Groundbreaking project explores the psychological, behavioral, and spiritual effects of The Jesus Prayer
Harvard Scientist Michael Ferguson and the Neurospirituality Lab Launch Project on The Jesus Prayer and Its Psychological and Spiritual Impacts
CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — This Lenten season, Harvard scientist Michael Ferguson (PhD) and the Neurospirituality Lab are launching a groundbreaking project exploring the psychological, behavioral, and spiritual effects of The Jesus Prayer, an ancient contemplative practice with roots in early Christianity.
Sponsored by the Templeton World Charity Foundation, this six-part project invites participants to engage in guided instruction on The Jesus Prayer, a meditative prayer tradition developed by the Desert Mothers and Fathers of ancient Christianity. Through this immersive experience, participants will complete scientifically designed questionnaires to assess how this practice influences well-being, cognition, and spiritual experience.
“This is an exciting opportunity to bring rigorous scientific inquiry to a sacred practice that has shaped Christian spirituality for centuries,” said Dr. Michael Ferguson, the lead scientist of the project. “We hope to uncover meaningful insights into how contemplative prayer influences psychological and behavioral health, as well as spiritual experience.”
The project involves a short online course that includes:
• A historical and theological introduction to The Jesus Prayer
• Practical techniques for incorporating the prayer into daily life
• Scientific assessments to examine the effects of the practice over time
Congregations or other faith communities interested in engaging with the project as a group may be eligible for private meetings with Dr. Ferguson to discuss the results and their broader implications for spiritual life.
This research builds upon ongoing investigations into the neuroscience of prayer, meditation, and spirituality. By combining ancient wisdom with modern scientific methods, the project aims to provide new insights into the role of contemplative practices in human flourishing.
Participation and Contact Information
Individuals and groups interested in participating can find more information by visiting:
https://prayerscience.org/the-jesus-prayer
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Contact:
Morgan Healey
Prayer Science
8014523674
[email protected]
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