By Marcia Bender
Does prayer and meditation have the power to save lives?
As humankind becomes more and more enlightened, numerous medical studies have been done regarding the power of these practices as they relate to aiding individuals through serious illness, surgery, and the healing and recovery processes. However, this is NOT a new concept; the process of “spiritual healing” has been a part of all civilizations throughout time. We need only to look at the Bible and the accounts of Jesus healing the lepers, bringing sight to the blind, and causing the lame to walk, to know that this is not a modern miracle. Perhaps the modern miracle actually is that spiritual healing is once again being brought to the attention of the masses.
As the mind and body interact, our potential for overcoming illness is much greater than we can imagine.
Faith and a positive attitude directly correlate with the recovery process. There are many scientists who continue to deny the mind/body connection, but more and more people are studying this interaction, and as they understand the process they ultimately accept it. It is not so important to convince the close-minded skeptic to understand this body/mind connection as it is to aid the open-minded individual to understand that a change in consciousness can aid in the healing process. I have a message on my voicemail that says,
“For those who believe no proof is necessary; for those who do not believe no proof is possible.”
I believe that those who read this column are willing to consider what many would call the impossible. With that in mind, I would like to share some modern findings on the power of prayer to heal, although it’s important to keep in mind that prayer and meditation do not eliminate the need for medical procedures or doctors.
The use of prayer and meditation does not require training in “psychic healing modalities.” Anyone can send prayers and blessings to anyone whom they wish to help. The main thing is the faith that Higher Forces are hearing our prayers and will help us to attain our goal. That faith is not easy to develop (or maybe it is), but it is the essential ingredient in the healing process. The individuals that you may be praying for do not need to have faith, but it certainly aids the process if they do.
Researchers have argued for many years over whether or not prayer has any medical value.
There have been several studies that show praying for critically ill patients reduced their illnesses and complications after hospitalization compared with patients who did not receive prayers. Duke University, for example, did a study that confirms that there is indeed power in prayer. It was led by cardiologist Mitch Krucoff, director of interventional clinical trials at the Duke Clinical Research Institute. Several members of this research team were fascinated by their experience at a hospital in India that uses spirituality as a part of hospitalization. Dr. Krucoff states that the patients were more calm and comfortable than patients in the United States undergoing the same procedures. This discovery led to many more studies, and the results were consistent: The patients that prayed and received prayers had quicker recoveries than those who did/were not. Duke, as well as many other institutions, is planning more extensive studies in the future.
How can you do it? There are many ways to pray, and there really is no script to follow when praying for yourself or a loved one. Most people pray and may not even be aware that they are doing so. Even people that do not pray have powerful prayers in their hearts and have the ability to heal. There are also many ways that you can help yourself to deal with illness and pain. Many knowledgeable people work with others and help them with stress relaxation training, imagery training, and therapeutic touch training. There are also individuals and groups who will pray for others when they are asked to do so. Whether or not one learns to use the techniques personally or depends upon others to do the work for them is not as important as integrating healing prayers and meditations into one’s life.
I hope this gives you something to ponder, consider, and reflect upon. When I write about something, it is a topic that I feel will enrich your life, should you choose to consider the possibilities and results. I do believe in the power of prayer and meditation and make both a nightly practice to surround myself, loved ones, and students with the White Light of Protection and Spirituality. I also work with individual requests from students for special prayers when they or a loved one is undergoing surgery or dealing with illness. I know that it works, or does it work because I believe it will? The main component is and always will be FAITH.
And remember, Knowledge is the Greatest Power, so Walk in the Light.
Marcia began her career as a school teacher, working with preschool through inner city high school students. She has worked with all aspects of Metaphysics for over 40 years and specializes in Tarot and Numerology. Marcia’s clients and students are in every state and throughout Europe. Marcia has taught over 400 students to “read” the Tarot for the purpose of self-guidance and to use the powerful symbolism of the Tarot to reach higher levels of spirituality. Her column, Spiritually Speaking, originally ran for 8 years in Attitudes Magazine. Email marlou2000@aol.com