Effectiveness of Prayers

DOW JONES REPRINTS

Amen Corner

April 6, 2006

 

         If you had a glass or two of red wine last night or managed to fit in a 30-minute workout, chances are you were responding, at least in part, to medical advice based on scientific research about how to maintain a healthy heart.

         Now along comes a new study on cardiac health that even its authors caution against making too much of. The research, published on Tuesday in the American Heart Journal, found that heart-surgery patients showed no benefit when strangers prayed for their recovery. Patients who knew they were being prayed for had a slightly higher rate of complications -- perhaps because they were alarmed that they were ill enough to be in anyone's prayers.

         We don't presume to know what this study proves, other than perhaps that science is not an especially effective means by which to study God. Other research -- not to mention the everyday experience of just about every medical professional -- has shown that prayer can be beneficial for the sick. In any event, no scientific study is likely to stop people from praying for those who are ill, or stop the sick from offering up prayers for their own good health. To which we say, Amen.