© The Author(s) 2009

Religious involvement is prevalent in the United States. Survey research shows that 92 % of Americans believe in God (Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life, 2008), and a recent review of clinical trials concluded that religious activities benefit blood pressure, immune function, depression, and mortality rates (Townsend, Kladder, Ayele, & Mulligan, 2002). Prayer is an important aspect of religious worship for most world religions, and approximately 90 % of Americans pray at least occasionally (McCullough & Larson, 1999). Although some benefits of prayer may accrue to the person engaging in prayer, there may also be benefits in the realm of relationships. Dudley and Kosinski (1990) have suggested that spiritual activities such as prayer may help couples to “think of the needs of others, be more loving and forgiving, treat each other with respect, and resolve conflict ” (p. 82). Prayer also help