There is no doubt in my mind that it does or, at least, that it can. Can people be healed by prayer. I know they can. I don't believe that God upsets the natural process to answer prayer. But I know that faith often has the power to heal.
Any physician knows that.
Prayer is an expression of love and care. And I know that love and care can heal. Many people in this congregation, when troubled or ill, ask that we mention them during our meditation time. It is comforting, healing, encouraging to them to know that we, their religious community, are paying prayerful attention. Prayer is a means of moving from chaos into wholeness.