> While, as an atheist, I necessarily believe that prayer is ineffective...

That depends on what you mean, exactly. While I would agree that an atheist must believe that prayer cannot have a supernatural effect, there have been many studies that show that hospital patients recover more quickly if they're being prayed for (more accurately, if they *believe* they're being prayed for).

To continue the medical theme, there are numerous cases of people entering spontanious remission through faith healing or healing shrines such as Lourdes.

Prayer works, on a psychological level if not on a supernatural one. It is most effective for those people who believe prayer is effective, but there is still a measurable effect with atheists, simply because you know that people care and are thinking of you.

wintermute