Some Thoughts on Prayer

     I pray regularly, and just as regularly wonder how (and even if) it works. I could never buy into the concept of an all-powerful God dwelling up in heaven, where God hears prayers from all over the world and somehow decides which one to answer favorably, which ones to deny, and which ones to ignore. Perhaps that is because I experience God differently that many other Christians. God exists to me in the form of a ubiquitous force in the universe, without form or Gender, and without any human characteristics which we humans are inclined to assign to God.

     I am more comfortable with the image that all humans are spiritually linked, and when we pray for another we send spiritual energy to the person, which in turn can give them encouragement and strength, and which may lead to healing. Or it may not. At any rate, most of my friends believe in prayer, and I am regularly asked to pray for one person or another, and I almost always comply.

     Yesterday I found the shoe to be on the other foot. My wife, Alenda, has been feeling poorly for a full week. It began after she went to dinner as the beginning of a weekend planned to be celebratory, with her birthday, our daughter Meredith’s birthday, and a granddaughter’s high school graduation all occurring within four days. Alenda, and our three daughters all ate the same food in the same restaurant. Within a few hours, Alenda was vomiting and experiencing uncontrollable shaking. She could not get warm.

     We assumed food poisoning, although none of our daughters were ill. We treated Alenda accordingly, but after two more days, she was no better. A trip to Urgent Care confirmed probable food poisoning, and we decided to wait a few more days. She seemed somewhat better, and then her stool became black, so another trip to Urgent Care. We then were reminded that Pepto Bismol causes black stools, and we decided to stop that treatment and wait some more. On Friday night, Alenda thought she was finally on the mend, but by Saturday morning felt bad again, with severe abdominal cramps, and now a new symptom, coughing.

     So, Saturday morning we went to the local ER. We learned she was now febrile. She looked weak and pale.  I felt frightened.  It occurred to me that if I truly believed in the power of prayer, now was the time to request it. Yet I was reluctant to do so. Why would that be? I think that I, like many others, am reluctant to ever admit that I or my family needs help. Regardless, I overcame whatever resistance was at play and reached out to our circle of friends. Response was immediate and strong. I felt supported. Within a short time the combination of IV fluids and antibiotics had Alenda feeling and looking better. The doctor recommended that she stay overnight, and we agreed.

     One thing I do know. However prayer works or does not work, when I am emotionally stressed, I take great comfort in hearing someone say. “I am praying for you (or my loved one).” I heard that a lot over the past twenty-four hours, and I am grateful.