An exploratory study of the power of a mantra form of contemplative prayer to awaken the presence of the transcendent in daily living

Abstract

Although numerous research studies have examined the effect of meditation on health outcomes, few studies have investigated the effect a mantra form of contemplative prayer has on the everyday lives of its practitioners. The purpose of this 10-week study was to explore through both quantitative and qualitative means the effect a mantra form of contemplative prayer would have on a practitioner's (a) felt sense of God's presence and/or the transcendent in daily life, (b) self, (c) others, (d) stress, (e) anxiety, and (f) depression. The study also examined whether the practitioners would continue the practice. This experimental, randomized study enrolled 164 Protestants from 48 churches and 16 denominations in the Chicago suburban area. Fifty-two practitioners met the 75% requirement of a 6-week, 20-minutes per day practice. Repeated measures 2 x 2 (time x group) ANOVAs were conducted to determine the statistical significance of change over a period of time for both the Treatment and Wait-List Groups. Interaction for 10 of the 11 dependent variables proved significant at p <. 05 with 5 of the variables proving significant at p < .001. Qualitative data describing the participants' experience and their intention to continue or discontinue the practice were obtained from 2 follow-up questionnaires. Included in the literature review is an examination of the practices and benefits various forms of meditation confer upon their practitioners