Prayer app study: does daily devotion beat stress?

NCT ID NCT05622604

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study tested whether using a Christian prayer app (Pray.com) could reduce stress in adults who reported high stress levels. 312 participants were randomly assigned to use the app freely, listen to guided meditative prayers, or join a waitlist. Stress, anxiety, and mindfulness were measured at the start, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

Pray.com mobile app (Christian prayer and meditation)

What this could lead to

If it works, this could point toward a simple, low-cost way to help people manage stress using religious or meditative practices.

What could go wrong

This is a small, completed study with no phase designation. Results may not apply to everyone, and the effect may be small or due to placebo.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Biola University

    La Mirada, California, 90639, United States