According to Cay Randall-May, a non-denominational minister who has led a prayer group since 1985, this phenomenon is evident all over the world. As Larry Dossey notes in the introduction, people are seeking deeper communication with each other and communion with God. In a world characterized by frantic change and a frenetic pace, prayer is a means of maintaining a connection with the Divine and a link with others.

Randall-May lists some of the benefits of regularly attending a prayer group: greater emotional balance and centering; spiritual support, guidance, mentoring, and community; feeling closer to God; reducing stress, anxiety, grief, and loneliness, which leads to improved health; and uplifted attitudes toward self and others.

Over one million Internet web pages come up with the search word "prayer group." Apostles of Prayer (AOP), a Catholic organization, has over 50 million people who join every day in prayer. Guideposts Prayer Fellowship receives an estimated 18,000 prayer requests each month. After her discussion of how to start and to maintain a prayer group, Randall-May lists established ones in the United States, Great Britain, Canada, and Mexico; ongoing prayer events; groups that provide 24-hour prayer lines or focus on particular needs; and Internet prayer groups of all faiths and denominations. This handy resource provides a treasure trove of information for those diligently treading the path of prayer.