Religious Studies

A new study from Columbia University’s prestigious School of Religion Sciences tells us that, contrary to previous findings, a half-dozen brief prayers throughout the day can be just as effective as a long, plaintive prayer at nighttime. This was found to be especially true for “minor” asks, such as a good SAT score or earning a spot on the cheerleading squad. Also surprising: Praying with hands pointed up to the sky gives you more of a direct line to God than clasped hands. But as always, the most efficacious way to get prayers answered is tithing heavily; that’s not changing.