Welcome to JWN Brainmelt & hubby.
Thanks for sharing your story and we're so very sorry to hear about your child's serious health issues.
My wife and I are also atheists and agree it very freeing.
If I thought it would help your child, I might be able to bring myself to pray to an imaginary god, but here's the findings of the biggest, most scientifically valid study ever done on intercessory prayer. The patients were all scheduled for nonemergency coronary artery bypass surgery.
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The results were devastating for the efficacy of prayer. The complication rates were as follows:
Group 1 patients (received prayer; uncertain that they would receive it) – 52.5%
Group 2 patients (received no prayer; uncertain that they would receive it) – 50.9%
Group 3 patients (received prayer; certain that they would receive it) – 58.6%
http://www.examiner.com/article/scientific-studies-on-the-effectiveness-of-intercessory-prayer
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Here's hoping that the best, most scientifically valid treatments are successful.
Best regards,
om & wife