Yes, I believe that the overwhelming percentage of the time, authentic earnest prayers of folks earnestly attempting to live a redeemed, righteous life in Christ's Blood and Spirit in a genuine, intimate walk with Him have a great impact on the focus of the prayers.
It would be tricky indeed to ferret out situations where all the variables could be suitably isolated. Theoretically possible but very tricky.
Personally, I believe that past studies have been significantly flawed, too. Not all Christians by label are authentic Christians. And, not all even authentic Christians are called to intercessory prayer or taught well in the details of it.
Nevertheless, I think child-like faith is often sufficient to touch and move the heart and hand of God. A 4 year old's simple prayer can often have more impact than several churches full of self-righteous folks vainly pleading in flesh-driven ways.
In any case, I don't care to think through all the details of sufficiently well designed studies to answer your question. But I do think it's possible.
I also think that--depending on one's attitude, it's quite comfortable to God for us to ask Him to demonstrate His majesty. On the other hand, it can be a cheeky affrontery to challenge or test Him out of a bad faith attitude or bad faith kind of perspective or place. I wouldn't encourage that on the part of anyone.
Thanks for the reply.
You say that the "overwhelming percentage of the time, authentic earnest prayers of folks earnestly attempting to live a redeemed, righteous life in Christ's Blood and Spirit in a genuine, intimate walk with Him have a great impact on the focus of the prayers."
If it is in fact an overwhelming percentage of the time, it should be pretty obvious, no?
Now... the tough part. Who are these people? Are not all the dedicated nuns and monks and priests who prayed for the health of John Paul II part of that group?
Is there a particular denomination God listens to? What about all the American (and in fact, international) people who prayed for Ronald Reagan after he announced he had alzheimers? Did they have a positive effect on his health?
What about all the good, fine people here on FR who have prayed for various Freepers and their families or acquaintances? If the effect you posit is overwhelming, why have some succumbed?
I am a Christian. I'm not arguing based on some antagonism towards religion, but I am also a huge admirer of science and the knowledge it brings us, and I don't reject a study like this out of hand because it presents an uncomfortable truth.
Would we all like to believe prayer works? Of course. Anyone who's had a sick child would understand that. But my own experience shows it does not, and studies like this back up my conclusion.
God may well just not be interested in our petty lives and pleas.