The Power of Prayer in Transforming Individuals and Marital Relationships: A Qualitative Examination of Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Families

Prayer is a widely practiced religious behavior. Research has associated prayer with various physical, psychological, and relational benefits. This study used in-depth, interview-based qualitative methods to explore how prayer may foster improvement in married individuals as well as in couples'...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Review of religious research
Authors: Hatch, T. G. (Author) ; Lawrence, Michael 1966- (Author)
Contributors: Marks, L. D. (Other) ; Bitah, E. A. (Other) ; Lambert, N. M. (Other) ; Dollahite, D. C. (Other) ; Hardy, B. P. (Other)
Format: Electronic Article
Language:English
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Published: Springer [2016]
In: Review of religious research
Standardized Subjects / Keyword chains:B Prayer / Marriage / Pair relationship
RelBib Classification:AD Sociology of religion; religious policy
AG Religious life; material religion
CB Christian life; spirituality
NCF Sexual ethics
Further subjects:B Relationships
B Religion
B Family
B Prayer
Online Access: Volltext (Verlag)
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Description
Summary:Prayer is a widely practiced religious behavior. Research has associated prayer with various physical, psychological, and relational benefits. This study used in-depth, interview-based qualitative methods to explore how prayer may foster improvement in married individuals as well as in couples' relationships in a richly diverse sample of 184 religious couples (N = 368 individuals). Qualitative data analyses revealed the following related themes: (a) prayer is a catalyst for change; (b) prayer facilitates humility and positivity; (c) prayer facilitates communication and understanding among couples; and (d) prayer unifies couples and helps in resolving conflict. Illustrative and supportive primary data are presented in connection with each theme. Implications of the findings are discussed.
ISSN:2211-4866
Contains:Enthalten in: Review of religious research
Persistent identifiers:DOI: 10.1007/s13644-015-0236-z