illness.  Here’s the link to the article: https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-science-of-prayer-11589720400