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The medical efficacy of intercessory prayer (prayer by one person on behalf of another) is debated widely, with studies providing conflicting results (Mayo Clin Proc 2001; 76:1192). Now, findings are available from a large randomized trial of intercessory prayer by strangers.
Approximately 1200 patients who were scheduled for nonemergent coronary bypass surgery were randomized in a double-blinded fashion to receive intercessory prayer or not; a third group received prayer in an unblinded fashion. About 90% of participants were white, 85% were Protestant or Catholic, and 70% were male. Prayer was provided by three Christian groups for 14 consecutive days, starting the night before surgery.
Postoperative complication rates were about 50% in bot…