As a theologian, I would take issue with the word “non-traditional” in this setting. I think tradition has been addressing the ills of humanity through prayer for as long as we began to seek answers to the mysteries of life. However, I also understand that the separation of faith and science may lead us to conclude that the two operate on different planes. The Duke study confirmed what people of faith and philosophers have asserted for centuries— that mind, body and spirit make up the human creature. What affects one aspect affects the whole person.
In 1998, 20 heart patients in Duke Medical Center were put into a “prayer group.” Their names were sent to Nepal, Jerusalem and Baltimore and they were prayed for by persons of various faiths. Those prayed for did 50–100 percent better than those not in the prayer groups.
My first appointment after seminary was in a university setting. While visiting an elderly member in the hospital, I asked if I might offer a prayer. He consented. I bowed my head and closed my eyes and prayed. When I finished praying, I opened my eyes and it was clear that he had been watching me pray with his eyes wide open. He then asked me, “Do you feel better now?" I responded something like, “Yes, how about you?" His question seemed then and now to assert his belief in the folly and foolishness of prayer.
Often, in discussions about prayer, people ask if prayer makes any difference. The Duke Medical Center study would say, “Yes, prayer makes a difference.” However, I would suggest that the difference is not what we might have first thought. Often we treat prayer as divine room service. We pick up the prayer line and dial in our request. Like spoiled children in the grocery store line, we give God our shopping list and if our requests are not met, there is something wrong with God. After all, what good is a God who will not do our bidding? I have seen grown people act like spoiled 2-year-olds when God does not meet their demands. The cosmic bellhop will not get a tip this week! When you think about it, that 2-year-old has a limited understanding of life and sees the universe spinning around that toddler; one might say, they think they are a god. If God’s function is to meet our demands, then who do we think is God?
The question of why some folks get well and some don’t remains unanswered. Some offer answers. I prefer to remind myself that while I can not know the mind of God and understand all the “whys” of life, I will trust God’s heart in the mysteries.
We have seen the saying, “prayer changes things.” I agree. I have seen prayer change situations and circumstances. However, I would suggest that the most important aspect of prayer is that prayer changes us. In the example of the Duke study, people all around the world were praying for those whom they did not know. That has some real healing power in it!
Prayer is the language of relationship. It is the means of communication with God and communion with one another. It is an expression of love for One who is greater than the individual and the bond between those of us who breathe creation’s air. As an expression of love, I believe it is the single most powerful force in the universe.
In one of the Star Wars movie episodes, Yoda is trying to teach young Luke Skywalker to use "the force." In his exasperation, Yoda cries out, “Don’t try to use the force, let the force use you.” Maybe a good place to start the transformation of prayer is not to try to use The Force to do our will but ask The Force to shape ours.
Now a final word— Remember prayer is like talking with someone who loves and accepts us as we are. Don’t worry about the words. A prayer is not graded. Prayer is language of the heart and soul.
Rev. Rob Rollins lives in Wadesboro.
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