My evangelical cousin is at death's door.

[TheRickles]

65. Yes, you're right - that's how science proceeds.

But a lot depends on how these studies are set up. When the prayers read from a prepared script (the Herb Benson/Templeton study), the results aren't as impressive as when they pray from the heart (the Byrd study). Larry Dossey MD has written a couple of good (ie, balanced, and not too technical) books on this topic, where he discusses all these nuances.

One is called "Prayer is Good Medicine": https://www.amazon.com/Prayer-Good-Medicine-Healing-Benefits/dp/0062514245

And a recent interview with him is very interesting. He talks about the science behind distant intentionality and nonlocal mind (which for sure can sound like science fiction!): https://www.knowewell.com/written-content/healing-power-prayer-conversation-larry-dossey