The Power of Prayer

A few days ago, a study came out stating that having people pray for you during recovery is detrimental rather than helpful. Heart surgery patients who knew that others were praying for them actually did worse than those who did not have people praying for them. How scientific could this study be? Can you measure the faith of those who prayed or the faith of those who had prayers said in their name? I don't think so.

I know prayer works, despite what scientists say. Most of you who read this blog know that Ryan and I got some good news a few weeks ago when we found out that we would be having a baby in November. Unfortunately, there were complications early-on and I was on bed-rest for almost two weeks. We had our families and friends praying for us. We were added to a prayer list at my sister's church. I even had my internet support group praying for us. People of several faiths kept us in their prayers.

It worked. On Tuesday, we got the news that despite the complications, the baby is thriving and all looks well. I'm still on a 'restricted regimen' but the chance of a miscarriage is down to 3%. The first words out of my mouth once we heard our little one's heartbeat was, "Thank you, God." I think I've said that prayer about a thousand times since, as well. After all, God most definitely deserves prayers of praise after such a terrifying situation is resolved.

I'm sure the study that was done was conducted as scientifically as possible, but I still don't believe the results. How can you measure something that has no physical manifestation? Isn't that the point of faith - to believe in something or someone so strongly that you don't need proof of physical existence? I simply don't believe this study's results; I'm pretty sure anyone of faith (Christian or otherwise) probably feels the same. Our little one is living proof (literally) that prayer works.