Heart Beat: What we don't know about prayer…

Heart Beat

What we don't know about prayer…

…could fill a book. The latest chapter comes from a large study that showed no benefit in long-distance prayer for strangers. This study didn't, we need to stress right from the start, look at the power of personal prayer, prayer for a loved one, or the kinds of congregational prayer that are so often done for friends or acquaintances.

An idea that has been floating around for some time is that intercessory prayer — praying that God will act for the good of another person — helps healing or speeds recovery from procedures like heart surgery. It has even been tested before, with mixed results. The largest study to date, led by investigators from Harvard and the Boston-based Mind/Body Medical Institute, put intercessory prayer to the test at six hospitals across the country. The researchers asked three different communities devoted to prayer and reflection to pray for people identified only by first name who were about to undergo coronary artery bypass surgery and to continue praying for them for two weeks. The 1,200 study volunteers were randomly assigned to one of three groups: Some were told they might be prayed for, and were. Some were told they might be prayed for, and weren't. And some were told they would be prayed for, and were.

To continue reading this article, you must log in.

Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.

  • Research health conditions
  • Check your symptoms
  • Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
  • Find the best treatments and procedures for you
  • Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
Learn more about the many benefits and features of joining Harvard Health Online »

I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.

Sign Me Up

Already a member? Login ».

Disclaimer:

As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.

No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Free Healthbeat Signup

Get the latest in health news delivered to your inbox!

Sign Up
Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Thanks for visiting. Don't miss your FREE gift.

The Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness, is yours absolutely FREE when you sign up to receive Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Sign up to get tips for living a healthy lifestyle, with ways to fight inflammation and improve cognitive health, plus the latest advances in preventative medicine, diet and exercise, pain relief, blood pressure and cholesterol management, and more.

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss...from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts.

BONUS! Sign up now and
get a FREE copy of the
Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness

Harvard Health Publishing Logo

Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School.

Plus, get a FREE copy of the Best Diets for Cognitive Fitness.