Medicine and prayer

I've been reminded once more of the amazing support and consolation derived from the prayers of friends during the illness of my father. He is now recovering and the prognosis is very good. Prayers of many people contributed not only to his recovery, but also in my estimation they helped the health professionals come to a diagnosis and treatment that made all the difference.

I know that frequently we cannot see the answers to our prayers, and that many devoted and faithful people do not experience the restoration of health or resolution of other difficulties they had prayed for. Yet there is divine mercy and providence at work far beyond our capacity to understand, even when our prayer intention is not met. When there is an obvious transformation, though, that is a cause for thanksgiving to God and a renewed confidence that God hears and responds to our concerns always.

Sometimes, in visiting with folks who are not Christians it is helpful to ask if they have specific concerns for loved ones that we could remember in prayer. Even if they have no belief in the power of prayer, they may appreciate our asking them and praying in their behalf. And in our prayer for their request, we can offer a silent addendum, that they may see the grace of God at work in their lives and the lives of the ones they care for.