Today, the first Thursday in May, is the National Day of Prayer. This day, designated by the United States Congress, asks people “to turn to God in prayer and meditation.” For many, prayer offers a connection to our spiritual lives, nurturing our relationships and faith. It provides comfort in times of crisis or need. But prayer can also be a powerful healing tool.

The Bible is filled with references about the healing power of prayer and today researchers are proving that people who believe in a higher power are indeed healthier mentally, emotionally, and physically. Plus, studies have shown that people of faith live longer. One nationwide study from Ohio State University  found that people  who have religious affiliations lived nearly four years longer than those who had no ties to religion.

Dr. Harold G. Koenig, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and associate professor of medicine at Duke University Medical Center, tells Newsmax:

“Studies prove prayer can prevent people from getting sick — and when they do get sick, prayer can help them get better faster,” he says, adding that an exhaustive analysis of 1,500 medical studies indicated that people who are more religious and pray more have better health.

Here are some eye-opening statistics examining the role of prayer and faith in common conditions, according to Koenig:

• Depression. This is the most common emotional disorder in the world. Religious involvement is linked to 61% less depression and a faster recovery from depression.
• Suicide. Studies have found fewer suicides and more negative attitudes toward suicide in the people who are involved in religion.
• Alcohol use and drug dependence. Recent studies have found that 86% of those who are religiously involved do not abuse drugs or alcohol and 84% are less likely to use illicit drugs.
• Well-being and happiness. In 70% of the studies, religious involvement was found to be related to a better all-around feeling of wellness.
• Exercise and risky behaviors. Having a firm belief in religion correlated to 68% of people being physically active. Religious people also engage in less extramarital sex and safer sexual practices.
• Cardiovascular functions. Religious people have 57% lower blood pressure, 63% better cardiovascular health, and 63% less coronary artery disease.
• Immune function. A full 56% of those who have religious affiliations enjoy a stronger immune system.
• Mortality. Religious involvement is related to greater longevity overall.

On the flip side, lack of faith has negative consequences.

 “As religious involvement declines in the Americas, the result of increasing secularization, crime rates, alcohol and drug use and addiction are increasing,” says Koenig.

Koenig says that the brain and higher cortical processes are directly connected through the nervous system to the major physiological healing systems: the immune, endocrine, and cardiovascular systems. This connection allows how we think affect our physiological well-being.

Koenig, the author of “Spirituality in Patient Care,” urges doctors to take a spiritual history of their patients and have a conversation about it.