Anxiety, Artificial Intelligence and Prayer: Coping With Anxiety

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 Monday, March 17, 2025

 

 

Dr. Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in-progress) inside Westminster Abbey, London England December 15, 2024.

 

Abstract

"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and pleading with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus"(New American Standard Bible, 1960/2020, Philippians 4:6-7). Anxiety disorders are prevalent mental health conditions that significantly impact individuals' quality of life. While various therapeutic interventions exist, incorporating spiritual practices such as Christian prayer and petition has been explored as a complementary approach to alleviate anxiety symptoms. This paper examines the efficacy of different forms of Christian prayer—including petitionary prayer, devotional prayer, and written prayer techniques—in reducing anxiety. A review of recent empirical studies indicates that certain prayer practices, particularly those emphasizing acceptance and trust in divine wisdom, are associated with lower anxiety levels (Froese et al., 2024). Conversely, prayers focused on specific outcomes without an acceptance component may correlate with increased anxiety. These findings suggest that the nature and intent of prayer play crucial roles in its effectiveness as an anxiety-reducing practice.

Introduction

Anxiety disorders affect millions worldwide, leading to substantial personal and societal burdens. Traditional treatments encompass psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy; however, there is growing interest in integrating spiritual practices into mental health interventions. Christian prayer, a fundamental aspect of Christian spirituality, has been proposed as a potential means to combat anxiety (Boelens et al., 2010). Integrating Christian prayer into psychotherapy necessitates careful consideration of ethical and legal standards to ensure competent and respectful practice. Barnett and Johnson (2011) discuss persistent ethical dilemmas and propose a decision-making process for integrating spirituality and religion into psychotherapy. This paper explores the relationship between various forms of Christian prayer and anxiety reduction, drawing on recent scientific literature.

Types of Christian Prayer and Their Impact on Anxiety

  1. Petitionary Prayer

    Petitionary prayer involves requesting specific outcomes from God. Research indicates that the efficacy of such prayers in reducing anxiety depends on the individual's expectations and beliefs about prayer. Froese et al. (2024) conducted an extensive study using data from the Baylor Religion Survey, finding that belief in prayer's ability to solve personal and global issues was associated with higher anxiety levels. In contrast, the expectation that God answers prayers correlated with lower anxiety, highlighting the complex nature of petitionary prayer's impact on mental health.

  2. Devotional Prayer

    Devotional prayers, such as those seeking forgiveness or expressing praise, have varying effects on anxiety. Froese et al. (2024) also found that prayers asking for forgiveness were linked to higher anxiety, whereas prayers of praise were associated with lower anxiety levels. This suggests that devotional prayers focusing on positive aspects of one's relationship with the divine may be more effective in alleviating anxiety.

  3. Written Prayer Techniques

    Innovative approaches, such as written prayer techniques, have been explored for their therapeutic potential. In a clinical trial involving mothers of children with cancer, Ichihara et al. (2019) demonstrated that writing sincere desires and wishes to God over three consecutive days significantly reduced anxiety levels immediately after the intervention and five weeks later. This method offers a practical, cost-effective means of integrating prayer into anxiety management strategies.

  4. Direct Interpersonal Prayer

    The role of direct interpersonal prayer has also been investigated. Boelens et al. (2010) conducted a randomized trial assessing the effect of person-to-person prayer on individuals with depression and anxiety. Participants receiving six weekly one-hour prayer sessions exhibited reduced anxiety and depression, along with increased optimism and daily spiritual experiences, suggesting that interpersonal prayer can serve as a valuable adjunct to standard medical care.

  5. The Serenity Prayer

    The Serenity Prayer, attributed to theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, emphasizes acceptance, courage, and wisdom (Niebuhr, 1951, pp. 251-252). It encourages individuals to accept unchangeable circumstances, muster the courage to change what they can, and seek the wisdom to discern the difference. Walker et al. (2005) discuss how the Serenity Prayer has been widely adopted in mental health frameworks, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and 12-step programs, due to its effectiveness in managing stress, anxiety, and depression. By promoting acceptance and focusing on controllable aspects of life, the Serenity Prayer supports mental well-being.

Discussion

The efficacy of Christian prayer in reducing anxiety is influenced by the type of prayer and the individual's underlying beliefs and expectations. Prayers emphasizing acceptance, trust, and praise are generally associated with lower anxiety levels, while those focusing on specific outcomes without an acceptance component may correlate with increased anxiety (Froese et al., 2024). Written prayer techniques and direct interpersonal prayer have also shown promise as complementary interventions for anxiety reduction (Ichihara et al., 2019; Boelens et al., 2010).

A study by Ouhbi et al. (2021) investigated biofeedback-based connected mental health interventions for anxiety, combining biofeedback with techniques such as virtual reality, music therapy, games, and relaxation practices. The findings indicated positive outcomes, emphasizing the effectiveness of these multilayered approaches in anxiety management.Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms through which different forms of prayer influence mental health and to identify optimal practices for individuals seeking spiritual avenues to manage anxiety. 

Conclusion

Incorporating Christian prayer into anxiety management strategies offers a complementary approach that aligns with individuals' spiritual beliefs. The nature and intent of the prayer are crucial determinants of its effectiveness. Mental health practitioners should consider these factors when integrating spiritual practices into therapeutic interventions, ensuring that prayer forms promoting acceptance, trust, and positive engagement with the divine are encouraged to alleviate anxiety.Integrating Christian prayer into psychotherapy requires careful consideration of ethical and legal standards to ensure competent and respectful practice. England and Klaassen (2023) explored clients' experiences of praying during therapy sessions, highlighting the importance of aligning prayer practices with clients' beliefs and the potential benefits of such integration. Using Artificial Intelligence can aid in self-regulation moments of scheduled prayer, worship music meditations and other determinants for encouraged effective efforts (Kurtz, 2023). 

References

Barnett, J. E., & Johnson, W. B. (2011). Integrating spirituality and religion into psychotherapy: Persistent dilemmas, ethical issues, and a proposed decision-making process. Ethics & Behavior, 21(2), 147–164. https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2011.551471

Boelens, P. A., Reeves, R. R., Replogle, W. H., & Koenig, H. G. (2010). A randomized trial of the effect of prayer on depression and anxiety. International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine, 39(4), 377–392. https://doi.org/10.2190/PM.39.4.c

England, M., & Klaassen, D. (2023). Clients’ experiences of praying during therapy sessions. Journal of Psychology and Theology, 51(1), 45–58.

Froese, P., Bonhag, R., Uecker, J., Andersson, M., & Upenieks, L. (2024). Prayer and mental well-being in the United States: An overview of original and comprehensive prayer data. Journal of Religion and Health, 63(6), 4745–4772. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10943-024-02121-5

Ichihara, K., Ouchi, S., Okayama, S., Kinoshita, F., Miyashita, M., Morita, T., & Tamura, K. (2019). Effectiveness of spiritual care using spiritual pain assessment sheet for advanced cancer patients: A pilot non-randomized controlled trial. Palliative & Supportive Care, 17(1), 46–53. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1478951518000901

Kurtz. (2023, March 12). Managing brief naturalistic stressors with artificial intelligence, consumer-biofeedback, heart rate variability, prayer and petition [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/dRsLNqqAORY?si=utFPJ57KvxO_z3qZ

New American Standard Bible. (2020). The Holy Bible. Zondervan

Niebuhr, R. (1951). The serenity prayer. In The essential Reinhold Niebuhr: Selected essays and addresses (pp. 251–252). Yale University Press.

Ouhbi, S., Elkilani, W., & Fida, B. (2021). Biofeedback-based connected mental health interventions for anxiety: Systematic literature review. JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 9(4), e26038. https://doi.org/10.2196/26038

Walker, D. F., Gorsuch, R. L., & Tan, S. Y. (2005). Therapists' use of religious and spiritual interventions in Christian counseling: A preliminary report. Counseling and Values, 49(2), 107–119. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2161-007X.2005.tb00257.x

 

 

 

Rita Kurtz (Ph.D. in progress) is a Harvard University Scholar, Thought Leader, and Lawyer specializing in multidisciplinary and cross-sector concentrations including Artificial Intelligence (AI), technology, writing, law, psychology, neuroscience, neurotheology, ethics, morals, divinity, diversity, anthropology, and the sciences. 

Rita is an interdisciplinary researcher and recent graduate of Harvard University with a master's degree from the Faculty of Arts & Sciences department. Studying under esteemed Harvard Law School Professor Roberto Mangabeira Unger (SJD), Harvard University Law Director of Intellectual Property Allan Ryan, including Dr. Cornel West (Presidential Candidate 2024), and Dr. Arthur Kleinman (Harvard Department of Anthropology and Psychiatry), gave her well-roundedness in the interdisciplinary studies of law, anthropology, philosophy, ethics, morals, media, religiosity, and politics making her a well-prepared Ph.D. candidate. Through the acquisition of a prestigious Cross-Registration Academic Scholarship from Harvard, she gained a broader academic perspective and cultivated a profound curiosity about making scholarly contributions to the discourse surrounding difficult existential inquiries. In light of her Harvard Professor Unger's discussions on ethical, moral, and legal ramifications of utilizing artificial intelligence and the effects of the Knowledge Economy, she further investigated these topics, gaining the implications of the historical Tocquevillian perspective on the underestimation of technology's role. Historical data such as history, religiosity, and technology, piqued her interest in investigating these future issues in an effort to offer deeper research and discussions to grapple with these AI existential issues.

While at Harvard University, Rita combined her professional skills in television and film and took part in several projects, such as being selected out of several candidates, to participate in a research study at the Langer Mindfulness Lab in the Department of Psychology which delved into the intense psychological effects of news medium's impact on the consumption and conveyance of news to the public. As a researcher at Harvard, she wrote two research papers and successfully presented them to a panelist of fellow Ph.D. scientists. The first paper researched Nutraceutical Skin Therapy: Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ganoderma lucidum, a study on how mushrooms may support youthful skin and aid in patients suffering from the autoimmune disease, sarcoidosis. The second delved into extensive research on Meat Analogues: Are We Making a Positive Political Advancement to Save the Planet? Or A Personal Health Choice that Barely Sustains Ourselves?, uncovering the unnatural ingredients masked in meatless burgers from Beyond Meat and Impossible Burger. She became a published nonfiction writer and a certified digital storyteller while at Harvard. 

In her undergraduate degree, her interdisciplinary studies in law, anthropology and philosophy, makes her a well-rounded research candidate. Her past academia undergraduate BBA studies covered a gamut of disciplines including writing legal briefs and law courses in Constitutional Law, Business Law I &II, Torts, Corporate Finance, Accounting 1 & 2, Human Resources, Business Policy, Political Science, Operations Management, Programming, Economics, Chemistry, Chemistry Lab, and Consumer Behavior. Her studies in computer programming, economics, anthropology, and philosophy, broadened her technical mindset for business.

Rita runs an online e-commerce store and is a digital content creator, gaining some experience with Python Programming language. She stays current on mainstream topics as a blogger, social media influencer, and actress/entertainer. As a world traveler, she divides her time between speaking, performing, and engaging in television, radio, and stage productions. She has covered tech news and innovations as a repeat spokesperson at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), MacWorld, and for Belkin Components, hence the nickname, “Gadget Girl.” Her past acting appearances aired on Lifetime, History Channel, Fox, and the Paramount Network, landing her on an Emmy-nominated show. Her experience in media, led to a career in television, radio, movies, stage, and writing, gained her the branding of RitaRitaRita.

As a prior executive producer, TV and radio host of a positive side of sports, life and entertainment variety show, her co-hosts included Pro-NFL players and Industry Professionals. The show broadcasted on Warner Brothers Television and Fox. Her position led to interviews with billionaires, millionaires, celebrities, professional athletes, NASCAR drivers, professional medical staff, professional attorneys, musicians, and business owners. As a headline lead singer, she has toured with Grammy-Award winning musicians, and performed the national anthem for several professional sports teams around the United States. Rita is a strong writer, researcher, listener, articulate speaker, and takes direction well. She is most recognized for the national TV commercial in which she belted opera on a bus with a guy dressed like a Scandinavian viking-JG Wentworth (877-CASHNOW).

Rita formerly worked with a private company as a Government Account Executive supplying computer networks to the U.S. military around the globe creating relationships between the civilian sector and the government. She has also worked as a Record-Breaking Executive Technical Recruiter, receiving "Recruiter of the Month" and "Recruiter of the Year," for placing the highest commission received for the company, by placing a CEO into a Fortune 500 Tech Company. Her responsibilities as an Executive Technical Recruiter placed C-level executives into major tech companies and start-ups. Her well roundedness and entrepreneurial mindset led her to running a successful bakery at the Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Exchange.

Currently pursuing her Doctorate of Philosophy degree, with a Christian Lens on ethics and morals, in Psychology and Law, her current research interests include artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality (VR), law, ethics, morals, neuroscience, bioethics, aviation, military affairs, divinity and diversity. Her postgraduate studies at Liberty University allows her to research, analyze, test, generate new data, and the application of statistical and analytical data. Setting academic theories in psychology with a Christian worldview, opening deeper theories into more professional values, morals, ethics, behaviors, attitudes, justices, theoretical modeling, evidence-based modeling, culturally diversity standardization, leadership in trends, concepts, and methods. She is currently studying neuroscience, cognitive psychology, social-personality psychology, neurotheology, law, and statistics. Her main focus lies in self-regulation in the discipline of Health Psychology from a holistic-mind, body, spirit, and soul approach.

She is a current member of the American Psychological Association (APA), American Psychology-Law Society (AP-LS), National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ), Harvard Club of the United Kingdom, American Federation of Musicians (AFM), Christian Association for Psychological Studies (CAPS), Harvard Black Alumni Society (HBAS), former Harvard Club of NY, Harvard Club of Southern California, and the Harvard Alumni Association. She currently resides in Beverly Hills, California. Her faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation for her life. 

 

 

Awards: 

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