Since we nurses are proud to deliver evidence-based care, we cannot neglect the proven benefits of prayer in healing our patients.

Gallup polls show that 95% of Americans believe in God. 90% pray. With these statistics, how can we not offer prayer as an adjunct to their healing? Consider this research proving the health benefits:

1. Patients affiliated with a religious community had 50% shorter hospital stays than those with none. Those who attend church, temple, or mosque regularly have half the levels of the blood protein interleukin-6, which, in high levels, is associated with AIDS, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes, and Alzheimer’s disease. (Duke University’s Center for the Study of Religion, Spirituality, and Health)
2. Prayer and religious rituals can relieve stress. Praying 10-20 minutes a day can decrease blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and metabolic rates. (Harvard’s Mind/Body Institute)
3. Patients who were prayed for but didn’t know it had fewer life-threatening complications and needed less medication. (San Francisco Medical Center)
4. There is now convincing evidence that people who have strong spiritual beliefs do better, even in serious illness. (St Luke’s Heart Institute, Kansas City, MO.
5. Over half of America’s medical schools now teach courses in religion and spirituality and the important impact on patient health. 99% of doctors believe there is an important relationship between the spirit and the flesh. (Associated Press.)

Perhaps nurses don’t introduce the idea of prayer because we feel uncertain or awkward. Sometimes saying, (if applicable), “I said a prayer for you today” is a simple way to bring up the topic. Read more…