Spiritual Evidence Map
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Meta-analysisprimarycontextVerified

Intercessory prayer for the alleviation of ill health

Leanne Roberts, Irshad Ahmed, Andrew Davison · 2009 · Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Spiritual Evidence Map/Last updated May 10, 2026/Claims v1.0.0-provisional/Sources v1.0.0/Scores provisional
Citation dossier

This source is used as context evidence across 1 linked claim and 3 related evidence hubs. Its citation record is marked verified; that verifies the source trail, not the truth of any linked claim.

Source type
Meta-analysis
Map role
context
Claim links
1
Direct access
Recorded

Summary

Cochrane systematic review of 10 randomized trials (>7,600 patients) of intercessory prayer. The pooled evidence does not support a clinically meaningful effect; the reviewers concluded that further large trials are not justified.

How this source is used on the map

The reference systematic review on the question; conclusion is null overall.

Citation record

Authors
Leanne Roberts, Irshad Ahmed, Andrew Davison
Year
2009
Publication
Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
Source type
Meta-analysis
Map role
context
Credibility level
primary
Citation status
Verified
DOI
Not recorded
PubMed
Not recorded
PDF
Not recorded
Original source →

Linked claims

Evidence score 2/10
Distant intercessory prayer heals

The 2006 STEP study, the largest controlled trial, found no effect of intercessory prayer on cardiac patients.

Related evidence hubs

Topic hub
Energy, Healing & Divination

Practice claims — prayer, reiki, chakras, astrology, tarot, manifestation.

Evidence pillar
Energy healing & subtle body

Reiki, chakras, auras, crystals, prayer healing.

Evidence pillar
Religion & traditions

World religions and traditions, scored as systems.

Related sources

Journal article · context
Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients

The largest, best-funded trial of distant intercessory prayer to date. Null result.

Secondary summary · context
Faith healing

Background context for distant intercessory prayer alongside the STEP and Cochrane references below.