What are the physical benefits to the spiritual practice of worship?
Photo Courtesy: Edward Cisneros (Unsplash.com)
Many of us know that there are many spiritual benefits to worshipping Jesus. The act of worship invokes the presence of God and reminds us who He is. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17 tell us to rejoice always, pray without ceasing, and give thanks in all circumstances because it is the will of God in Christ Jesus for us (paraphrase). By worshipping we are in the will of the Father. However, because God created us; He has given us physical benefits to obeying His word as well.
"A man can no more diminish God's glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word, 'darkness' on the walls of his cell." ~C.S. Lewis
D.N.P Michael Liedke, author of of 2018 study titled "Neurophysiological Benefits of Worship,"talks about the major regions and hormones affected by Worship. Liedke targets the limbic system, dopamine and the frontal lobe as the major areas that receive physiological benefits during worship.
The Amygdala and Worship
The amygdala in the brains is responsible for the fight, flight or freeze reaction in the brain. When a person feels fear or stress, the amygdala signals the hypothalamus to release epinephrine, a.k.a adrenaline, to the bloodstream. Liedke cites, "Worship's effects on the amygdala...demonstrates a wide range of effects as a result of the hypo-activation or down-regulation to the fight or flight mechanism." This means that during worship, this "hypo-activation" actually results in the decrease in blood pressure, heart rate, and blood glucose levels. "This hypo-activation also has measurable psychic effects, measurable decreases in depression, anxiety, chronic pain and even post-traumatic stress have been identified and can be traced back to one daily action, worship," writes Liedke.
Worship and Other Hormones
Most often, people worship God through music, specifically in corporate worship settings, singing. Singing has been linked to releasing our "cheerful hormones." This includes endorphins, serotonin, oxytocin and dopamine. These hormones also directly counteract the fight, flight or freeze response.
“We are perishing for lack of wonder, not for lack of wonders." ~G.K. Chesterton'
Worship and Grief
A 2019 study found that those dealing with grief showed gradual improvement in their self-esteem over 24 weeks after joining a choir. Those in the control group showed a gradual increase in depressive symptoms. The conclusion of this study? "Weekly group singing could be a promising mutual support intervention for people experiencing grief."
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