The Effects of Participation in Organized Prayer Movements on Christians’ Development of Faith, Hope, Spiritual Wellness, and Love

Abstract

The teaching of the Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians’ faith and spiritual growth, particularly during times of trial and difficulty. Through prayers, Christians enable their spiritual experience of continuous transformation. This study tries to investigate the effects of the organised prayer movement by Jireh Fund Prayer Movement (JFPM) in Hong Kong on Christians who follow the movement. This study explores the effects of participating in the JFPM on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, resilience and love. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2024, with more than 500 Christians from 67 churches responding to a questionnaire developed for the study to measure the various effects on Christians after they participated in the movement. The questionnaire was developed to measure Christians’ participation in the movement, their spiritual development of faith with hope, spiritual wellness, love, and resilience in the face of stress experienced. The findings are that the organised prayer movements provided by the Jireh Fund have a profound influence on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, and love. Through shared experiences in participating in prayer group movements, individuals strengthen their faith, enhance their spiritual development, experience divine love, and reduce stress in their daily lives. The sense of community and support found in these movements enhances spiritual wellness, while the focus on collective prayer fosters a culture of love and compassion. Through prayer, believers are empowered to grow in their relationship with God and to extend His love to others, demonstrating the transformative power of organised prayer movements in the lives of Christians.

1. Introduction

The teaching of the Bible emphasizes the importance of prayer for Christians’ faith and spiritual growth, particularly during times of trial and difficulty. Through prayers, Christians enable their spiritual experience of continuous transformation (Van der Merwe 2018). Prayer can bring unbelievers closer to God and lead them to experience the person of God (Wijaya et al. 2025). Prayer movement may bring about transformations in religious lifestyles (Schüler 2013).

This study tries to investigate the effects of the organised prayer movement by Jireh Fund Prayer Movement (JFPM) in Hong Kong on Christians who follow the movement. This movement brings together Christians from various churches to participate in prayer meetings held in physical venues and online, focusing on common themes through published prayer items, and encouraging Christians to pray continually and regularly. This study explores the effects of participating in the JFPM on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, resilience and love. A cross-sectional survey study was conducted in 2024, with more than 500 Christians responding to a questionnaire developed for the study to measure the various effects on Christians after they participated in the movement. The questionnaire was developed to measure Christians’ participation in the movement, their spiritual development of faith with hope, spiritual wellness, love, and resilience in the face of stress experienced. The questionnaire was confirmed to have validity and reliability with confirmatory factor analysis. The proposed positive effects of participation in prayer, as supported by the Bible and other research studies, were confirmed by a structural equation model.

2. Literature Review

2.1. The Importance of Prayer

The teaching of the Bible stresses the importance of prayer for Christians’ faith and spiritual development. God’s will for Christians is that they should rejoice and pray continually (1 Thessalonians 5:16–18). Faithful in prayer can bring joyful in hope and patience in affliction (Romans 12:12). Christians can approach God and ask anything according to God’s will (1 John 5:14). Through prayer with thanksgiving, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard the hearts and minds of Christians in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6–7). These verses emphasise that prayer is essential for and lead to faith, seeking guidance, nurturing hope, bringing peace of mind and reducing worries in the Christian life. The above outcomes are different aspects of the fruit of Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22–23).

Research studies indicate that through prayer, Christians can gain insight into God’s presence in their lives, facilitating spiritual experiences and ongoing transformation (Van der Merwe 2018). Prayer can serve as a spiritual bridge to connect humans with God and bring about spiritual growth of Christians (Wijaya et al. 2025). Prayer movement, such as 24/7 Prayer movement, may bring about transformations among some Christians through a social and spiritual practice that establishes a new identity and holistically integrates spirituality, creativity, social engagement, and missionary efforts into daily life (Schüler 2013). Hence, prayer is an essential and very important aspect of Christianity according to the Bible teaching and research findings.

The sociology of prayer has a long history and routinely stresses the centrality of prayer to religious belief and ritual solidarity (Froese and Jones 2021). Still, we have struggled to clearly define the parameters of prayer and the various components of this ubiquitous practice. Drawing from a comprehensive literature review of prayer research, we propose that there are four conceptually distinct dimensions of the private prayer experience which vary across religious cultures and traditions; they are (1) the quantity of prayer, (2) the style of prayer, (3) the purpose of prayer, and (4) prayer targets. Our proposed measures of these dimensions offer researchers a framework to better theorize and investigate the social mechanisms which produce variation in prayer as well as the individual and social outcomes of prayer. In particular, we discuss how each prayer dimension fits within specific theoretical framings to better test the extent to which the emotional, rational, and behavioral elements matter to prayer outcomes.

Elisha (2013) explores a recent trend in evangelical revivalism known as ‘citywide prayer,’ a movement organized around prayer networks and public rituals that highlight religious concerns deemed specific to cities and metropolitan regions. Building on research that includes ethnographic fieldwork in Knoxville, Tennessee, and focusing on the discourse and practical strategies of citywide prayer, the article argues that advocates of this movement promote a style of evangelical urbanism in which prayer serves as a key medium for re-imagining one’s sense of place, against the disorientation and alienation associated with urban life. Moreover, prayer is presented as a medium for marking time in non-secular terms, as is demonstrated in the use of technologies of religious discipline such as annotated prayer calendars, which invite participants to inhabit multiple coexisting temporalities. It is further suggested that when enacted this evangelical urbanism constitutes a form of urban praxis, enabling projects of emplacement that respond to larger forces that are seen otherwise to limit grass-roots agency.

A powerful revival occurred in North America in 1857 and 1858. Sometimes known as the “Businessmen’s Revival” by its contemporaries, a distinctive aspect of this revival was the extraordinary popularity of well-publicized noon prayer meetings led by business people. These meetings were built on the pattern established by the Fulton Street Prayer Meetings in New York City. There are important lessons that can be drawn from the success of this movement and the manner in which the prayer meetings were organized. Their success was due to the fact that they provided business and other working people with an opportunity for prayer and fellowship in the middle of the work day and did so in a way that took into account the daily habits and practices of the participants (Tribken 2019).

2.2. Prayer and Church Growth

The Book of Acts provides numerous examples of how the prayers of early Christians had a profound impact on their spiritual well-being and contributed to the church’s growth and thriving during challenging times. The early church’s commitment to unified prayer (Acts 1:14) strengthened their community and spirituality, and prepared them for the birth of the early church. The early Christians prioritised prayer alongside teaching and fellowship, which contributed to their spiritual growth and unity (Acts 2:42). As a result, the church had favour with all the people and the Lord kept adding to their number daily (Acts 2:47). The earnest prayers of the church not only uplifted their spirits during a trial but also resulted in miraculous intervention of delivering Peter from prison (Acts 12:5–12). The above verses show that prayer is one of the most important ways for Christians’ spiritual development as well as the growth of the Church.

2.3. Role of Prayer in FAITH Development

Prayer is a fundamental practice in Christian spirituality. It encompasses various forms, such as asking God for help or guidance, offering thanksgiving, and engaging in contemplative prayer privately or in groups (Philippians 4:6–7). Jesus set the example of the importance of prayer (John 18:1; Luke 11:1, 22:44; Mark 14:39), and taught His disciples to pray (Luke 11:2). Paul attached importance to prayer as expressed in his letters to churches (Colossians 1:3) and stressed the importance of prayer. Prayer will help Christians to avoid falling into temptation (Matthew 26:41). Prayer can overcome anxiety and allows Christians to experience the peace of love (1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6–7). Through prayer, Christians can rejoice in hope (Romans 12:12), and may achieve their wish according to the will of God (John 15:7).

The above verses emphasize the importance of prayer in seeking wisdom, maintaining peace, reducing anxiety, cultivating a steadfast spirit with faith and hope, and deepening one’s relationship with God, all of which contribute to the development of faith and spirituality. Olusegun (2024) examined the role of personal prayer in the spiritual growth of Christians and found that prayer has a significant impact on believers’ spiritual lives, strengthening their faith and serving as a source of inner peace and moral guidance.

Participation in organised prayer movements significantly impacts the development of the church and the growth of Christians’ faith (Acts 1:14; 2:42, 47). Prayer, as a foundational element of Christianity, serves as a means of communication with God, fostering a deeper understanding of spiritual doctrines. Engaging in organised prayer enables individuals to experience a collective faith, which often reinforces their personal beliefs. Ooga (2022) found that individuals who actively participate in communal prayer report stronger spiritual convictions and a heightened sense of God’s presence in their lives.

Christians participating in organised prayer movement will increase their social prayer quantity. According to the finding by Froese (2024), participants of the JFPM may have their happiness enhanced and stress reduced through their increase in social prayer quantity. From another perspective, organised prayer movements may foster spiritual wellness by creating a supportive community where individuals can gain a deeper understanding of and reinforce their purpose in life, share their struggles, joys, and spiritual journeys. Hence, spiritual wellness can also be enhanced. The act of praying together fosters a profound sense of belonging and accountability, which can alleviate feelings of isolation and promote emotional and social well-being. The social support inherent in organised prayer movements enables participants to cope with life’s challenges more effectively and with better social health. The above scripture and research studies demonstrate that the power of prayer, particularly when shared in a group, can promote spiritual wellness, a sense of purpose, hope, and resilience in the face of stress, ultimately contributing to an overall sense of well-being.

Moreover, organised prayer movements often provide a structure for Christians to explore theological concepts of praying and biblical teachings on the development of spirituality through prayer. Group discussions and teachings that accompany prayer sessions lead to increased biblical literacy and an enhanced understanding of Christian doctrines. This intellectual engagement can solidify faith, helping participants to navigate personal doubts and life challenges with a more robust theological framework. The above bible teachings and research findings suggest that Christians’ prayers and involvement in organised prayer movements may enhance their faith and hope. Hence this study proposes that participation in JFPM will enhance Christians’ faith with hope.

2.4. Prayer and Cultivation of FAITH with HOPE

McDermott (2023) reporting on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, which has been tracking individuals, indicates that deep relationships are key to long-term emotional well-being with God. This raises the question of how many people include a relationship with Jesus as one of their deep personal relationships and sources of hope.

Spurrier (2019) in discovered the Yale Bible Study offers podcasts discussing themes of suffering, hope, and promise in relation to prayer and faith. As for Interdependence and Hope: her research explores the hope of human interdependence and the importance of liturgical access for religious practice and Christian community. It was reported that whenever she taught a course on Christian worship, she spent time with her students together talking about healing prayers and liturgies. She prioritized these discussions both because liturgy could help to heal the painful webs of violence in which they find themselves and because it was imperative that worship leaders reflect on the potential violence of ritual practices of healing. Her hope was that future pastors and other leaders will imagine healing in ways that do not objectify particular kinds of body-minds and will foster liturgical practices that awaken their desires for the depth and breadth of what it meant to be embodied together in relationship with God and others.

Organized prayer movements often emphasize hope, particularly in challenging times. Through prayer, participants express their hopes and desires, which can lead to a greater sense of optimism and resilience. The act of praying together can uplift spirits and provide a collective sense of hope, especially when facing personal or communal struggles. This shared hope can be a powerful motivator for individuals to persevere in their faith journeys.

The Bible teaches that faith leads to healing and wholeness (Mark 5:34, James 5:15) and hope renews strength and brings peace (Isaiah 40:31, Romans 15:13). Both faith and hope contribute to the overall wellness of the body, mind, and spirit (3 John 1:2, Psalm 42:11). These verses affirm that trusting and hoping in God leads to a deeper sense of spiritual health, emotional peace, and often physical well-being. Hence this study proposes that faith with hope will enhance Christians’ spiritual and emotional wellness.

Participation in organized prayer movements fosters a communal environment where individuals can deepen their faith. Engaging in collective prayer allows Christians to share experiences and testimonies, reinforcing their beliefs and encouraging spiritual growth. This communal aspect can lead to a stronger sense of belonging and identity within the faith community, which is crucial for personal faith development (Glissman 2017).

2.5. Faith with Hope Will Drive out Stress

Prayer has been a universal behavior throughout human history. Scholars have increasingly recognized that there are different types of prayer and various prayer purposes, but little work has been done to examine their mental health consequences beyond an examination of prayer frequencies. In this study, we draw on nationally representative data from Wave 6 of the Baylor Religion Survey (2024) to examine whether four subtypes of prayer are associated with anxiety: prayer efficacy (the belief that prayer can solve personal and world problems); devotional prayer (praise of God and prayer for the well-being of others); prayers for support (e.g., better health, financial aid); and prayer expectancies (whether God answers prayers). Results suggest that prayer efficacy, prayers for support, and one form of devotional prayer (asking God for forgiveness) all correlate with higher anxiety, while another form of devotional prayer (praise of God) and prayer expectancies are associated with lower anxiety in the American population. The importance of capturing multi-dimensional phenomenon comprises religious prayer life within the extensive religion and health literature.

In the Harvard Study (Harvard Study: Repeating Mantras Relieves Stress, n.d.), Dr. Herbert Benson, president and founder of the Mind/Body Medical Institute at Harvard Medical School, documented a phenomenon he dubbed “the relaxation response” which he says is the opposite of the body’s fight-or-flight mechanism. Benson experimented using “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me”. He told his subjects to sit quietly and repeat the prayer either mentally or verbally for ten to twenty minutes, to breathe regularly and to push intruding thoughts aside as they entered their minds. Benson found that those who repeated the Prayer, for as little as ten minutes a day, experienced physiological changes—reduced heart rate, lower stress levels and slower metabolism. It also lowered the blood pressure of those who had high blood pressure and generally decreased the subjects’ oxygen consumption (indicating that the body was in a restful state). Subsequent studies documented in Benson’s Timeless Healing found that repeating prayer can benefit the immune system, relieve insomnia and reduce doctor visits. It appears that Benson and his colleagues have uncovered a universal principle: repetitive prayer allows human beings to enter a relaxed state.

The Bible teaches us that faith will drive out stress. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (1. Philippians 4:6–7). “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (2. Matthew 6:34). “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” (4. 1 Peter 5:7).

One of the most important teachings is: “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.” I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (5. Isaiah 41:10). These verses remind us that through faith and hope, we can find peace and strength, reducing stress and anxiety in our lives.

2.6. Prayer and Spiritual Wellness

The practice of prayer is linked to improved mental and emotional health. Engaging in organized prayer can provide a sense of peace and calm, helping individuals manage stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that prayer can lead to feelings of empowerment and relief, contributing to overall spiritual wellness. This wellness is not only personal but can also extend to the community, as individuals support one another through prayer.

Wellness encompasses the overall health of an individual, including their spiritual, emotional, psychological, physical, and intellectual well-being (Hawks 2004). Froese (2024) found that prayer is related to mental wellness in both positive and negative ways, with social prayer quantity significantly positively correlated to happiness and significantly negatively correlated to depression and anxiety. Upenieks (2023) found that devotional prayer related to praising God is significantly related to lower anxiety in the American population. Zarzycka and Krok (2021) found that disclosure to God in prayer is positively related to mental health and serves as a mediator in the relation between prayer and mental health. Many research studies also found that prayer can lead to reduced stress and anxiety (Koenig 2009; McCaffrey et al. 2004; Newman et al. 2023), one aspect of emotional wellness. The above findings and the Bible teaching suggest that prayer may lead to better emotional, psychological and physical wellness.

Spiritual wellness involves a high level of commitment to a well-defined worldview, living with purpose and direction, which provides a personal understanding of life’s purpose, a value system, and an ethical path for fulfilling the higher purpose of life (Hawks 2004). Belief in God and an individual’s integration with this power are essential for spiritual wellness (Purdy and Dupey 2005).

According to the Bible, prayer connects us to God (Jeremiah 29:12–13), builds peace and faith (Philippians 4:6–7), produces hope in suffering (Romans 12:12, Romans 5:3–5), gives confidence to act according to God’s will (1 John 5:14–15), sustains us through trials (2 Corinthians 12:9–10) and is powerful and effective for healing (James 5:16). The teaching of the Bible collectively demonstrate that prayer can positively impact spiritual wellness and the faith in God which enable Christians to have hope and confidence to act and achieve their goals according to God’s will, even in suffering conditions. Hence this study proposes that participation in JFPM will enhance Christians’ wellness, which includes emotional, psychological, and spiritual aspects.

2.7. Spiritual Wellness Promotes LOVE

Organized prayer movements often emphasize love as a core tenet of faith. Through prayer, participants are encouraged to express love for God and for one another. This practice can cultivate a spirit of compassion and service within the community, leading to acts of kindness and support among members. The communal nature of prayer reinforces the idea of love as a shared experience, fostering deeper connections among participants (Del Castillo et al. 2023).

According to the Bible, the fruit of the spirit is love (Galatianss 5:22), hence spiritual wellnees will lead to development of spiritual love. Christians who are transformed spiritually will be able to test and approve what God’s will is (Roman 12:2). Jesus said: ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The above two verses can be interpreted as Christians who are spiritually transformed will follow the two great commandments, leading to the development of loving their neighbor. The apostle John suggested that we know how to love because Jesus loved us first (1 John 4:19). According to the above verses, this study proposes that spiritual wellness will enhance the development of spiritual love.

One of the most profound effects of organised prayer movements is the cultivation of love and compassion among participants. Prayer inherently involves seeking the well-being of others, whether through intercessory prayers or collective worship focused on community needs. As individuals pray for one another, they develop empathy and a sense of responsibility for their fellow believers and the broader community, which will enhance the development of divine love.

This outward focus on love and service is often a hallmark of organised prayer movements. Many of these groups engage in outreach programs, charity work, and missions, reflecting the love of Christ in practical ways. Participants often find that their commitment to prayer translates into actionable love, motivating them to serve others more faithfully. Such experiences not only strengthen communal bonds but also deepen personal faith, as participants witness the tangible effects of their prayers and love in the lives of others. Hence this study proposes that Christians’ participation in the JFPM will enhance their development of love.

The outward focus on love of service in not restricted as a practice of individual spiritual discipline to Christians and groups in Hong Kong. The prayer movement operates as a communal act of faith in response to broader social and political realities in Hong Kong and other countries. The Jireh Fund has successfully promoted this prayer movement in 24 countries, with participants from 76 cities worldwide. Furthermore, the prayer book has been translated into 40 languages. Some examples of the themes of the prayer handbook published in the past are: “proclaiming the name of the Lord: 40-day fasting and prayer”; “prayer handbook for new believers in several languages”; “love and care for the Philippines”; and “seek peace for the world”. The themes of the prayer book address different roles of prayer. The theme “Seek peace for the world” was used to address fears due to earthquake, pandemics, changes in socio-political structures and social unrests affecting some countries and the world, respectively. “Proclaiming the name of the Lord” served the purpose of enhancing individual spirituality and solidarity formed with churches through prayer.

The above literature review suggests that the fellowship and actions of Christians through the JFPM may provide participants with a clear worldview of serving God through prayers, a sense of faith, purpose in life, fostering a sense of belonging, shared faith and spirituality, resilience in times of stress and love to others. Hence, a theoretical framework is proposed as follows.

3. Theoretical Framework of the Study

A theoretical framework, as illustrated in Figure 1, is proposed for the relationships amongst the five variables to be studied, with reference to the above literature review.

3.1. Hypotheses

According to the literature review and the theoretical framework, the following hypotheses are proposed:

Hypothesis 1.

Christians who are more active in participation in JFPM have better development in faith, spirituality and love than those who are less active in participation.

Hypothesis 2.

Christians who are more active in participation in the JFPM perceive fewer worries than those who are less active in participation.

Hypothesis 3.

Participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their faith and fill them with hope in life.

Hypothesis 4.

Faith and hope of Christians participating in the prayer movement have a positive effect on enhancing their spiritual wellness.

Hypothesis 5.

Participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their spiritual wellness through the development of faith and hope.

Hypothesis 6.

The Spiritual wellness of Christians participating in the mass prayer will positively enhance their spiritual love.

Hypothesis 7.

Participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their love through the development of spiritual wellness.

Hypothesis 8.

Faith and hope of Christians participating in the prayer movement have the positive effect of reducing stress perceived by them.

Hypothesis 9.

Participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians will reduce their stress.

3.2. Definition and Development of the Measurement Scale

To develop the measurement scale for the five constructs to be measured, this study defines the variables under investigation as follows.

• Participation in the JFPM is defined as the involvement of Christians in various activities organised by the Movement, including group prayer meetings, personal prayers according to the Movement’s action list, and using the Movement’s prayer book.
• The total participation of each activity is used to measure the participation in prayer by Christians. The three participations are used to measure the factor of participation in the prayer movement.
• Faith and Hope are defined as Christians’ belief in the purpose and goals of life, and the hope to achieve these goals successfully, according to God’s will, as taught in the Bible. Eight items, using a 4-point Likert Scale, are adapted from other validated instruments for measuring Faith and Hope in Chinese. Two examples are “I am full of energy in achieving my goals” and “I have achieved the goals I set for myself.”
• Spiritual wellness in this study is defined as the commitment of Christians to achieve the holy goals of God with energy, experience the beauty of nature, cultivate a calm state of mind, and a sense of value in life, and live out their faith according to God’s will. Six items, using 4-point Likert Scale, are adapted from other validated instruments for measuring the construct in Chinese. Two examples are “I feel the drive and energy in spirituality”, and “I feel God’s goals for my life”.
• Love is defined as the act of caring for others and loving one another, as taught in the Bible. Three items, using a 4-point Likert Scale, are adapted from other validated instruments for measuring love in Chinese. Two examples are “I care and love others” and “I feel the love for all mankind”.
• Stress is defined as the subjective feelings of worry experienced. Four items, using a 4-point Likert Scale, are adapted from other validated instruments for measuring the construct in Chinese. Two examples are “I worry about my health”, and “I usually have something to worry about”.

4. Research Method

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a questionnaire developed to measure the participation of Christians in various activities organised by the JFPM. A convenient sample of Christian participants from the movement was asked to respond to the questionnaire in 2024. A total of 524 responses were collected. After cleaning the data, 492 responses were used for analysis. The data were analysed using SPSS version 28 and AMOS version 29 to validate the questionnaire and test the study’s hypotheses.

4.1. Demographic Data

The respondents came from 67 churches in Hong Kong. Their ages ranged from under 18 to over 80, with 71.8% being between 51 and 70 years old. There were 401 female respondents and 71 male respondents, with 20 respondents not indicating their gender. The group consists of students, full-time workers, housewives, and retirees. The respondents were aware of and joined the prayer movement through various sources. The highest three sources are: 240 through friends, 144 through their churches and 120 through the prayer booklets published by the movement.

There are more than 24 prayer meetings in 2024 organised by the prayer movement, attended by respondents in person or through the internet. The two meetings with the highest attendance rate from the respondents are 174 (38%) and 155 (33.9%), with the theme of praying for Hong Kong and proclaiming the name of our God, respectively.

Table 1. Participation in various actions organized by the Prayer movement.

Prayer Action	No. of Participation by Respondents
Using the prayer booklet	299
Praying for half an hour or more daily	232
Proclaiming the name of God daily	227
Pray everywhere	186
According to Youtube on what the Bible says	141
According to every morning at 8am published in a newspaper	82
Listen to the Jireh bible verses audio	75
Others	13

reports the participation of respondents in various prayer actions organised by the prayer movement. The three actions receiving the most support from the respondents are prayer, according to the items published in the prayer booklet, praying for half an hour or more daily, and daily proclaiming the name of God, with 299, 232, and 227 participants, respectively.

Table 2. Prayers according to suggested prayer content.

Prayer Content	No. of Participation by Respondents
Prayer for Hong Kong city	374
Pray for family	276
Pray for personal spiritual life	210
Pray for church	209
Pray for personal sickness	187
Pray for personal emotion	176
Pray for work & the need of the working sector	142
Pray for church	100
Pray for some special community	87
Others	14

reports respondents’ prayer according to the suggested content of prayer in the prayer booklet. The results show that the respondents pay more attention to the need of the city, their family, their spiritual life and their church than their own personal needs such as health, emotion, and work etc.

4.2. Confirmatory Factor Analysis

Confirmatory factor analysis using Amos version 29 was conducted to test the validity of the five constructs: participation, faith, spiritual wellness, love, and stress in life. The results of the analyses support five distinct factors with an excellent fit (CFI: 0.951; IFI: 0.952; RMSEA: 0.065). Table 1 reports the reliability, average variance extracted, and correlations among factors, indicating that the five constructs are reliable, with composite reliability ranging from 0.846 to 0.888 and Cronbach’s Alpha ranging from 0.844 to 0.886. Since the average variance extracted is greater than 0.5 and the correlations among factors by CFA are below 0.666, the results support that the five constructs have discriminant validity and reliability.

4.3. Descriptive Statistics of and Correlations Among the Five Factors with Demographic Variables

The descriptive statistics and the difference between the theoretical means of the five factors are reported in

Table 3. Means and t-tests of variables.

Construct	Mean	Standard Error	t Value for Comparison with the Theoretical Mean of 3	Significance Two-Sided p
Faith and hope	3.2795	0.0197	39.532	<0.001
Spiritual Wellness	3.5742	0.0179	59.933	<0.001
Stress	2.3818	0.0300	−3.940	<0.001
Love	3.5334	0.0199	51.960	<0.001

. The results show that the five variables do not deviate from a normal distribution. Christians participating in JFPM generally have positive views on their faith, spirituality, and love, with significantly higher values than 2.5, the mean value of a Likert scale of 4, and stress significantly lower than 2.5. The difference from the theoretical mean of 2.5 is significant for all variables according to t-tests, implying that the respondents have a significantly higher perception of their faith, spiritual wellness, and love while holding a significantly lower perception of their stress.

4.4. t-Test

A t-test was also applied to check whether there is a significant difference between Christians who are more active in participating in activities and those who are less active in participating in the activities organized by the prayer movement. This was done by using the mean participation to divide the respondents into two groups: one above the mean and the other below the mean. The results show that Christians with higher participation have significantly better scores in faith, spirituality, and love. The results support Hypothesis 1, which states that Christians who are more active in participation in JFPM have better development in faith, spirituality and love than those who are less active in participation.

Christians with higher participation have significantly lower scores in stress. Hence, Hypothesis 2, which states that Christians who are more active in participation in the JFPM perceive fewer worries than those who are less active in participation, is supported.

4.5. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)

To test Hypotheses 3 to 9, structural equation model analysis is performed. The theoretical model is analysed using AMOS version 29. The structural equation model demonstrates an excellent fit to the theoretical framework, with the following fit indices: CFI = 0.947, IFI = 0.947, and RMSEA = 0.043. The standardised direct and total effects between variables are presented in

Table 4. The Standardised Direct (DE) and Total Effects (TE) between Variables.

	Participation (Prayer)		Faith and Hope		Spiritual Wellness
	DE	TE	DE	TE	DE	TE
Faith and Hope	0.326 *	0.326 *
Spiritual Wellness	ns	0.304 *	0.745 *	0.745 *
Love	ns	0.290 *	ns	0.662 *	0.889 *	0.889 *
Stress	−0.205 *	−0.280 *	−0.245 *	−0.245 *

* p < 0.001, ns—not significant.

.

• The SEM analysis indicates that participation has a significant standardised direct effect and total effect of 0.326 on faith and hope. This result supports Hypothesis 3, which states that participating in mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their faith and fill them with hope in life.
• Faith and hope have a significant standardised direct and total effect of 0.745 on spiritual wellness. This result supports Hypothesis 4, which states that the faith and hope of Christians participating in the prayer movement positively impact their spiritual wellness.
• Participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians has no significant direct effect but has a significant total effect of 0.304 on spiritual wellness. This result supports Hypothesis 5, which states that participating in the mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their spiritual wellness through the development of faith and hope.
• Participation has no significant direct effect but has a significant total effect of 0.290 on love. The results support Hypothesis 7, which states that participating in mass prayer activities by Christians will enhance their love through the development of spiritual wellness.
• Faith and hope have a significant direct and total effect of −0.245 on the stress they perceive. The result supports Hypothesis 8, which states that faith and hope of Christians participating in the prayer movement have a positive effect on reducing stress perceived by them.
• Participating has a significant direct effect and a significant total effect of −205 and -0.280 respectively on stress. This result supports Hypothesis 9, which states that participating in the prayer movement has a positive impact on reducing stress perceived by participants.

The above analyses by structural equation model support all nine hypotheses proposed in this study.

5. Discussion

The nine hypotheses proposed in this study are all supported by analyses of responses from Christians participating in the Jireh Prayer Movement. These hypotheses are based on a theoretical framework established in accordance with the teachings of the Bible and findings from relevant research studies. Hence, we can conclude that the hypotheses are supported by the data, demonstrating both content and convergent validity. The following discussion, referencing specific Bible verses, may provide us with a deeper understanding of the various relationships between each construct studied.

5.1. Prayer Leading to the Development of FAITH with HOPE

This study proposes and supports the idea that prayer leads to the development of faith. The relationship with support from data can also be interpreted to relevant Bible verses. Romans 10:17 teaches us that “faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ”. This verse refers explicitly to faith coming from hearing God’s Word. It is often through prayer and communication with God that we engage with His Word, gain a deeper understanding of its power, and lead to an increase in faith and hope.

The themes of the prayer book such as “love and care for the Philippines”; and “seek peace for the world” were published with a view to supporting Christians to experience peace through faith and hope during natural disasters such as earthquake and pandemic, or social unrests. The findings in this study give support to the effects of prayers with theme relevant to the need of Christians and the world. Future studies with qualitative approach may shed more light on the effects of Christians on developing faith with hope through following the prayer movement.

5.2. Faith with Hope Develops Spiritual Wellness

This study proposes and supports the idea that faith leads to the development of spiritual wellness. Romans 5:1 states that “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This Bible verse clearly indicates that faith brings peace, emphasising the connection between faith, spiritual wellness, and the tranquility that comes from a relationship with God. From this verse, we understand that faith and hope lead to peace through Jesus Christ, which is an indicator of spiritual wellness.

2 Peter 1:2–3 teaches us that: “May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” Since prayer allows a Christian to have dialogue with God and experience the divine power of our Heavenly Father, it leads to godliness and spiritual wellness, as promised by these biblical verses.

An analysis of the themes of the prayer book shows that one of the purposes of the prayer movement is to bring positive impacts to the world as well as the individual through faith and hope in God’s salvation and blessings. Peace of mind will be experinced by Christians who have faith and hope in God answering their prayers. This experience of peace of mind will have positive effects on spiritual wellness.

5.3. Faith with Hope Will Reduces Stress

This study proposes and supports the idea that faith can reduce stress. A Bible verse that explicitly states that faith can reduce stress and stress is Matthew 6:25–27: “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? And which of you, by being anxious, can add a single hour to his span of life?” This passage emphasizes trusting God rather than worrying about material concerns, reminding us that faith helps alleviate anxiety.

Another relevant scripture is Philippians 4:6–7: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

These verses link faith, through prayer and trust in God, to the reduction of anxiety and the experience of peace.

Many themes of the prayer movement are related to asking God’s salvation to sufferings experienced by the society and Christians. With faith and hope in God’s kindness and salvation, Christians following the prayer movement with faith should have their stress reduced.

5.4. Spiritual Wellness Leads to Love

This study proposes and supports that spiritual wellness will develop divine love. A Bible verse that explicitly connects spiritual wellness with love is 1 John 4:7: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.”

This verse highlights that knowing God, an essential aspect of spiritual wellness, leads to the ability to love one another. It underscores the idea that a healthy spiritual life fosters love, as true love comes from a relationship with God.

Another relevant verse is Galatians 5:22–23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.”

These passages indicate that love is one of the results of living a spiritually healthy life, emphasizing that spiritual wellness naturally leads to manifestations of love.

The results of Christians perceiving the love of God through their participation in the prayer movement can also be understood by an analysis of the themes of prayer book. The motives for following the themes, which are asking God’s blessings and salvation to those who are suffering, are closely related to love. Hence, love will be an outcome for those who closely following the prayer movement.

5.5. The Role of Prayer for Churches in Hong Kong

Hong Kong has undergone significant social upheaval since 2019, characterised by widespread protests against government policies and perceived encroachments on civil liberties. This unrest was exacerbated by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, which introduced additional restrictions and challenges for religious institutions. The combination of these factors posed numerous challenges to churches and Christians in Hong Kong during the period from 2019 to the end of COVID-19. According to the census figures of church members in Hong Kong provided by the Hong Kong Church Renewal Movement, compared to the 2019 census, the number of worshippers for 2024 has significantly decreased from 268,822 to 197,935—a reduction of 70,887 people (26.4%). The substantial drop raises alarm among churches in Hong Kong.

The findings of this study showed that the prayer movement can lead to stress of followers of the prayer movement reduced and an enhancement of faith, hope spiritual wellness and love. In general, Hong Kong people experience psychological stress during the social upheaval and pandemic last. Christians, in particular, may experience even more stress due to the conflicts in interpretations of the roles of churches and Christians during the upheaval and the isolation and lack of fellowship during pandemic.

The Jireh Prayer Movement emphasises faith, hope and love through praying for the peace of the world, for the suffering, for the new believers and for the kingdom of God. These themes offer a common and unifying purpose and solidarity for Christians and churches, leading to faith, hope, spiritual wellness and love, and reducing stress experienced. The prayer movement can heal those who are emotionally hurt during the upheavals and bring Christians back to attending churches services as a result of habitual disconnection with church services during the pandemic.

The early church experienced persecution, and through collective prayer, Christians not only grew closer together and gained the courage to speak boldly in the face of persecution, but they also demonstrated the impact of prayer on their spiritual well-being and the subsequent development of the church (Acts 4:24–31). The findings of this study, combined with the teachings of the Bible, may offer insight for the church in Hong Kong and elsewhere to overcome the difficulties it encounters by encouraging churches and Christians to place greater importance on prayer and to pray for the revitalisation of the Church.

6. Conclusions

In summary, the organised prayer movements provided by the Jireh Fund have a profound influence on Christians’ development of faith, spiritual wellness, and love. Through shared experiences in participating in prayer group movements, individuals strengthen their faith, enhance their spiritual development, experience divine love, and reduce stress in their daily lives. The sense of community and support found in these movements enhances spiritual wellness, while the focus on collective prayer fosters a culture of love and compassion. As Christians engage in organised prayer, they find a pathway not only to personal spiritual growth but also to meaningful connections within their faith communities, ultimately reflecting the core principles of Christianity. Through prayer, believers are empowered to grow in their relationship with God and to extend His love to others, demonstrating the transformative power of organised prayer movements in the lives of Christians.

The findings are supported by the teaching of the Bible and offer a direction for leaders of churches to revitalise the church through emphasising and motivating Christians to attach greater attention and pay more efforts to pray together for the Kingdom of God.

The prayer movement may bring comfort and restoration to those wounded by political and social turmoil through faith, hope and love. As a result of this study, further research on how to make the prayer movement to become a movement of healing and empowerment is recommended. The research finding will be applicable to cities where religious and geographical settings are similar to Hong Kong with substantial Chinese population (e.g.,: Singapore, Taipei, Guangzhou, etc.).

7. Limitations

This study adopts a cross-sectional survey research. The causal relationship between variables is proposed with reference to the teaching of the Bible and some related research studies. The data in this study support the causal relationships between variables proposed by the theoretical framework, giving evidence to the validity of the theoretical framework and the hypotheses proposed. However, further research with longitudinal studies is needed to further cast light on the casual effects among variables.

The respondents are Chinese Christians in Hong Kong. Further research is needed to include Christians with different cultural and ethnic background in order to support whether the theoretical framework can be generalised to Christians from different cultural and races.