Intercessory prayer is widely believed to influence recovery from illness, but claims of benefits are not supported by well-controlled clinical trials. Prior studies have not addressed whether prayer itself or knowledge/certainty that prayer is being provided may influence outcome. We evaluated whether (1) receiving intercessory prayer or (2) being certain of receiving intercessory prayer was associated with uncomplicated recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Intercessory prayer is widely believed to influence recovery from illness, but claims of benefits are not supported by well-controlled clinical trials. Prior studies have not addressed whether prayer itself or knowledge/certainty that prayer is being provided may influence outcome. We evaluated whether (1) receiving intercessory prayer or (2) being certain of receiving intercessory prayer was associated with uncomplicated recovery after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery.

Inclusion criteria:

• Age 18 years or older
• Able to read or understand English

Exclusion criteria:

• Scheduled for emergent CABG (next available operating room slot)
• CABG more than 14 days after enrollment
• Other planned surgery within 30 days of CABG
• Minimally invasive CABG (non full sternotomy incisions)
• CABG with planned valve replacement, stent, angioplasty or carotid endarterectomy
• Or had ongoing chest pain or unstable angina, as defined by their physicians