Abstract

Abstract Background Many individuals pray during times of illness, but the clinical effects of prayer are not well‐understood. Methods We prospectively studied a cohort of 40 patients (mean age, 62 years; 100% white; 82% women) at a private rheumatology practice. All had class II or III rheumatoid arthritis and took stable doses of antirheumatic medications. All received a 3‐day intervention, including 6 hours of education and 6 hours of direct‐contact intercessory prayer. Nineteen randomly selected sample patients had 6 months of daily, supplemental intercessory prayer by individuals located elsewhere. Ten arthritis‐specific outcome variables were measured at baseline and at 3‐month intervals for 1 year. Results Patients receiving in‐person intercessory prayer showed significant overall improvement during 1‐year follow‐up. No additional effects from supplemental, distant intercessory prayer were found. Conclusions In‐person intercessory prayer may be a useful adjunct to standard medical care for certain patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Supplemental, distant intercessory prayer offers no additional benefits.