PRAYER

There is nothing really deep or intellectual regarding what follows:

I just received an e-mail from friends back in Pgh regarding the health reasons behind our inability to get together with them while up there recently. Their response when it was explained was, "We'll pray for the two of you."

The other night, before Phyl's doctor visit, I happened to mention to a religious acquaintance that we had some concerns as to her health and had a doctor's appointment.

He immediately responded, "we will pray for her". I thanked him and he revised his promise to that of "our church will pray for you."

We were receptive to one or both. I acknowledged the "power of prayer" as I believed in same when I had a very good female friend, diagnosed with Cancer, and after much prayer (incessant?) by the whole congreation - the Cancer disappeared.

Oh, I can hear the wheels grinding out there from some producing many logic based theories as to a valid scientific explanation concerning what "really" happened, starting with that of mis-diagnosis.

As religious and spiritually led as friends Pattie and Jim Radant are, I believe they would have been satisfied with any explanation -scientific or spiritual - but, as all of us at the time, would cling to their spiritual interpretation of "the power of prayer."

Is it really important in the whole scheme of things? Or, do you simply say, "belief is in the eyes of the beholder?"

Sort of a "no harm - no foul" approach.

There appears to be no real consistent consensus from the medical community - nor any way to interpret the data conclusions - or if the majority were favorably in support of prayer prior to the survey.

Quite frankly, there are just too many variables,only one of which is predisposition to a strong spiritual belief.

Another belief is not based on the power of prayer itself. It simply concludes that an increased comfort level due to the overwhelming support of people united in prayer on your behalf can boost the immune system.

We won't even attempt to analyze Uri Gellers amazing ability to "mentally"(?) bend flatware.

But, there are many non-believers who simply conclude that prayer - not unlike "magic"- is a clear demonstration that people just enjoy being "fooled" and lack interest in determining how the heck these "miracles" happened.

Having lost - a son and a grandson both named Brian - I had dissimilar opinions as to the power of prayer. My nightly prayers always included my son - but appeared to be unanswered due to his sudden and tragic death.

I tried unsuccesfully to believe and accept that it was "God's will."

In the case of my grandson, whose fate was unknown less than 24 hours after his birth - and occurred long after the death of his Uncle Brian - I tried prayer for healing.

But, from an almost agnostic approach I accompanied my prayers with what I felt was rather convincing evidence for God as to how a reprieve for young Brian would cause me to definitely clean up my act.

I was told by one person "Barry, you're the only one I know who would try to negotiate with God."

I doubt if that's true. I just saw it as an alternative approach to a desired outcome.

One of my favorite stories referenced in previous blogs is as follows.

W.C. Fields was, in this blog writers mind, an amazing comic talent, screen writer, actor and juggler. He was also an acknowledged atheist.

When William Claude was on his death bed and received a visit from Gene Fowler, who was both a friend and his biographer, Fowler was surprised to see Fields reading the Bible.

Fowler immediately asked his friend,"Bill, whats this all about?"

Fields simply replied, "Looking for loopholes, Gene - just looking for loopholes".(better in W.C. Fields dialect)

Whether he prayed or not for forgiveness following his search is unknown.

Fields was known as a curmudgeon who responded to an actor in one of his many movies, who asked:"Mr. Fields it's not clear if you like children:

Replied W.C., "Why, of course I do - I just prefer them hardboiled."

One assumes that those who knew him well would promptly respond to a question as to his chances in the after-world by simply concluding:

"He didn't have a prayer."

(Early results suggest Phyl will be fine. Our thanks to all.)