MINISTERS MUSINGS

March 2009 MUSING

PRAYER

Caroline Petrie, a nurse at Weston Super Mare hit the headlines recently when she was suspended from duty for asking a patient if she would like her to pray for her. Strangely enough it was not the patient who complained but another care worker who reported her. The national and nursing press have been full of the why’s and wherefores of the situation. We do not know all the facts of course, but the question is was the nurse outside her professional remit by any reference to religion while on duty?

As an ex nurse and a Christian I can see the dilemma. Prayer is and integral part of a Christian’s life. At the heart of our Lord’s ministry is healing. Think of all the healing miracles recorded in scripture. It has been shown by research that sick people who are prayed for have a better chance of recovery or get better quicker. The healing ministry has come very much to the fore in the witness of the church. Most churches have healing prayer groups. I can understand why Ms Petrie offered to pray for someone. I believe that the fact that she asked the patient if she could pray for her was within her caring remit. It was not ‘pushing religion’ down another’s throat. She was offering the best she could as a carer and a Christian. I might well have done the same.

We must accept the fact however that the there are some people who do not wish to be prayed for. I have known of those who have been very offended because they have been prayed for publicly in church without being asked. We must respect the feelings of others sad though we may be if they decline the offer. Jesus often asked the sick what they wanted Him to do for them because He needed their co operation and trust. Above all we must be guided by the Holy Spirit in our dealings with others but always be ready to unlock the power of prayer.