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I have not evaluated the quality of studies regarding the efficacy of prayer. Rigorous data may not be available for a long time to come. But judging from the anecdotal stories and from my own experience, prayer can be a positive force in one's life, and contribute to one's sanity, peace, and hope.
Judging from a perusal of the research literature, nurses and doctors are showing heightened interest in supporting cancer patients' quest for inclusion of spiritual concerns and practices into oncology care. Whether this can be done effectively in a rushed medical setting remains open to question. But there are many prayer networks on behalf on the ill, and many patients utilize prayer in their cancer self-care.
I have been learning how to pray, and my days go better when I do. I tend to just stand at the window looking into the woods, sending thanks and blessings to God and the work of God's hands. Sometimes, when I am troubled, I talk about it, or maybe a rant swells up out of me... I experience these times as healing and balancing, most of the time. My name has also been entered by a friend into a prayer network for which I am grateful. A year ago I participated in a healing service organized in an Episcopalian church to which a friend belongs. It was a warm and loving experience.
I can recommend incorporating prayer into one's healing plan.
Created by Vera Bradova © 1998
Updated 8-22-1998
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