This post is laced with sarcasm, but it’s (apparently) backed up by research. Brain Shuts Off in Response to Faith Healer’s Prayer.The first paragraph:

WHEN we fall under the spell of a charismatic figure, areas of the brain responsible for scepticism and vigilance become less active. That’s the finding of a study which looked at people’s response to prayers spoken by someone purportedly possessing divine healing powers . . .