# data[].attributes.headline
Hazel Reaction Response to Farhaad Shroff

# data[].attributes.subject
Hazel Reaction Response to Farhaad Shroff

# data[].attributes.body
I remember feeling really nervous when the doctor told me I needed to have a c-section because my baby was under stress. My doctor offered to pray before the surgery. I felt peace and trust. Thankfully everything was a success. The doctor's action is something I will never forget.

# data[].attributes.body
Kalpana

Romans 8: 26, 28

Romans 8: 26: I absolutely believe that the Spirit of God that dwells inside of me, the very breath I breathe daily is the Spirit of God and helps me to pray with groaning’s not in words but with wordless groaning’s in heavenly language called praying in tongues. And as we pray in tongues in the Spirit we pray to God in accordance to His will and not according to our will. According to one of the preacher Dr. Abodinijahh Obgonaiya he says, when we pray or speak in tongues its God speaking to God Himself, and as bible says that kingdom of God is within us Luke 17: 21 and God has placed eternities in the heart of man Ecclesiastes 3: 11. So, God has given us a helper to those who believe in Him the gift of Holy Spirit who helps us to pray and intercede in times of difficulties when I am not able to pray He helps me to pray… Its real powerful.

Romans 8: 28. Yes, all things work together for good for those who love Him and called according to His purpose. Yes, it’s true though the present things don’t go the way I plan as a human being still I believe, it is working for my good to give me a hope and a future in Him which is far more glorious and higher than my plans and my thoughts, because He is God, I can’t change anything but put my hope in Him that He is in control of everything and all things are working for my good as I am called according to His purpose here on the earth.

# data[].attributes.body
“What is prayer?”

We all have different styles, manners and reasons to pray. When it comes to health care, our main reason for a prayer is for our patients and ask Him to provide our patient with the strength and determination to reach their goals.

The need of spiritual history and prayer for a patient’s health is rising day by day. Also, this has been supported by various articles mentioned in the book by Koeing. We must put our trust in Him and believe that he is there for us. God watches on us, heals our wounds. “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Psalms 147:3.

For us , as a therapists to serve our patients better and heal them better, we must believe in power of prayers in healing.

In Hinduism, Lord Dhanvantri is considered as the God of healing and Ayurveda. Also, Lord Ganesha is referred to as “dukhharta”- A lord who will heal your sadness, provides joy in life and removes obstacles from our life.

However, our prayers must not be limited to our sick patients, we must also pray for our patients who are getting better or who got better.
Shikha

# data[].attributes.headline
Thoughts on this weeks reading (Ogwu Susan)

# data[].attributes.subject
Thoughts on this weeks reading (Ogwu Susan)

# data[].attributes.body
I can relate very well with Vernon Grounds approach of a humble expectant faith on one that promises too much when we approach the topic of prayer. Using the checklist for prayer, this helps us to consider pertinent questions that can help us receive answers when we pray, and also guide our patients better especially for patients that may be using religion to cope negatively with illness. Questions like: Am I expecting miracles as an entitlement? Am I using the benefits of God’s common grace? Do I blame God for my suffering? Am I prepared for the possibility that physical healing may not take place? will really go a long way to help patients cope with grief and loss. Using  a better method, we can always approach God in prayers by praising God first for his sufficient ability to heal and endowing our bodies with same, knowing that God works for the good of them that love him. Similarly, the precept on “prayer for the sick” holds true because we need to balance our actions with living rightly to benefit from God.

# data[].attributes.headline
Lack of Spiritual belief or Religious belief – Is it a risk factor? – Pugazhenthi Narasimhan (pugi) “Infrequent religious attendance or poverty of personal faith should be regarded as a risk factor”1.This quote from Kutz’s article on prayer as an intervention option has emphasized the primary influence of R/S belief in illness and recovery. If R/S belief can influence the patients’ ability to understand, manage and cope with the illness, should lack of belief considered a risk factor?1.	Kutz, M. Observation on prayers as a viable treatment intervention: A brief review for healthcare provider. The internet journal of Allied health practice. January 2004.Volume 2.Number 1.

# data[].attributes.subject
Lack of Spiritual belief or Religious belief – Is it a risk factor? – Pugazhenthi Narasimhan (pugi) “Infrequent religious attendance or poverty of personal faith should be regarded as a risk factor”1.This quote from Kutz’s article on prayer as an intervention option has emphasized the primary influence of R/S belief in illness and recovery. If R/S belief can influence the patients’ ability to understand, manage and cope with the illness, should lack of belief considered a risk factor?1.	Kutz, M. Observation on prayers as a viable treatment intervention: A brief review for healthcare provider. The internet journal of Allied health practice. January 2004.Volume 2.Number 1.

# data[].attributes.headline
Observation on prayer as a viable treatment intervention and health care providers.Matthew R. Kutz.

# data[].attributes.subject
Observation on prayer as a viable treatment intervention and health care providers.Matthew R. Kutz.

# data[].attributes.body
The impact of spiritual practices and discipline such as prayer are undeniable, Obviously issues of faith and beliefs and how to implant on prayer in healthcare it can be deemed irresponsible to dismiss prayer wholesale as a viable intervention.

Health care providers become increasingly aware of the outcomes of prayer in our different clinical setting and as more research is completed it will become important that integration of prayer occur.

Amr Abdelaziz.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Universe Next Door - God Our Creator (Juliette)

# data[].attributes.subject
The Universe Next Door - God Our Creator (Juliette)

# data[].attributes.body
The Universe Next Door (Sire, 2009) captures the meaning of the universe, and purpose of man in this life with the acknowledgement of God as our Creator and King in Psalms chapter 8. The psalmist David states that God’s name is majestic in all the earth. God has set His glory above the heavens. “From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise because of your enemies, to silence the foe and the avenger. When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon, and the stars which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him the son of man that you care for him? You made him a little lower than the heavenly beings and crowned him with glory and honor.  You made him over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet; all flocks and herds and the beast of the fields, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all that swim the path of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth!” Amen!

# data[].attributes.body
I liked the statement that Yancey wrote : "God neither protects Christians in a shield of health nor provides a quick, dependable solution to all suffering." Many times as Christians, we tend to think we are immune to suffering and when it happens we tend to blame God. Christians who get sick pray for miracles to get better but this may not happen. White wrote in her article that though the prayers of the sick will be heard, they may not be answered in the way that they want them to be. She wrote that confessing our sins is important to having a closer communication with God. She also wrote that we need to add "Thy will be done" to the prayer. This allows God permission to do what is best for the individual praying whether it is being healed or to be healed when Jesus comes again.

# data[].attributes.body
These words of a mystic, Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, certainly resonates with me.
"People need to understand that it is not the prayer which makes the difference, it is being prayerful as a quality and not as an act which makes the difference. Becoming prayerful means that your whole being has become an offering. It is a process of offering yourself. Being prayerful is a deep connection with the Divine inherent in everything and everywhere. It is a quality, a state of being. As we become prayerful, it is extremely beautiful. But that state is reached only when we connect to our inner nature. Then, the experience is absolutely joyous."

# data[].attributes.headline
Favorite part of The Universe Next Door. Chapter 1. (Kalai)

# data[].attributes.subject
Favorite part of The Universe Next Door. Chapter 1. (Kalai)

# data[].attributes.body
8 Basic questions we all wonder about at some point in our life...
1. What is prime reality - the really real?
2. What is the nature of external reality, that is, the world around us?
3. What is a human being?
4. What happens to a person at death?
5. Why is it possible to know anything at all?
6. How do we know what is right and wrong?
7. What is the meaning of human history?
8. What personal, life-orienting core commitments are consistent with this worldview?

# data[].attributes.body
"A worldview is a commitment, a fundamental orientation of the heart, that can be expressed as a story or in a set of presuppositions (assumptions which may be true, partially true or entirely false) that we hold (consciously or subconsciously, consistently or inconsistently) about the basic constitution of reality, and that provides the foundation on which we live and and have our being".

# data[].attributes.body
I have thought deeply this week about how I would feel as a patient if offered a prayer by a surgeon before surgery. I have tried to understand and be unbiased in my assessment of the two different physicians' point of view. I respect both point of views, but have concluded that it is not about a prayer. The intention is what mattered. I see the surgeon's offer to pray for his patients as an act of compassion and kindness. It does not matter to me whether the prayer is Christian-based, Buddhist, or Moslem. What matters is the personal connection and investment that the surgeon is offering. I see his act as a form of universal generosity and love. Equally I do not judge the patients who have declined. I don't view these patients as less spiritual or enlightened. It is a discussion of giving and receiving.

# data[].attributes.body
“Trust in higher power”

According to Dr.Jordon, he believes in God, and he thinks whatever he do , that will be overseen by God. So, he offers prayers to his patients before they undergoing for surgery. He feels that he has best tools in his hands by his knowledge and scientific advancement in surgery but he wants to get wisdom and guidance during surgical time by his prayers. He seeks God’s intervention in addition to his scientific skills to improve healing potential without complications and improve the recovery after surgery quickly.

According to Dr.Richard Psychiatrist, he feels that when surgeons ask the patients for prayers who will say no to them, so he thoughts that he is ministering his patients towards prayer. He also proposes that if the patients want to do prayers then they can go to church and do it. I get his points but Dr.Jordon is not doctrine his religion to someone who is undergoing surgery, he gets their permission, and he does have records of refusals to his prayers. He is not imposing any religious beliefs on his patients.

Though there are generalized research evidence to support prayers help people who are in sick but not specifically like what Dr.Richard is asking, since that cannot be proved by scientific methods. I personally believe in prayers,it does help. There are studies to conclude that who attends religious activities regularly have longer life span, better emotional control than others.

As Dr.Richard saying , I don’t believe in Dr.Jordon is ministering his patients into prayers. Because its related to faith, patients already have faith in that Dr, that’s why they are coming to his clinic or hospital for surgical care, if that same Dr. believes in higher power, I feel its added advantage and that will improve patients healing potential. Because the stress will be relieved in these people, so if less stress means more positivity and better healing- in my opinion.

# data[].attributes.body
"It is labor lost to teach people to look to God as a healer of their infirmities, unless they are taught also to lay aside unhealthful practices. In order to receive His blessing in answer to prayer, they must cease to do evil and learn to do well. Their surroundings must be sanitary, their habits of life correct. They must live in harmony with the law of God, both natural and spiritual." -EGW
It is often difficult to open up and be vulnerable to God, confessing your sins with desire to do better and be better in life. In contrast, it is easy to look towards God when dealing with illness without full spiritual commitment.

# data[].attributes.body
The quantum theory of entanglement explains how two subatomic particles act like one object even though they are physically apart, the theory which Einstein dismissed as “spooky action at distance”. But today scientists have proof for this theory which explains how each and everything in this universe are connected across the space and if something happens to one then instantaneously the other get affected. Science has proven the beneficial effects of prayer and meditation on one’s body but how can someone’s prayer heal the other. The quantum theory of entanglement suggests that our mind, body and soul are deeply interconnected and can influence each other. I believe this explains how the prayer of one person can heal the other.

“Though free to think and act, we are held together, like the stars in the firmament, with ties inseparable. These ties cannot be seen, but we can feel them.” -Nikola Tesla

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Science of Prayer - Heal Documentary's Gregg Braden on Quantum Physics and Prayer

# data[].attributes.body
The passage states how important it is to confess sins and to be forsaken in order to receive God's blessings and be in good health. Whatever wrongs have been done should be corrected in order to be healed by the Holy Spirit. God knows each one of us and he knows our prayers and needs for which he gave his only Son to us. God's love in itself can be healing and calming for the sick. It helps them rise above sickness and depression. All we need is to put our faith in God and confess our sins.

# data[].attributes.body
God knows the end from the beginning. He is acquainted with the hearts of all men. He reads every secret of the soul. He knows whether those for whom prayer is offered would or would not be able to endure the trials that would come upon them should they live. He knows whether their lives would be a blessing or a curse to themselves and to the world. EGW

# data[].attributes.body
If a doctor offered to pray for a successful surgery, I would gladly accept it. Even though, the religion is different, the thought that someone would take the time and wish me all possible good fortune would be of comfort to me. I can imagine that the patients who are about to undergo a massive surgery would be extremely nervous. Even if the prayer does nothing but calm their nerves and give them a sense of peace, I would call it a success.

Richard Sloan’s statement “Nobody disputes that for a great many people, religion and spirituality provide comfort in times of difficulty, whether it's medical or otherwise. The real question is whether medicine, organized medicine, has anything to add to that. It seems to me that the answer is no.”

I felt that this quote is very apt for todays day and age

# data[].attributes.body
God"comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows."

# data[].attributes.headline
Response to Phillip Yancy article-Gail Elliott

# data[].attributes.subject
Response to Phillip Yancy article-Gail Elliott

# data[].attributes.body
"It doesn't diminish my respect for God's power in the slightest to realize that God primarily works through the mind to summon up resources of healing in a person's body" strikes a cord with me. The inbuilt miracles of the body were God's design. Personal and intercessory prayer are part of God's Master plan.  The bible tells to pray, to bear each other's burdens. Dr. Brand doesn't promise miracles, but he looks for them.  One of my early mentors in PT said:  "Look for one miracle each day, and
you 'll find it"

I also liked the statement that "'Providence writes a long sentence and we have to wait to get the answer".  We understand poorly now, but will understand fully when we get to heaven.

# data[].attributes.body
Two statements supporting different sides of the fence of whether a  separation between "church and scalpel" should exist grabbed my attention in this week's content.
Kutz article: "Infrequent religious attendance or 'poverty of personal faith' should be regarded as a risk factor that is nearly equivalent to tobacco and alcohol abuse."- Larimore WL
CBS Video: "Nobody disputes that for a great many people, religion and spirituality provide comfort in times of difficulty, whether it's medical or otherwise. The real question is whether medicine, organized medicine, has anything to add to that. It seems to me that the answer is no."- Richard Sloan

# data[].attributes.body
"It is our work to present the sick and suffering to Christ in the arms of our faith. We should teach them to believe in the Great Healer. We should lay hold on His promise, and pray for the manifestation of His power. The very essence of the gospel is restoration, and the Saviour would have us bid the sick, the hopeless, and the afflicted take hold upon His strength." (Desire of Ages, p.824).

As Christians, healing is an integral work of our beliefs, as it mirrors the work of Christ. Healing is restoration, restoration is the theme of the gospel.

# data[].attributes.body
"We should realize we live in a pluralistic world"
This means understanding that everyone around us does not share the same world views. Growing up in a city that seems to be 99.9999 percent Adventist it was easy for me to forget that. I found myself assuming many times that 1. Everyone I met in class was SDA or 2. All SDA's had the same thoughts in regard to religion. With these thoughts I often found my foot in my mouth. Thankfully now I have learned to be more careful in speech and to make less assumptions. Having an open mind doesn't mean that we are carried by every wind that blows, it means what we are open to listening to others and attempt to see the view from their side.

# data[].attributes.body
“A person who is at peace, surrounded by loving support, will quite literally heal better, drawing on the resource of body, mind and spirit. Such healing is not inferior to a direct intervention by God that reverse physical laws. Rather, the Spirit uses the natural milieu – the mind, nerves and hormonal systems that govern all cells – to accomplish the work…

Physical healing involves a lot of other people. I had to move back home, and I now rely on my brother, my family, and my friends for basic things. I’ve been through many hours of physical therapy. I now realize that it’s okay to ask for help. You don’t always have to smile and put on a happy face. The world tries to convince you that you don’t need help, you can be independent, and weakness is not an option. That’s not the way God wants us to be. When the accident happened, it was amazing how people came out the woodwork to support us, to bring food, to pray with us at the hospital or even just to share in our sufferings.”

# data[].attributes.headline
Reading from Philip Yancey Chapt.18 (HINA

# data[].attributes.subject
Reading from Philip Yancey Chapt.18 (HINA

# data[].attributes.body
Scientist and theologians agree that the universe runs by faithful and consistent laws. The sun always appears first in the east, low pressure systems bring storms, species give birth to their own kind and etc. Because of its very predictability, the natural world allows us to adapt to it. And therefore, we also learn to adapt our prayers to natural laws. But over time, we realize that God is not a magician who rearranges life to fit our whims just because we want it to be like that. In terms of Physical health, it can be said that the power of prayer may pose some limits. For example, an aging process or need of nourishment cannot be reversed. This means that God has set certain rules in motion and within those rules there exists much potential for physical healing. Nevertheless, it is our selectiveness to see things in a certain way which is against the natural laws although God has power to overrule those natural laws but only in certain circumstances.

# data[].attributes.body
"A person who is at peace, surrounded by loving support, will quite literally heal better, drawing on the resources of the body, mind, and spirit.  Such healing is not inferior to a direct intervention by God that reverses physical laws.  Rather, the Spirit uses the natural milieu - the mind, nerves, and hormonal systems that govern all cells - to accomplish the work."

# data[].attributes.body
This was a very interesting segment and presents to extremes when it comes to integrating R/S to medical treatment. One surgeon offers to pray with patients and asks for permission. The other physician doesn't acknowledge that any R/S needs should be addressed by medical professionals.
I think I would disagree with both physicians, although less so with Dr. Stoll (orthopedic surgeon). The white coat effect is still significant in the field of medicine. I like that he asks for permission but his effort would be much better suited if some form of R/S assessment was performed and he has a better idea about patient values before it's 5 minutes before surgery and patients were asked to pray. I think 10 patients in 10 years that said no is an astonishingly low number, even if we take into account that plenty of non-religious people may agree with the idea to pray before surgery. Would this number be different if an assessment was performed without the time crunch and a strong proposition by the surgeon?
As for the other physician, I simply disagree with Dr. Sloan and he doesn't seem to value the person as a whole and their value system, no matter how important it may be to the patient.

# data[].attributes.headline
CBS Morning Sunday Segment and Yancy chap 18 (Brian Verville)

# data[].attributes.subject
CBS Morning Sunday Segment and Yancy chap 18 (Brian Verville)

# data[].attributes.body
I felt the CBS Segment was really well done in that it takes a look at two sides of the story between mixing religion and Medicine. Dr. Stoll the Orthopedic Surgeon offers to pray with his patients prior to surgery and he states clearly he provides this option and in 10 years had 10 patients refuse that is a low number considering how many surgeries he performs in a given year. I personally found this to be great way to solidify a patient Dr relationship. It serves a time to calm the patient and let the patient know that he who they have trusted to operate on them that he will go to all means to assure a good outcome and to ask for a safe recovery as well as ask that God give him the strength to perform said operation. I really like what the snow boarder said who admittedly was not religious when he stated that it shows that Dr. Stoll was not just interested in the physical but the metaphysical aspects of healing. He like most people who allow such prayer or reflection helps to put the patient at ease and bring a calming affect on a stressful situation in this case surgery. After reading the Yancy chapter 18 he spoke about the need or expectation of a miracle. If we are looking for miracle in physical healing then we may be disappointed. I feel that Dr. Stoll was providing and Invocation in his prayer which I learned from the article by Kutz is more of a summoning or asking for the presence of God. In this case to ask for a speedy safe recovery and asking that He as the surgeon be given the strength and forsite to do what is needed to perform a good surgery. I did not agree with the views of Dr. Slone from Columbia when asked what should patients do when the physician asks there patient if they would like to pray with them. His response was to find another Dr. his view is that this opens the grounds of Coercion. Dr. Stoll does not appear to force prayer it is offered. Personally I am a Catholic and also admit I do not attend church regularly in fact feel I should but that does not affect my faith or belief in a higher power of God and the presence of God in my daily life.  I personally would accept any offer to pray or take time to reflect with my provider prior to having a procedure.  I feel that this man Dr. Stoll is providing a complete service to the patients that trust him with there body, mind, and soul.  It shows just how compassionate and Human Dr. Stoll is.

In the Yancy chapter 18 reading Many of the stories and stuck me as an ah ha moment. I particularlly was enlightened by reading the Journal details of the daughter who was watching her father regress due to ALS. from reading Dad can't tie his own shoes any more, Dad Can't sign his name anymore, Dad breaks his collar bone, Dad Can't eat corn flakes for breakfast anymore....to reading Ling beside Dad as he sits in his chair praying for peace, wiping his nose, rubbing his shoulders, watching Mom love Dad, saying goodbye, hearing Dad express his love for mom and the love of the life they shared together, watching Dad gaze heavenward and take his last quiet breath. The lord is our shepard. This was in the section Am I prepared for the possiility that physical healing may not take place and really got to me in that I just experienced this pain and with the pain brought healing for the family knowing that the father was in a good place spiritually when he passed. I experienced this same feelings and could have journaled in a similar fashion as my father recently passed due to GI junction cancer that spread to the colon and liver. For many months I was able to spend a lot of time with my mother and father during his illness taking him to appointments in Boston and treatment at our local hospital. During this time I saw many highs and more lows as his health declined and the pain worsened he was always able to express the need to make sure my mother was in a good place and that I not stress too much. My mother and father were always very involved in the church and prayed often. I feel that our prayers were met in that we were giving the time to spend with each other and talk openly and freely with
what was facing us. I was able to be with my brothers, my mother and our family and friends as my dad passed quietly and was able to be holding his hand when he passed. I admit it hurts to have lost my Dad but we all have peace in knowing it was his time and we know he went peacefully and did not suffer. I feel that although we all maybe selfishly prayed for him to be able to stay with us. But the real prayer was answered in the fact that we were able to be with him the entire way and that he had inner peace knowing that those who loved him most would continue to stay close and support each other.

# data[].attributes.body
This video clip portrayed an orthopaedic surgeon who offered to pray with his patients before surgery. Personally I would have no problems accepting offers for prayers from another person regardless of their religion. The thought that someone else would want to pray for your benefit should be flattering even if you do not practice the same religion.

# data[].attributes.body
"God neither protects Christians with a shield of health nor provides a quick, dependable solution to all suffering.  Christians populate hospital wards, asylums, and hospices in approximate proportion to the world at large."  This quote really illustrates and puts into perspective the humble, expectant faith that the author suggests we should adopt.  Having faith in God does not necessarily mean we should completely adopt an external locus of control, and be absolved of all responsibility when it comes to our health choices.  We must not disregard the natural laws of health by indulging in unhealthy practices and behaviors, and expect that our wishes and prayers for full health are answered.  God has created resources for us to learn the physical laws of life, and meant for us to seek medical assistance from hospitals and expert care from physicians and health professionals.  One must not believe that they will automatically get healed in answer to prayer, and therefore turn away from faith.  The story of Larry and Lucky Parker is a devastating example of a couple who were led to believe that faith alone can heal any disease, and seeking other sources of medical help would be considered a lack of faith in God. Despite their son, Wesley, showing progressive worsening in his diabetic complications throughout the course of the day, his parents refused to bring him to see a doctor, as they believed that their prayers alone would heal their son. The Parkers' believed that the temptation to seek a physician's treatment was a trap led by evil forces, and this would mean a lack of faith in God. Tragically, their son died, in spite of all the prayers that were directed towards him.  This was an eye-opening story for me, as it illustrates the extremes to which others expect miracles to come from prayer, without considering the physical nature and condition of the person's illness.  I decided to look into this story in more details on this website:

https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2001/02/promised-a-miracle.html

# data[].attributes.body
Theme for the week enforces the power of prayer. Kutz cites 82% of patients believe prayer will help them, and 64% of patients want their physician to pray with them. The CBS morning segment video asks the opposite question: What to do with the 46% of patients who don't want to pray with their physician (or the 10 patients in the Ortho surgeon's practice over 10 years' time)? I disagree with  Dr. Sloan, an offer of prayer is no more coercion than an offer of a specific medicine a patient can accept or decline. Prayer is a tool we providers have in our toolbox to share with patients.