An investigation into the phenomena and practices of spiritual ...

other areas where black and ethnic minority population represent the majority ethnicgroup.7.2 Purpose of PrayerPrayer is at the heart of Christian life and is seen as a two way communication thatcreates a conscious relationship with God, in whatever way God is understood. Rice andHuffstattler (2001) assert that it is not a mindless task and places demands on those whopray. These demands include an expectation of an outcome, to be genuine insupplication. There is a requirement for subjective sincerity and honesty in prayer,although honesty is sometimes painful. The private prayers of individuals prepare themfor public prayers. Rahner (1982) reminds us that each day millions of people take timeto pray; some take hours and some may take only a few minutes.The leadership of both congregations see prayer as contributing to providing apsychological environment that could be regarded as therapeutic and safe, one that canrestore harmony and also contribute to the healing process. Hospitals and doctors‟surgeries can be regarded as places of quarantine from normal social support networksand therefore places of stress, although prayer can contribute to making them a healingenvironment. Those taking part in spiritual healing tend, by contrast, to see religiousbuildings where spiritual activities are performed, as therapeutic, safe and healingenvironments. In using the medium of prayer, spiritual healing can be administered asdistant or contact healing as illustrated in the two churches.229