In-person prayer reduced pain and anxiety more than music

Background: This randomized controlled trial focused on in-person prayer, known as proximal intercessory prayer (PIP), for another person's well-being. Researchers at the University of Maryland recruited 180 adult patients from a family medicine waiting room who reported moderate-to-severe pain and/or anxiety. Participants were randomized to receive either five minutes of Christian in-person prayer from a trained volunteer or music after their appointments. Researchers examined whether participants in the PIP intervention versus music control group would report significant changes in pain or anxiety.

Source:

American Academy of Family Physicians

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