Stress reduction through prayer is something that Christians have been doing for ages, and it is among the most effective and well known methods of dealing with stress.  Not everyone believes in God, and that is their personal decision and their right.  For those that do believe in God, prayer can be a lifesaving benefit in the arena of stress reduction.  Here is a step by step guide to stress reduction through prayer:

The first thing you want to do when you are ready to pray is to go somewhere that you feel most comfortable.  If you feel relaxed in a particular room, then go there.  If you like nature and have a suitable place to go, that is even better.   Anywhere you feel relaxed can be a wonderful place to pray and reduce your stress level.  In a pinch, this can even be done sitting at your desk at work.

Many people have trouble getting started in a prayer to God.  The truth is, you are speaking with the Almighty.  He knows what you need, and He will provide it if you seek Him.  Find a position that you are comfortable.  Some people are more comfortable in prayer on their knees.  Others like to stand up and walk around.  Whatever makes you feel closest to Him is the key.

Begin by talking with God about what you are stressed about.  Let Him know that you are concerned and explain to Him why.  The wonderful thing about prayer to God is that He has a way of showing us our own solutions.  Just the act of speaking with Him in prayer will often provide solutions that we never would have otherwise thought of.  We give Him the problem, and He helps us find the solutions.  That goes a long ways towards eliminating stress in our lives.

The simple act of going to the Lord in prayer is stress reducing by default.  When you are able to share your problems with someone that is all powerful, the problems begin to seem like no big deal.  In the broad scheme of stress reduction, that is the end goal anyway.  We are trying to eliminate stress and move on with our lives.  No amount of exercise, self help, medications, vitamins or herbs are going to be nearly as effective as advice from the Almighty.  It is stress reduction as a bonus.  The real payoff is in knowing  Him and eternal salvation.

Holding a group prayer session can be very powerful as well.  Prayer only becomes more effective when several people are doing it.  If you and some friends want to really eliminate some stress in your lives, get together and pray once a week or more.  You will find that prayer is not only good for your stress – it is good for everything you want to do.