Experiments on Prayer

"Remember me in your prayers," is a common phrase.  Supplicating to a higher prayer is common in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, as well as Eastern religions.  In today's world of experiments, researchers have tried to conduct scientific research on prayer's effectiveness.  Yet, as Dr. Harold Koenig of Duke University points out, prayer is difficult to test.  No researcher can prevent an ill person, or her family and friends, from praying.  Also, no one can control God's choice to accept or reject the prayer.

Whle we can not conduct useful experiments on prayer, we see the power of prayer in our daily lives.  People on the verge of death regain their health, when prayer joins medical treatment.  And prayer helps relieve stress and fight depression.  Having a higher power on our side is comforting, something we realize when we pray.