There may be times when a person feels the need to speak to someone about a prayer practice. If you are affiliated with a religious congregation it may be helpful to speak with your spiritual leader or religious advisor if questions arise. If you pray privately and feel the need for guidance or counsel on prayer, you may want to speak with a healthcare chaplain or you can ask your healthcare practitioner who may be able to advise you or provide you with appropriate resources.

References:
Ai AL, Dunkle RE, Peterson C, and Bolling SF. “The role of private prayer in psychological recovery among midlife and aged patients following cardiac surgery.” The Gerontologist. 38(5): 591-601, 1998.

Astin JA, Harkness E, Ernst E. “The efficacy of ‘distant healing’: a systematic review of randomized trials.” Annals of Internal Medicine. 132: 903-910, 2000.

Brown-Saltzman K. “Replenishing the spirit by meditative prayer and guided imagery.” Seminars in Oncology Nursing. 13(4): 255-259, 1997.

Papantonio C. “Alternative medicine and wound healing.” Ostomy-Wound Management. 44(4): 44-6, 48, 50, 1988.

Quinn, Janet. Institute of Noetic Sciences “Spirit in Healing” Conference, Boca Raton, Florida, July 18-21, 1996.

Silva MC. “Spirituality and prayer research: a select annotated bibliography.” Plastic Surgical Nursing. 19(1): 45-6, Spring, 1999.

Targ E. “Evaluating distant healing: a research review.” Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 3(6): 74-8, Nov. 1997.

Content last modified on Jul 2, 2004