Prayer & Healing

Prayer dates back to the beginning of human history: the use of prayer for physical healing appears in the Ebers' Papyrus Scrolls (circa 1500 B.C.E.). Most of the world's religions use some form of prayer, including the Judeo-Christian and Islamic traditions, Hinduism, and some Buddhist traditions.

Today, as in the past, prayer is widely practiced all over the world. While prayer is often considered the cornerstone of religion, it may go beyond specific religions and be an expression of personal spirituality.

Several research studies correlate prayer with improved health and well being. "Patient spirituality and religiosity have been shown to be correlated with reduced morbidity and mortality, better physical and mental health, healthier lifestyles, fewer required health services, improved coping skills, enhanced well-being, reduced stress and illness prevention" (McCord, G. 2004).

It is well documented that hope, belief, and faith positively influence health outcomes (Palmer, R. 2004).

Prayer is rooted in the belief that there is a power greater and larger than oneself that can influence one's life. It is an opening to the sacred, an "urge toward wholeness"(Dossey, L. MD, 1993). 

Prayer, according to Martin Luther, in his Morning and evening Devotions, includes blessing oneself with the sign of the Holy Cross and saying: May the will of God, the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit be done! Amen.

Several studies correlate prayer with improved health and well being.  In fact, individuals who regularly attend religious services live longer, healthier lives than those who do not.   

Healing comes in many forms: physical, emotional, and spiritual. Prayer can provide great comfort, strength, and peace amid upheaval, and illness.

The Prayer and Healing services every month at Bethlehem invite one to experience different ways to pray, meditate, enjoy a wide variety of music, healing sermons and hands on healing.  Hands on healing has been practiced since the beginning of recorded history.  Bethlehem also provides prayer teams, spiritual direction.  Prayer and opening to God and inviting Jesus into our lives is the cornerstone of our healing.

Catherine Duncan

(Catherine Duncan is a certified spiritual director, on staff at Bethlehem Lutheran Church).

* For further information on Prayer and Healing, see U of M website, http://www.csh.umn.edu/, Free on line learning, module --Prayer.