Prayer Collective Neuro Laboratory

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Under the leadership of Dr. Leighton, the Prayer Collective Neuro Laboratory is a hub of pioneering research at the intersection of spirituality, mental health, and cognition. Our state-of-the-art facility utilizes advanced neuroimaging technologies, including quantitative electroencephalogram (QEEG), swLORETA imaging, Neurofeedback, and HEG (Hemoencephalography), with functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) coming soon. These tools enable us to explore the neurophysiological effects of religious and spiritual practices in unprecedented detail.

Dr. Leighton’s foundational research examines how various forms of prayer, such as adoration and forgiveness, impact key brain regions like the superior temporal gyrus and post-central gyrus. Our investigations offer nuanced insights into how spiritual activities influence brain function and brainwave self-regulation. This research challenges existing paradigms and opens new pathways for understanding the profound impacts of spirituality on mental health and cognitive processes.

Dr. Leighton’s foundational studies on the Prayer of Forgiveness and Prayer of Adoration have demonstrated significant changes in brain activity associated with these practices, providing key insights into the effects of spirituality on the brain.

• Prayer of Forgiveness: This study revealed that when Christians focus on asking God for forgiveness of sin, there is elevated alpha current source density in the left postcentral gyrus (BA 40). This neural response may support emotional processing and stress relief.

• Prayer of Adoration: When focusing on praising God, participants exhibited elevated alpha current source density in the temporal lobe (BA 22). This suggests that adoration prayers engage cognitive processes that may enhance positive emotions and overall well-being.

These findings illustrate the potential of spiritual practices to positively influence brainwave patterns, contributing to better management of mental wellness challenges like anxiety and PTSD. This research laid the foundation for the formation of Prayer Collective, which aims to bridge advanced neuroscience with spirituality to support brain function and cognitive enhancement.

By integrating cutting-edge science with spiritual wisdom, the Prayer Collective Neuro Laboratory pioneers an interdisciplinary approach to mental wellness. This approach fosters holistic strategies that respect both scientific evidence and spiritual values, offering new possibilities for brainwave self-regulation and human flourishing.