The Royal College of Psychiatrists set-up a Special Interest Group in Spirituality & Psychiatry 6 years ago, to provide a forum for psychiatrists to explore the influence of major religions. They now have a website www.rcpsych.ac.uk/college on which they post a number of papers (see under publications section).

One such paper is ‘Scientific Evidence for the Efficacy of Prayer’ by retired consultant neuropsychiatrist, Peter Fenwick. This provides a good summary of current research into the effectiveness of intercessory prayer. Fenwick looks at the first good quality trial that was conducted in 1988 in a US coronary care unit. Patients were divided into two groups: one group that would receive the usual medical care (the control group) and the other that would receive the usual medical care plus prayers (the active group). Names of patients in the active group were given to a prayer group who were asked to pray for their quick recovery, without complications. When the two groups were compared, the active group showed a five-fold reduction in the use of antibiotics and a three-fold reduction in the occurrence of a common lung disorder.

Other studies cited by Fenwick are in a similar vein – with prayers being said for those with a specific medical condition (including infertility and alcoholism). He concludes from all these studies that “...there are sufficient studies now to show that prayer can work and the evidence suggests that the presence of prayer groups in a hospital setting should be considered” (p3)

What also becomes clear from this overview is that all the research is being carried out by US universities and hospitals; the UK has contributed little to this field. A useful direction for any UK research could be to explore prayer issues which have relevance to churches and others who provide intercessory prayer. This might, for example, include comparing the effectiveness of prayers offered alone with those offered in groups or specific prayer request compared to a ‘thy will be done’ style of prayer.

Before such studies are considered it would probably be beneficial for some basic information to be gathered. I am putting together a questionnaire to be sent to local churches to find out what sort of intercessory prayer their members offer (out with Sunday services). This will provide me with some of the information I need to hopefully carry out a small piece of research looking at what intercessors do, think and feel whilst praying on behalf of others. Results from such a study could, in turn, be used to inform larger pieces of work so that the ‘type’ or ‘style’ of prayers offered in a research project, are ones regularly offered by intercessors.

If you have any thoughts or comments on prayer research please contact me c/o CFH