Various forms of prayer have been practiced as part of healing traditions in every culture throughout the ages. There are many anecdotal reports of the power of prayer and its effects on health, from its psychological benefits to spontaneous remissions. This has led to a substantial number of scientific research studies. Interest in the effects of prayer has increased in the U.S. as more Americans embrace a spiritual approach to life in addition to those with traditional religious beliefs. Changes in the concept of health and illness and a broadening view of healing, encompassing concepts of wholeness and interest in other cultural systems of medicine, have created a growing openness to the spiritual dimensions of health.
Various forms of prayer have been practiced as part of healing traditions in every culture throughout the ages. There are many anecdotal reports of the power of prayer and its effects on health, from its psychological benefits to spontaneous remissions. This has led to a substantial number of scientific research studies. Interest in the effects of prayer has increased in the U.S. as more Americans embrace a spiritual approach to life in addition to those with traditional religious beliefs. Changes in the concept of health and illness and a broadening view of healing, encompassing concepts of wholeness and interest in other cultural systems of medicine, have created a growing openness to the spiritual dimensions of health.