Does praying help?

Michiel van Elk - In these uncertain times, we do whatever we can to feel a certain sense of control. Some buy surgical masks and hoard supplies, while others organise a national day of prayer. UvA social psychologist Michiel van Elk reflects on the purpose of prayer: 'prayer is the ultimate coping mechanism'. Besides a call for joint prayer, there is also a cartoon making the rounds on social media depicting religious leaders desperately gathered around a scientist staring through a microscope with the caption 'Please. Hurry up'. Its message is clear: in times of crisis, people's hopes are pinned on science developing a vaccine as quickly as possible, while religion stands powerless against the unprecedented disaster the world is facing. A fundamental need for control.