Prayer and the well-being of the older adult

Using a purposive sample of older adults, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted to illuminate the influence of prayer on their well-being. Content analysis was the method used to discern this relationship. Through the analysis of eight stories two themes on the "notion" of prayer and a primary theme on the influence of prayer on the well-being of the older adult emerged. The themes of prayer that emerged were: prayer was a conversation with God and an intimate relationship with God that fostered trust and belief. The primary theme was that a relationship with God through prayer fosters a sense of well-being.