Social and clinical psychologists, pastoral counselors, and religious studies scholars; upper-level undergraduates and graduate students. May serve as a supplemental text in Psychology of Religion and related courses.

Bernard Spilka, PhD, until his death in 2025, was Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Denver, where he joined the faculty in 1957. Best known for his scholarship on the psychology of religion, Dr. Spilka published 151 papers as well as 16 books and major federal reports. He served as president of the Psychology of Religion division of the American Psychological Association and was a recipient of its William James Award and Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Spilka also served as vice-president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and president of the Colorado Psychological Association and the Rocky Mountain Psychological Association.

Kevin L. Ladd, PhD, is Professor of Psychology at Indiana University South Bend and former pastor of United Methodist and Presbyterian (PCUSA) congregations. A consulting editor for journals including the Journal of Social Psychology, Archive for the Psychology of Religion, and Psychology of Religion and Spirituality, he also serves on the Board of Directors of the International Association for the Psychology of Religion. Dr. Ladd's research on the psychology of prayer has involved collaborations, publications, and lectures in China, Europe, India, and South America.

1. Introduction to the Scientific Study of Prayer

2. Prayer in Psychological Perspective

3. The Many Faces of Prayer: Multidimensionality

4. The Individual's Development of Prayer

5. Prayer in Coping and Adjustment

6. Prayer and Health

7. Intercessory Prayer

8. Concluding Perspectives and Possibilities