This research will be performed deductively. The deductive theory refers to the relationship between a recommended theory and the research. Research questions are, therefore, constructed on the basis of the literature reviewed (Bryman and Bell, 2007). For that reason, this section reviews the necessary literature in a bid to answer the research questions.
According to Brandeis University (2009), the relationship between health and religion has stood for a long time. For thousands of years, people have believed that intercessory prayers play an important role in the healing process. Therefore, prayer has been a scientific study of interest for many scholars.
Rate of use of prayer in the healing process of medical conditions among church members aged 18 years and above
The adoption of prayer as a means of influencing one’s health is common among the population world wide. Sick people pray for support, strength and guidance from God (Chatters, Taylor, Jackson, and Lincoln, 2008). In the United States, the frequency of praying not only depends on the age but also the race. A study conducted by Chatters, Taylor, Jackson, and Lincoln (2008) concluded that African Americans use prayers more often than their white counterparts.
Role of Prayer in Reducing Painful Experiences and Promoting a Holistic Sense of Wellbeing among Church Members
Across history, people have dealt with pain and illness in spiritual ways. Therefore, using prayers to quell an illness is not something new. Many studies have shown that there is a relationship between religion and general health and well being (Wilkinson, Saper, Rosen, Welles and Culpepper, 2008). Additionally, these studies have concluded that there is a neutral or beneficial relationship between religions (prayer) and health (Wilkinson et al., 2008).
Circumstances or factors that encourage prayer and its healing ability within the organization
According to Chatters, Taylor, Jackson, and Lincoln (2008), people pray for strength and endurance when faced with difficult situations. The thought that God will help patients cope with their illness is, therefore, what motivates people to pray. Standley (2012) states that the rules of prayers include asking in private, believing and receiving. This means that for one to receive healing through prayers, he/she must have faith in the prayers. For that reason, healing through prayers is all about believing in a supernatural power.
How prayers benefit nurse leaders and nurses when used as a facilitation tool in the patient’s healing plan
Studies relating spirituality to medical aspects are not new (Bridges & Moore, 2002). The recent change of culture towards customer service has seen medical institutions turn to considering patient requirements and incorporate prayer into clinical practice (Kutz, 2004). This is, however, hardly the only reason. Studies have shown that a patient’s belief in prayer and its purpose in healing causes emotional calm and rest which is associated with better healing. A study by the British Medical Journal in 2001 also indicated that patients who prayed had a shorter hospital stay (Kutz, 2004). Prayer has also been seen to assist patients with chronic illness to cope with their conditions (Wachholtz & Sambamoorthi, 2011).
Critique of the literature reviewed
The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been on the rise for the last two decades (Frash et al., 2012). However, success of these therapies, in a clinical setting, remains controversial among many medical professionals (Frash et al., 2012). According to Deem (n.d.), a study conducted in the San Francisco General Medical Center showed that there was a positive correlation between prayers and the response of cardiac patient to medication. However, Carry (2006) states that patients who are aware that they are being prayed for are likely to experience a higher rate of postoperative complications such as abdominal heart rhythms. The general conclusion from these studies is that prayers produce mixed results.
Nonetheless, use of prayers in the healing process is of particular importance to medics (Frash et al., 2012). It is interesting to know whether people are using prayer as a substitute for medical care or to hasten their healing. Moreover, there is a need to know what types of patients pray and what the repercussions of their actions are. This is what drives this study.
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