Kingdom Scouts

As we continue our quest for the Kingdom of God, we have come to terms with the fact that metanoia – a change of mind – is a prerequisite, and our investigation has led us to mindfulness as a potential practice that could lead us to this objective. It’s time to venture deeper into the unknown, where we will take a look at some studies that shed light on the relationship between mindfulness and prayer.

Although prayer and mindfulness are not the same thing, studies have found some similarities in their effects on the brain and body. Both practices focus attention, cultivate positive emotions, and reduce negative thoughts. We also found that a consistent practice is crucial in altering the way the brain functions using mindfulness. According to a study conducted at Harvard Medical School, it takes at least eight weeks of regular practice to see a significant change.

So let us embark on a journey into the unknown depths of Terra Incognita. As we delve deeper to explore the connection between mindfulness and prayer, we will undoubtedly encounter new insights and revelations. And who knows, along the way, we may even stumble upon new keys for seeking the Kingdom of God. 

Fast recount of our journey.

The journey continues! Here’s a fast recount of what we have discovered so far in our quest to seek the kingdom of God:

First, we learned from John the Baptist that we need a change of mind, or metanoia, in order to begin this journey. But we also learned that to change our minds, we need to choose an alternative way of perceiving things and aim outside our minds toward the kingdom.

However, our biases and mental models based on personal experiences can get in the way. And unfortunately, these biases are hard to avoid using our two most common ways of perceiving things: sensorimotor and representational perception.

But don’t panic! Scientists have discovered a third way: participatory perception. This involves a deep sense of immersion and presence in the world, and is associated with experiences of flow and mindfulness.

The Proposal

The main source of this investigation comes from Luke 18, where Jesus tells the parable of the Persistent Widow to teach his followers about the importance of persistent prayer and faith.

“Then he told them a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.”

The story goes that a widow, seeking justice against her adversary, persistently pleads with a judge who initially ignores her. However, due to her unwavering persistence, the judge eventually grants her justice to avoid being worn down by her constant pleas.

Jesus uses this parable to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer and faith. Let us keep the story of the persistent widow in our hearts as we navigate through this investigation where we are going to compare prayer and mindfulness, and how persistence is key for both practices

Mindfulness changes the very structure of our brains

In the search for the secrets of the mind, some scientists have turned to functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, to delve into the mysteries of mindfulness meditation. These studies have revealed that practicing mindfulness can change brain activity and increase functional connectivity in areas that deal with attention, emotion regulation, and self-awareness.

Take, for instance, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which explored the effects of a mindfulness-based stress reduction program on the brain. The researchers found that this practice led to an increase in gray matter density in the hippocampus, a brain region associated with learning and memory. and decreased gray matter density in the amygdala, that pesky little region associated with fear and stress.

Another study, published in the Journal of Neuroscience, investigated how mindfulness training affects emotion regulation. The findings showed that this practice led to greater activation in the prefrontal cortex, a region responsible for executive control and emotion regulation.

Mindfulness and prayer

Scientists have also conducted studies on the intriguing relationship between mindfulness and prayer. Although they are not precisely identical, these practices share some similarities, including their power to sharpen our focus, promote positive feelings, and neutralize negative thoughts.

One study published in the Journal of Psychology and Theology found that Christian prayer and mindfulness meditation produced similar positive changes in emotional regulation and anxiety reduction. Another study published in the Journal of Religion and Health found that mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and Christian spiritual practices, including prayer, had similar effects on reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in adults.

While some studies reveal differences between the impacts of prayer and mindfulness on the brain and body, these findings have sparked a great deal of interest in exploring the connection between these practices.

Mindfulness requires consistency

So, it seems that mindfulness could do the trick of taking us beyond our minds, but consistency is key. Studies have shown that consistent practice is a must for mindfulness to work wonders on the brain. For instance, a study conducted at Harvard Medical School found that a minimum of eight weeks of mindfulness meditation practice was required to lead to changes in brain structure and function.

However, consistency is not always easy, and it requires perseverance and a strong will to keep going day after day. Therefore, let’s not forget that the journey is just as important as the destination. With consistent practice, we can change the way we perceive things and ultimately go beyond our minds. So, let’s investigate further about which practices are most effective and with what consistency they must be practiced. Buckle up and enjoy the ride, Kingdom Scouts. The journey is just beginning.