Changes

Most major [[religion]]s in the world involve prayer in one way or another in their [[ritual]]s. Although in many cases the act of prayer is ritualized and must be followed through a sometimes strict sequence of actions (even going as far as restricting who may pray), other religions, mainly the Abrahamic religions, teach that prayer can be done spontaneously by anyone at any [[moment]].

Most major [[religion]]s in the world involve prayer in one way or another in their [[ritual]]s. Although in many cases the act of prayer is ritualized and must be followed through a sometimes strict sequence of actions (even going as far as restricting who may pray), other religions, mainly the Abrahamic religions, teach that prayer can be done spontaneously by anyone at any [[moment]].

Scientific studies regarding the use of prayer have mostly concentrated on its effect on the healing of sick or injured people. The efficacy of petition in prayer for physical [[healing]] to a deity has been evaluated in numerous studies, with contradictory results.[http://www.abelard.org/galton/galton.htm]. Though there has been criticism of the way the studies were conducted.[http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gary_posner/godccu.html]  

Scientific studies regarding the use of prayer have mostly concentrated on its effect on the healing of sick or injured people. The efficacy of petition in prayer for physical [[healing]] to a deity has been evaluated in numerous studies, with contradictory results.[https://www.abelard.org/galton/galton.htm]. Though there has been criticism of the way the studies were conducted.[https://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gary_posner/godccu.html]  

<center>For lessons on '''Prayer''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Prayer '''''this link'''''].</center>

<center>For lessons on '''Prayer''', follow [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Prayer '''''this link'''''].</center>

==Etymology==

==Etymology==

''Pray'' entered Middle [[English]] as ''preyen, prayen,''and ''preien'' around 1290, recorded in ''The early'' ''South-English Legendary'' I. 112/200: ''And preide is fader wel ȝ erne,'' in the sense of "to ask earnestly." The next recorded use in 1300 is simply "to pray."[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=p&p=27]

''Pray'' entered Middle [[English]] as ''preyen, prayen,''and ''preien'' around 1290, recorded in ''The early'' ''South-English Legendary'' I. 112/200: ''And preide is fader wel ȝ erne,'' in the sense of "to ask earnestly." The next recorded use in 1300 is simply "to pray."[https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=p&p=27]

The word came to English from Old French ''preier,'' "to request" (first seen in ''La Séquence de Ste. Eulalie, ''ca. 880) In modern French ''prier,'' "to pray," the stem-vowel is leveled under that of the stem-stressed forms, ''il prie'', etc. The origin of the word before this time is less certain. Compare the Italian ''Pregare'', "to ask" or more rarely "pray for something" and Spanish ''preguntar'', "ask."

The word came to English from Old French ''preier,'' "to request" (first seen in ''La Séquence de Ste. Eulalie, ''ca. 880) In modern French ''prier,'' "to pray," the stem-vowel is leveled under that of the stem-stressed forms, ''il prie'', etc. The origin of the word before this time is less certain. Compare the Italian ''Pregare'', "to ask" or more rarely "pray for something" and Spanish ''preguntar'', "ask."

One possibility is the Late [[Latin]] ''precare'' (as seen in Priscian), classical Latin ''precari'' "to entreat, pray" from Latin ''precari,'' from ''precor, ''from ''prec-, prex'' "request, entreaty, prayer." ''Precor ''was used by [[Virgil]], [[Livy]], [[Cicero]], and [[Ovid]] in the accusative. Dative forms are also found in Livy and Aurelius Propertius. With ''pro'' in the ablative, it is found in Plinius Valerianus’s ''physic, ''and Aurelius Augustinus’s''' '''''Epistulae''. It also could be used for a thing. From classical times, it was used in both religious and secular senses. ''Prex'' is recorded as far back as T. Maccius Plautus (254 B.C. – ?). Other senses of ''precor'' include "to wish well or ill to any one," "to hail, salute," or "address one with a wish."

One possibility is the Late [[Latin]] ''precare'' (as seen in Priscian), classical Latin ''precari'' "to entreat, pray" from Latin ''precari,'' from ''precor, ''from ''prec-, prex'' "request, entreaty, prayer." ''Precor ''was used by [[Virgil]], [[Livy]], [[Cicero]], and [[Ovid]] in the accusative. Dative forms are also found in Livy and Aurelius Propertius. With ''pro'' in the ablative, it is found in Plinius Valerianus’s ''physic, ''and Aurelius Augustinus’s''' '''''Epistulae''. It also could be used for a thing. From classical times, it was used in both religious and secular senses. ''Prex'' is recorded as far back as T. Maccius Plautus (254 B.C. – ?). Other senses of ''precor'' include "to wish well or ill to any one," "to hail, salute," or "address one with a wish."

The Latin ''orare'' "to speak" later took over the role of ''precari ''to mean "pray." The Middle English word ''Orison'', whose meaning in modern English has been taken over by ''Prayer'', has been derived from this word via the Old French word ''oraison''.[http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=o&p=7]

The Latin ''orare'' "to speak" later took over the role of ''precari ''to mean "pray." The Middle English word ''Orison'', whose meaning in modern English has been taken over by ''Prayer'', has been derived from this word via the Old French word ''oraison''.[https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=o&p=7]

The Spanish form ''preguntar'' was first recorded in ''El Cantar de Mio Çid'' (ca. 1150)'' '' and possibly comes from Vulgar Latin ''praecontare,'' an alteration of the Classical Latin ''percontari, perconto, percontor'' "interrogate" although the Spanish verb for "pray" today is (among Catholics) ''rezar,'' which previously meant "to say" from the Latin ''recitare''. Among Spanish-speaking Protestants, the verb ''orar'' is used instead, and a prayer is called ''oración''. The Portuguese [[word]] ''pregar ''"to preach," or less commonly, "to exhort," is also mentioned at times, although it is from the Latin ''praedicare'','' ''"to cry in [[public]], proclaim," hence "to declare, state, say," in medieval Latin "to preach," and in Logic "to assert," from ''præ'' "forth" + ''dicare'' "to make known, proclaim." Compare the Spanish ''predicar''. More closely related is the Portuguese ''perguntar,'' "to ask" and by extension "ask for." ''Pray'' is akin to Old English ''gefræge ''"hearsay, report," ''fricgan, frignan, frinan ''to ask, inquire, [[Old High German]] ''fraga ''question, ''fragen ''"to ask" (in modern German, "pray" is ''beten, ''"question" ''frage''), Old Norse ''frett ''"question," ''fregna ''"to inquire, find out," Gothic ''fraihman ''"to find out by [[inquiry]]," Tocharian A ''prak- ''"to ask," [[Sanskrit]] roots, ''pracch- prask-,'' ''pras ''"interrogation," and ''prcchati ''"he asks"

The Spanish form ''preguntar'' was first recorded in ''El Cantar de Mio Çid'' (ca. 1150)'' '' and possibly comes from Vulgar Latin ''praecontare,'' an alteration of the Classical Latin ''percontari, perconto, percontor'' "interrogate" although the Spanish verb for "pray" today is (among Catholics) ''rezar,'' which previously meant "to say" from the Latin ''recitare''. Among Spanish-speaking Protestants, the verb ''orar'' is used instead, and a prayer is called ''oración''. The Portuguese [[word]] ''pregar ''"to preach," or less commonly, "to exhort," is also mentioned at times, although it is from the Latin ''praedicare'','' ''"to cry in [[public]], proclaim," hence "to declare, state, say," in medieval Latin "to preach," and in Logic "to assert," from ''præ'' "forth" + ''dicare'' "to make known, proclaim." Compare the Spanish ''predicar''. More closely related is the Portuguese ''perguntar,'' "to ask" and by extension "ask for." ''Pray'' is akin to Old English ''gefræge ''"hearsay, report," ''fricgan, frignan, frinan ''to ask, inquire, [[Old High German]] ''fraga ''question, ''fragen ''"to ask" (in modern German, "pray" is ''beten, ''"question" ''frage''), Old Norse ''frett ''"question," ''fregna ''"to inquire, find out," Gothic ''fraihman ''"to find out by [[inquiry]]," Tocharian A ''prak- ''"to ask," [[Sanskrit]] roots, ''pracch- prask-,'' ''pras ''"interrogation," and ''prcchati ''"he asks"

==Forms of prayer==

==Forms of prayer==

Various [[spiritual]] [[tradition]]s offer a wide variety of devotional acts. There are morning and evening prayers, graces said over meals, and reverent physical gestures. Some Christians bow their heads and fold their hands. Some native Americans regard dancing as a form of prayer.[http://www.timescall.com/faith/Faith-Story.asp?id=10650]

Various [[spiritual]] [[tradition]]s offer a wide variety of devotional acts. There are morning and evening prayers, graces said over meals, and reverent physical gestures. Some Christians bow their heads and fold their hands. Some native Americans regard dancing as a form of prayer.[https://www.timescall.com/faith/Faith-Story.asp?id=10650]

Some Sufis whirl.[http://www.whirlingdervishes.org/whirlingdervishes.htm]

Some Sufis whirl.[https://www.whirlingdervishes.org/whirlingdervishes.htm]

Hindus chant mantras.[http://www.omkarananda-ashram.org/Publications/how_to_pray.htm] Orthodox Jews sway their bodies back and forth [http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/worship_prayer.htm] This practice is known, in [[Yiddish]], as ''shuckling'' and [[Muslims]] kneel and prostrate. Quakers keep silent.[http://www.quakerinfo.org/quakerism/worship.html]

Hindus chant mantras.[https://www.omkarananda-ashram.org/Publications/how_to_pray.htm] Orthodox Jews sway their bodies back and forth [https://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/worship_prayer.htm] This practice is known, in [[Yiddish]], as ''shuckling'' and [[Muslims]] kneel and prostrate. Quakers keep silent.[https://www.quakerinfo.org/quakerism/worship.html]

Some pray according to standardized [[ritual]]s and liturgies, while others prefer extemporaneous prayers. Still others combine the two.

Some pray according to standardized [[ritual]]s and liturgies, while others prefer extemporaneous prayers. Still others combine the two.

==Approaches to prayer==

==Approaches to prayer==

===Direct petitions to God===

===Direct petitions to God===

From Biblical times to today, the most common form of prayer is to directly appeal to God to grant one's requests. This in many ways is the simplest form of prayer. Some have termed this the social approach to prayer.[http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8b69p1w7/] In this view, a person directly enters into God's rest, and asks for their needs to be fulfilled. God listens to the prayer, and may or may not choose to answer in the way one asks of Him. This is the primary approach to prayer found in the [[Hebrew Bible]], the [[New Testament]], most of the Church writings, and in rabbinic literature such as the [[Talmud]].

From Biblical times to today, the most common form of prayer is to directly appeal to God to grant one's requests. This in many ways is the simplest form of prayer. Some have termed this the social approach to prayer.[https://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8b69p1w7/] In this view, a person directly enters into God's rest, and asks for their needs to be fulfilled. God listens to the prayer, and may or may not choose to answer in the way one asks of Him. This is the primary approach to prayer found in the [[Hebrew Bible]], the [[New Testament]], most of the Church writings, and in rabbinic literature such as the [[Talmud]].

===Educational approach===

===Educational approach===

==Prayer Groups==

==Prayer Groups==

A prayer group is a group of people that meet to pray together. These groups, formed mostly within Christian congregations but occasionally among Muslim groups as well,[http://islamicprayergroup.com] gather outside of the congregation's regular worship service to pray for perceived needs, sometimes within the congregation, sometimes within their religious group at large. However, these groups often pray also for the world around them, including people who do not share their [[belief]]s.

A prayer group is a group of people that meet to pray together. These groups, formed mostly within Christian congregations but occasionally among Muslim groups as well,[https://islamicprayergroup.com] gather outside of the congregation's regular worship service to pray for perceived needs, sometimes within the congregation, sometimes within their religious group at large. However, these groups often pray also for the world around them, including people who do not share their [[belief]]s.

Although there is no [[universal]]ly held method for conducting a prayer group meeting, a meeting's program will often begin with every participant proclaiming the [[authority]] of [[God]], then sharing their own [[personal]] needs to other members of the group. Those needs are then prayed for, followed by the known needs of members of the congregation who are not taking part in the meeting. Needs outside the congregation are then prayed for.

Although there is no [[universal]]ly held method for conducting a prayer group meeting, a meeting's program will often begin with every participant proclaiming the [[authority]] of [[God]], then sharing their own [[personal]] needs to other members of the group. Those needs are then prayed for, followed by the known needs of members of the congregation who are not taking part in the meeting. Needs outside the congregation are then prayed for.

Many prayer group meetings are held according to a regular schedule, usually once a week. However, extraordinary events, such as the [http://www.worldwideprayergroup.org September 11 attacks] or major disasters spawned a number of improvised prayer group meetings. Prayer groups do not need to meet in person, and there are a vast array of single-purpose prayer groups in the world.[http://www.facebook.com/directory/groups/P684819-685150]

Many prayer group meetings are held according to a regular schedule, usually once a week. However, extraordinary events, such as the [https://www.worldwideprayergroup.org September 11 attacks] or major disasters spawned a number of improvised prayer group meetings. Prayer groups do not need to meet in person, and there are a vast array of single-purpose prayer groups in the world.[https://www.facebook.com/directory/groups/P684819-685150]

==Prayer healing==

==Prayer healing==

In 1872, [[Francis Galton]] conducted a famous [[statistics|statistical]] [[experiment]] to determine whether prayer had a physical effect on the external environment. Galton hypothesized that if prayer was effective, members of the British Royal family would live longer, given that thousands prayed for their wellbeing every Sunday. He therefore compared longevity in the British Royal family with that of the general population, and found no difference. While the experiment was probably intended to satirize, and suffered from a number of confounders, it set the precedent for a number of different studies, the results of which are contradictory.

In 1872, [[Francis Galton]] conducted a famous [[statistics|statistical]] [[experiment]] to determine whether prayer had a physical effect on the external environment. Galton hypothesized that if prayer was effective, members of the British Royal family would live longer, given that thousands prayed for their wellbeing every Sunday. He therefore compared longevity in the British Royal family with that of the general population, and found no difference. While the experiment was probably intended to satirize, and suffered from a number of confounders, it set the precedent for a number of different studies, the results of which are contradictory.

Two studies claimed that patients who are being prayed for recover more quickly or more frequently although critics have claimed that the methodology of such studies are flawed, and the perceived effect disappears when controls are tightened.[http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2005/07/prayer_still_us.html] One such study, with a double-blind design and about 500 subjects per group, suggested that intercessory prayer by born again Christians had a statistically significant positive effect on a coronary care unit population. Critics contend that there were severe methodological problems with this study. Another such study was reported by Harris ''et al'' Critics also claim Byrd's 1988 study was not fully double-blinded, and that in the Harris study, patients actually had a longer hospital stay in the prayer group, if one discounts the patients in both groups who left before prayers began, although the Harris study did demonstrate the prayed for patients on average received lower course scores (indicating better recovery).

Two studies claimed that patients who are being prayed for recover more quickly or more frequently although critics have claimed that the methodology of such studies are flawed, and the perceived effect disappears when controls are tightened.[https://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2005/07/prayer_still_us.html] One such study, with a double-blind design and about 500 subjects per group, suggested that intercessory prayer by born again Christians had a statistically significant positive effect on a coronary care unit population. Critics contend that there were severe methodological problems with this study. Another such study was reported by Harris ''et al'' Critics also claim Byrd's 1988 study was not fully double-blinded, and that in the Harris study, patients actually had a longer hospital stay in the prayer group, if one discounts the patients in both groups who left before prayers began, although the Harris study did demonstrate the prayed for patients on average received lower course scores (indicating better recovery).

One of the largest randomized, blind clinical trials was a remote ''retroactive'' intercessory prayer study conducted in Israel by Leibovici. This study used 3393 patient records from 1990-96, and blindly assigned some of these to an intercessory prayer group. The prayer group had shorter hospital stays and duration of fever.

One of the largest randomized, blind clinical trials was a remote ''retroactive'' intercessory prayer study conducted in Israel by Leibovici. This study used 3393 patient records from 1990-96, and blindly assigned some of these to an intercessory prayer group. The prayer group had shorter hospital stays and duration of fever.

Many believe that prayer can aid in recovery, not due to divine influence but due to psychological and physical benefits. It has also been suggested that if a person knows that he or she is being prayed for it can be uplifting and increase morale, thus aiding recovery. (See [[Subject-expectancy effect]].) Many studies have suggested that prayer can reduce physical stress, regardless of the god or gods a person prays to, and this may be true for many worldly reasons. According to a study by Centra State Hospital, "the psychological benefits of prayer may help reduce stress and anxiety, promote a more positive outlook, and strengthen the will to live." [http://www.centrastate.com/body.cfm?id=520&action=detail&articlepath=/Atoz/dc/cen/canc/gen/mindspirit.html#7 Mind and Spirit]. ''from the Health Library section of'' [http://www.centrastate.com CentraState Healthcare System]. Other practices such as [[Yoga]], [[Tai Chi]], and [[Meditation]] may also have a positive impact on physical and psychological health.

Many believe that prayer can aid in recovery, not due to divine influence but due to psychological and physical benefits. It has also been suggested that if a person knows that he or she is being prayed for it can be uplifting and increase morale, thus aiding recovery. (See [[Subject-expectancy effect]].) Many studies have suggested that prayer can reduce physical stress, regardless of the god or gods a person prays to, and this may be true for many worldly reasons. According to a study by Centra State Hospital, "the psychological benefits of prayer may help reduce stress and anxiety, promote a more positive outlook, and strengthen the will to live." [https://www.centrastate.com/body.cfm?id=520&action=detail&articlepath=/Atoz/dc/cen/canc/gen/mindspirit.html#7 Mind and Spirit]. ''from the Health Library section of'' [https://www.centrastate.com CentraState Healthcare System]. Other practices such as [[Yoga]], [[Tai Chi]], and [[Meditation]] may also have a positive impact on physical and psychological health.

Others feel that the [[concept]] of conducting prayer experiments reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose of prayer. The previously mentioned American Heart Journal study published in the American Heart Journal indicated that some of the intercessors who took part in it complained about the scripted nature of the prayers that were imposed to them, saying that this is not the way they usually conduct prayer:  

Others feel that the [[concept]] of conducting prayer experiments reflects a misunderstanding of the purpose of prayer. The previously mentioned American Heart Journal study published in the American Heart Journal indicated that some of the intercessors who took part in it complained about the scripted nature of the prayers that were imposed to them, saying that this is not the way they usually conduct prayer:  

* [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_91 The Evolution of Prayer]

* [https://nordan.daynal.org/wiki/index.php?title=Paper_91 The Evolution of Prayer]

==Quote==

==Quote==

"Prayer is entirely a [[personal]] and spontaneous expression of the attitude of the [[soul]] toward the spirit; prayer should be the [[communion]] of love and the expression of fellowship. Prayer, when indited by the [[spirit]], leads to co-operative spiritual progress. The [[ideal]] prayer is a form of spiritual communion which leads to intelligent [[worship]]. True praying is the sincere attitude of reaching heavenward for the attainment of your ideals."[http://mercy.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=http://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper144.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper144.html&line=51#mfs]

"Prayer is entirely a [[personal]] and spontaneous expression of the attitude of the [[soul]] toward the spirit; prayer should be the [[communion]] of love and the expression of fellowship. Prayer, when indited by the [[spirit]], leads to co-operative spiritual progress. The [[ideal]] prayer is a form of spiritual communion which leads to intelligent [[worship]]. True praying is the sincere attitude of reaching heavenward for the attainment of your ideals."[https://mercy.urantia.org/cgi-bin/webglimpse/mfs/usr/local/www/data/papers?link=https://mercy.urantia.org/papers/paper144.html&file=/usr/local/www/data/papers/paper144.html&line=51#mfs]

==References and footnotes==

==References and footnotes==

# Clowney, Edmond (1988). Ferguson, Sinclair; Wright, David. eds. New Dictionary of Theology. consulting ed. Packer, James. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press. pp. 526–527. ISBN 0851106366.  

# Clowney, Edmond (1988). Ferguson, Sinclair; Wright, David. eds. New Dictionary of Theology. consulting ed. Packer, James. Leicester: Inter-Varsity Press. pp. 526–527. ISBN 0851106366.  

# O'Laoire S. An experimental study of the effects of distant, intercessory prayer on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Altern Ther Health Med 1997;3:38-53. PMID 9375429.

# O'Laoire S. An experimental study of the effects of distant, intercessory prayer on self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. Altern Ther Health Med 1997;3:38-53. PMID 9375429.

# Benson H, Dusek JA et al. "Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients: a multicenter randomized trial of uncertainty and certainty of receiving intercessory prayer." American Heart Journal. 2006 April; 151(4): p. 762-4.

# Benson H, Dusek JA et al. "Study of the Therapeutic Effects of Intercessory Prayer (STEP) in cardiac bypass patients: a multicenter randomized trial of uncertainty and certainty of receiving intercessory prayer." American Heart Journal. 2006 April; 151(4): p. 762-4.

# http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gary_posner/godccu.html A critique of the San Francisco hospital study on intercessory prayer and healing - Gary P. Posner, M.D.

# https://www.infidels.org/library/modern/gary_posner/godccu.html A critique of the San Francisco hospital study on intercessory prayer and healing - Gary P. Posner, M.D.

# "Online Etymology Dictionary" (HTML). [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=p&p=27].  

# "Online Etymology Dictionary" (HTML). [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=p&p=27].  

# "Online Etymology Dictionary" (HTML). [http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=o&p=7]

# "Online Etymology Dictionary" (HTML). [https://www.etymonline.com/index.php?l=o&p=7]

# Sidwell, Melanie M. (8-15-2008). "Dance as prayer" (HTML). Longmont Times-Call. [http://www.timescall.com/faith/Faith-Story.asp?id=10650].  

# Sidwell, Melanie M. (8-15-2008). "Dance as prayer" (HTML). Longmont Times-Call. [https://www.timescall.com/faith/Faith-Story.asp?id=10650].  

# "The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi" (HTML). [http://www.whirlingdervishes.org/whirlingdervishes.htm].

# "The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi" (HTML). [https://www.whirlingdervishes.org/whirlingdervishes.htm].

# Omkarananda, Swami (11-12-2008). "How to pray" (HTML). Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. [http://www.omkarananda-ashram.org/Publications/how_to_pray.htm].  

# Omkarananda, Swami (11-12-2008). "How to pray" (HTML). Omkarananda Ashram Himalayas. [https://www.omkarananda-ashram.org/Publications/how_to_pray.htm].  

# "Jewish Worship and Prayer" (HTML). Religion Facts. [http://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/worship_prayer.htm].  This practice is known, in Yiddish, as shuckling.

# "Jewish Worship and Prayer" (HTML). Religion Facts. [https://www.religionfacts.com/judaism/practices/worship_prayer.htm].  This practice is known, in Yiddish, as shuckling.

# Avery, Chel. "Quaker Worship" (HTML). Quaker Information Center. [http://www.quakerinfo.org/quakerism/worship.html].  

# Avery, Chel. "Quaker Worship" (HTML). Quaker Information Center. [https://www.quakerinfo.org/quakerism/worship.html].  

# Stephens, Ferris J. (1950). Ancient Near Eastern Texts. Princeton. pp. 391–2.  

# Stephens, Ferris J. (1950). Ancient Near Eastern Texts. Princeton. pp. 391–2.  

# Zaleski, Carol; Zaleski, Philip (2006). Prayer: A History. Boston: Mariner Books. pp. 24–25. ISBN 0-618-77360-6.  

# Zaleski, Carol; Zaleski, Philip (2006). Prayer: A History. Boston: Mariner Books. pp. 24–25. ISBN 0-618-77360-6.  

# Erickson, Millard J. (1998). Christian theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. ISBN 0-8010-2182-0.  

# Erickson, Millard J. (1998). Christian theology. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House. ISBN 0-8010-2182-0.  

# Knight, Kevin. "Prayer" (HTML). New Advent. [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12345b.htm].  

# Knight, Kevin. "Prayer" (HTML). New Advent. [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12345b.htm].  

# See, for example, James 5:14

# See, for example, James 5:14

# Scheckel, Roger J. (January 2004). "The Angelus" (HTML). The Marian Catechists. [http://www.mariancatechist.com/html/spiritualdevelopment/prayer/sanctifyingyourdaywiththeangelus.htm].

# Scheckel, Roger J. (January 2004). "The Angelus" (HTML). The Marian Catechists. [https://www.mariancatechist.com/html/spiritualdevelopment/prayer/sanctifyingyourdaywiththeangelus.htm].

# "Buddhist Art" (HTML). Pacific Asia Museum. 2003. [http://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddhism/html/essay4.htm]. Retrieved on 2008-10-06.  

# "Buddhist Art" (HTML). Pacific Asia Museum. 2003. [https://www.pacificasiamuseum.org/buddhism/html/essay4.htm]. Retrieved on 2008-10-06.  

# See, for example, McCarty, Julie (2008). "Faith - Grandma's prayer candle" (HTML). Bayard Inc.. [http://www.catholicdigest.com/article/grandmas-prayer-candle].

# See, for example, McCarty, Julie (2008). "Faith - Grandma's prayer candle" (HTML). Bayard Inc.. [https://www.catholicdigest.com/article/grandmas-prayer-candle].

# Emerick, Yahiya (2002). [www.idiotsguides.com The Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam]. Indianapolis IN: Alpha Books. pp. 127–128. ISBN 0-02-864233-3.  

# Emerick, Yahiya (2002). [www.idiotsguides.com The Complete Idiot's Guide to Islam]. Indianapolis IN: Alpha Books. pp. 127–128. ISBN 0-02-864233-3.  

# Rayor, Diane. "The Homeric Hymns" (HTML). University of California Press. [http://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9232/9232.intro.ph.  

# Rayor, Diane. "The Homeric Hymns" (HTML). University of California Press. [https://www.ucpress.edu/books/pages/9232/9232.intro.ph.  

# "Religio Romana" (HTML). Nova Roma. [http://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/posture.html].  

# "Religio Romana" (HTML). Nova Roma. [https://www.novaroma.org/religio_romana/posture.html].  

# Frederic De Forest Allen, Remnants of Early Latin (Boston: Ginn & Heath 1880 and Ginn & Co 1907).

# Frederic De Forest Allen, Remnants of Early Latin (Boston: Ginn & Heath 1880 and Ginn & Co 1907).

# Cato's Mars Prayer, found in De Agri Cultura, translated at[1]

# Cato's Mars Prayer, found in De Agri Cultura, translated at[1]

# Wells, C. J." (1985). German, a Linguistic History to 1945: A Linguistic History to 1945, page 51. Oxford University Press ISBN 0198157959

# Wells, C. J." (1985). German, a Linguistic History to 1945: A Linguistic History to 1945, page 51. Oxford University Press ISBN 0198157959

# See John 16:23, 26; John 14:13; John 15:16

# See John 16:23, 26; John 14:13; John 15:16

# Catholic Encyclopedia [http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12775a.htm]

# Catholic Encyclopedia [https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/12775a.htm]

# Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed, 1989

# Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed, 1989

# "Christianity - Pentecostalism" (HTML). Australian Broadcasting Company. [http://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s820631.htm].  

# "Christianity - Pentecostalism" (HTML). Australian Broadcasting Company. [https://www.abc.net.au/religion/stories/s820631.htm].  

# Acts 2:1-13 31

# Acts 2:1-13 31

# George Barton Cutten, Speaking with Tongues Historically and Psychologically Considered, Yale University Press, 1927.

# George Barton Cutten, Speaking with Tongues Historically and Psychologically Considered, Yale University Press, 1927.

# Hine, Virginia H.: 'Pentecostal Glossolalia toward a Functional Interpretation.' Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 8, 2: (1969) 211–226: quote on p213

# Hine, Virginia H.: 'Pentecostal Glossolalia toward a Functional Interpretation.' Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion 8, 2: (1969) 211–226: quote on p213

# Spanos, Nicholas P.; Hewitt, Erin C.: Glossolalia: 'A test of the 'trance' and psychopathology hypotheses.' Journal of Abnormal Psychology: 1979 Aug Vol 88(4) 427-434.

# Spanos, Nicholas P.; Hewitt, Erin C.: Glossolalia: 'A test of the 'trance' and psychopathology hypotheses.' Journal of Abnormal Psychology: 1979 Aug Vol 88(4) 427-434.

# "Is there no intercessory prayer?". [http://www.christianscience.org/QAIsthereintercesprayer.html].  

# "Is there no intercessory prayer?". [https://www.christianscience.org/QAIsthereintercesprayer.html].  

# Smith, P. (1999). A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith. Oxford, UK: Oneworld Publications. pp. 274–275. ISBN 1851681841.  

# Smith, P. (1999). A Concise Encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith. Oxford, UK: Oneworld Publications. pp. 274–275. ISBN 1851681841.  

# See for example [http://www.centreguephel.org/prieres.html] (French)

# See for example [https://www.centreguephel.org/prieres.html] (French)

# Collins, Steven (1982). Selfless Persons. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. pp. 6. ISBN 0-521-39726.  

# Collins, Steven (1982). Selfless Persons. Cambridge, United Kingdom: Cambridge University Press. pp. 6. ISBN 0-521-39726.  

# Sangharakshita, Bhikshu (1993). A Survey of Buddhism. Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom: Windhorse Publications. pp. 449–460. ISBN 0904766659

# Sangharakshita, Bhikshu (1993). A Survey of Buddhism. Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom: Windhorse Publications. pp. 449–460. ISBN 0904766659

# Keown, Damien (ed.) with Hodge, Stephen; Jones, Charles; Tinti, Paola (2003). A Dictionary of Buddhism. Great Britain, Oxford: Oxford University Press. P.100. ISBN 0-19-860560-9

# Keown, Damien (ed.) with Hodge, Stephen; Jones, Charles; Tinti, Paola (2003). A Dictionary of Buddhism. Great Britain, Oxford: Oxford University Press. P.100. ISBN 0-19-860560-9

# "Animism Profile in Cambodia". OMF. [http://www.omf.org/omf/cambodia/about_cambodia/animism_profile].

# "Animism Profile in Cambodia". OMF. [https://www.omf.org/omf/cambodia/about_cambodia/animism_profile].

# "Prayer stick". Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition.  

# "Prayer stick". Encyclopædia Britannica Eleventh Edition.  

# Elkin, Adolphus P. (1973). Aboriginal Men of High Degree: Initiation and Sorcery in the World's Oldest Tradition. Inner Traditions - Bear & Company.  

# Elkin, Adolphus P. (1973). Aboriginal Men of High Degree: Initiation and Sorcery in the World's Oldest Tradition. Inner Traditions - Bear & Company.  

# Greenberg, Moshe. Biblical Prose Prayer: As a Window to the Popular Religion of Ancient Israel. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1983 [http://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8b69p1w7/]

# Greenberg, Moshe. Biblical Prose Prayer: As a Window to the Popular Religion of Ancient Israel. Berkeley: University of California Press, c1983 [https://ark.cdlib.org/ark:/13030/ft8b69p1w7/]

# Bounds, Edward McKendree (1907). The Necessity of Prayer. AGES Software.  

# Bounds, Edward McKendree (1907). The Necessity of Prayer. AGES Software.  

# "Islamicprayergroup.com". 2008. [http://islamicprayergroup.com].  

# "Islamicprayergroup.com". 2008. [https://islamicprayergroup.com].  

# [www.worldwideprayergroup.org "World Wide Prayer Group"] (HTML).  

# [www.worldwideprayergroup.org "World Wide Prayer Group"] (HTML).  

# [www.facebook.com/directory/groups/P684819-685150 "Prayer Group - Prayer Meeting Praise Team"]  

# [www.facebook.com/directory/groups/P684819-685150 "Prayer Group - Prayer Meeting Praise Team"]  

# [http://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2005/07/prayer_still_us.html Prayer still useless]

# [https://skeptico.blogs.com/skeptico/2005/07/prayer_still_us.html Prayer still useless]

# Tessman I and Tessman J "Efficacy of Prayer: A Critical Examination of Claims," Skeptical Inquirer, March/April 2000,

# Tessman I and Tessman J "Efficacy of Prayer: A Critical Examination of Claims," Skeptical Inquirer, March/April 2000,

# Leibovici L. Effects of remote, retroactive intercessory prayer on outcomes in patients with bloodstream infection: randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2001;323:1450-1. PMID 11751349.

# Leibovici L. Effects of remote, retroactive intercessory prayer on outcomes in patients with bloodstream infection: randomized controlled trial. BMJ 2001;323:1450-1. PMID 11751349.

# Mind and Spirit. from the Health Library section of CentraState Healthcare System. Accessed May 18, 2006.

# Mind and Spirit. from the Health Library section of CentraState Healthcare System. Accessed May 18, 2006.

==External links==

==External links==

* [http://www.prayerinamerica.org/ PBS Documentary on Prayer in America]

* [https://www.prayerinamerica.org/ PBS Documentary on Prayer in America]

* [http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/23/AR2006032302177.html/ Scientific study of effect of prayer on recovery of patients]

* [https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/03/23/AR2006032302177.html/ Scientific study of effect of prayer on recovery of patients]

[[Category: Religion]]

[[Category: Religion]]