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

when the healer petitions God in prayer, it is not only to ask for heavenly things but alsoto be realistic about their own needs and the needs of others.Prayer is often used as therapy to replace or to supplement drugs used for physical orpsychological (depression) pain. In seeking prayer for healing the person feels thatsomeone is listening to and taking note of their pain.Depression is not necessarily a mental illness but may be a sane response to the reality ofthe sufferer‟s life which is at the time being inappropriately treated by drugs such asprozac, valium or other psychotropic drugs (Lynch 2004). Lynch cites some interestingcase histories which show that patients gained far more by having someone listen to themand not judge or blame them, who made them feel safe, recognizing there may be a verygood reason why they might feel depressed or suicidal. Seeking prayer and spiritualhealing provide a listening ear in a non- judgmental way for those who choose thismethod. Lynch points to a ray of light and hope in the dark tunnel of mental anxiety inthe same way that prayer that is external to the person provides a hope in a situation thatthe person perceives as hopeless. Other ways of non-chemical mood enhancementinclude music, as discussed in Chapter 9.7.3 Prayer as Health Seeking Behaviour: How and When the Churches andIndividuals Pray for HealingThe idea of prayer for health is widely diffused. “Psychic guru and western YogaMaster” Lawrence (2001) is convinced by the results of a poll conducted for Newswee2000, where large majorities of American Catholics, evangelicals, protestants non-Christians and people of no faith say they have prayed to God or a saint for a miracle. In232