How come prayer statistically has no effect?

Question

Studies on prayer shows that it has no effect on the outcome of what's being prayed for.

Why.

Answer 1

I don't know what biased statistics you are looking at but medical doctors and surgeons list prayer right after medical treatment as an important factor in the healing of the body. Many doctors are Christian and attend church. You ask any doctor if they have ever witnessed a miracle and they would immediately answer in the affirmative.

Answer 2

Because, Statistically.... Asking An Invisible Non Existant Magical Man In The Sky For Something Doesnt Ever Work...

So As God Is the Same.. It Wont Work... Ever...

Answer 3

I've read about other studies that have had similar outcomes. The conclusion must be that prayer has no effect on outcomes.

But this might not be the whole story. In one experiment some patients were prayed for; half of them were unaware of this, and half were told. More complications were observed in some of the patients who knew they were being prayed for; this might have been due to the stress of not wanting to let down those who were praying. There was a control set of patients who weren't prayed for.

Answer 4

cause youre  

Answer 5

First thing's first, do you have a link to a study or something?

Second thing: Well, I personally do not believe in any gods or goddesses, therefore I don't see why praying to one would do anything.  

Answer 6

Probably because the statisticians didn't bother to find out who the people were praying to.

Praying to an idol has absolutely no effect on an outcome.

Answer 7

Its amazing, a study group at Duke come up with just the opposite answer!! I think whether prayers work or not depend on who you are praying to and the intent of the heart of the people praying.  

Answer 8

First of all, you are asking for statistics?  Try this proven information:

http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/ca...

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I guess it depends on your faith.  I am an Orthodox Jewish woman living in a small Jewish community and almost my entire community studiess day and/or night - goes to synagogue on Shabbos (both Friday night and Saturday day), we have many prayer and study groups and it seems to have an affect on us.

If you believe - then you will receive - believe in Hashem and see.

Answer 9

What studies....what's your source?

Answer 10

Prayer requires certainty and belief that God will respond to your prayer. If you trust Him, He will aid you. Yes, it requires faith - but more faith is achieved by doing good works, and the more you purify yourself (spiritually aswell as physically) - the more likely your prayer will be answered.

When you become closer to God, you have more faith and reliance upon Him, so even if your prayer is not answered straight away - you know it is because of a greater wisdom of God. And that's why you have faith in Him.

So prayers do have an effect, and this only happens with true faith and reliance on the Perfect God who knows whats good for you.

But it is possible that ye dislike a thing which is good for you, and that ye love a thing which is bad for you. But Allah knoweth, and ye know not. [Quran 2:216]

Answer 11

Well I don't need to state the obvious here. But if faith in that capacity has no effect, then why do some think that it can literally undo the world, that is my question here.

Answer 12

Umm... because they are no more than just words. I think it's pretty evident.

Answer 13

Very simple really.  Those of us who pray to GOD Almighty, The Heavenly Father of CHrist Jesus, are not concerned with statistics.  People are always trying to put GOD & JESUS in some sort of box that they can label, but the truth is GOD is Omnipotent, Omniscient & Omnipresent.  HE who is the Creator of mankind, cannot be bound by those whom HE has created.

In final, I have ALWAYS had my prayers answered, and the same for millions of Christians around the world.  We are not concerned with statistics, or proving GOD answers prayer, it is not the reason we pray or believe.  We pray because we have a "Father/Child" relationship with GOD and as a child may ask their parent, we ask our Heavenly Father.  James 5:7-16

Patience and Prayer

7  Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.



8  Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.



9  Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.



10  Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.



11  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, Job. 1.21, 22 ; 2.10 and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. Ps. 103.8



12  ÃƒÂ‚¶ But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. Mt. 5.34-37



13  ÃƒÂ‚¶ Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms.



14  Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil Mk. 6.13 in the name of the Lord:



15  and the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.



16  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.