Life is strewn with problems that need to be solved, and not all problems are as easy as deciding whom to vote for in the next election. Problems become more complicated when they require persistent effort. A problem consists of three states: the problem state, the goal state, and the operations required to move from the problem state to the goal state.
When a person prays, what exactly happens in their mind? Their prayers serve as a way of reaching out and connecting with God. They approach prayer as a mental activity that requires paying attention to their own thoughts. Sometimes, they ask for material things, but more often, they ask for comfort, strength, and hope. More than just asking, they are engaging in problem-solving.
Take Paul, for example. He think mornings are swirl with angst,concern and some confusion. He begins his prayer by describing his situation, which helps him identify his goal state: he wants to feel happy, not anxious, in the morning. He then makes a plan, saying he wants to meet God in the morning and works backward to figure out that he needs to establish a new morning routine. Carrying out these plans is not always easy, but the emotional transformation that occurs is necessary. Paul spends part of his prayer in reflection, identifying positive experiences and past successes: “I’ve had those mornings when I was happy.”
In prayer, people are working through their problems, figuring out what aspects they can handle, while letting go of the parts they can’t, handing them over to a higher power. Motivation is another key aspect that makes prayer well-suited for problem-solving. Solving problems is hard work, often requiring persistence when giving up would be easier. But people view God as a “wild card”—when they hand their problems to God, they believe anything is possible.
Through prayer, people are continually reminded of what is important to them and what they believe God wants for them—their values. This spiritual practice fosters resilience, hope, and a sense of clarity, allowing individuals to focus on solutions and navigate life’s complexities with a sense of peace and purpose. It provides both comfort and motivation, helping people persevere in their problem-solving journey.