Florida State University (FSU) released the results of a report of five studies which concluded that individuals who prayed for a close friend or romantic partner were less vengeful and more co-operative. “We’ve objective measures to show that colloquial, intercessory prayer focused on the partner changes observable behaviour,” Dr Frank D Fincham of FSU, said.
“In prior research, when participants were asked to pray as they usually do, their relationship behaviour didn’t differ from those asked to think positive thoughts about their partner.”
“If there was any surprise, it was in relation to this finding,” Dr Fincham added.
The debate over the secular benefits of prayer has been a longstanding controversy, with differing opinions over how prayer can affect physical and mental health. Roy Speckhardt, executive director, American Humanist Association, told The Christian Post that there are “some intrinsic benefits to thoughtful contemplation which sometimes shows positive results for activities like prayer and meditation.”