Source: Fox News
Summary
A randomized controlled trial conducted by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine found that adult patients experienced significant relief from pain and anxiety after just five minutes of in-person prayer. The study compared the effects of direct prayer to listening to music and found that prayer provided greater and more sustained relief for both symptoms. The researchers focused on a practice known as proximal intercessory prayer (PIP), which is defined as in-person, face-to-face prayer directed toward another individual’s well-being. The study found that patients who received in-person prayer experienced greater drops in pain intensity and anxiety immediately following the session, and these benefits remained evident at two-week and six-week follow-ups.
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Proximal intercessory prayer (PIP) is being studied for its potential benefits on pain and anxiety relief. A recent study found that PIP provided greater and more sustained relief for both symptoms compared to listening to music. The study’s findings suggest that PIP could be a low-cost, non-pharmacologic, and effective complement to standard medical care. However, the researchers acknowledge that the study had limitations, and future studies are needed to confirm the results.
The transformative power of prayer is not new, but its effects on physical health are still being researched. The study’s lead author noted that patients receiving prayer had human contact, which may have contributed to the positive effects. As the study’s findings are considered, the question remains: what role can prayer play in modern healthcare?
Author: Evan Null
