Healthcare organizations always hope for better patient care, improved employee relations, and exceptional financial status. At our small hospital in the northwest corner of the continental United States, those specific items have been on the prayer list of some staff, managers, and executives—and, by God’s grace, answers have come!
In 2015, these people who wanted to participate in prayer began meeting regularly, and throughout the next three years the gathering expanded to the evening shift, the long-term care facility, and even a school in town. It continues today as chaplains from various denominations gather for breakfast at the hospital café every Monday and Thursday morning and lead prayer for about 15 minutes.
This brief investment of time has brought the visible presence of God to our hospital, with unexpected outcomes:
- Better patient care through specific clinical initiatives like striving for “Baby Friendly” status and implementing an antimicrobial stewardship program. These were not only achieved; they expanded our expertise via telemedicine and won statewide awards that offer best practices in our patient care.
- Labor relations improved, compared to the past two negotiations. Staff disunity and work attitudes are changing for the better. And the employee survey this year was nearly flawless with almost 90 percent participation.
- Although finances were not specifically cited in our requests to God, we are now in the best financial position ever.
Very talented people were instrumental in bringing about these successes. But that also has been a huge challenge. Recruiting and retaining professionals is truly a miracle for a tiny town in a remote area, especially with 120 inches of rain each year.
One of the pastors explains that this program came about because of the desire to gain a greater sense of God’s healing presence. Patients have mentioned this after the prayers offered on their behalf. He says that the nurses “truly look like angels with their caring manner.” Staff note that prayer enables them to approach patients with enhanced compassion.
For those interested in starting a prayer group in a hospital, here are some suggestions:
- Have pastors work with a hospital insider to get an invitation to have prayer there.
- Keep sessions focused and brief, about 15 minutes, in a convenient location. In this instance, pastors receive prayer requests and then take turns praying for each topic with the group. Afterwards, some attendees stay a short while to talk.
- Be open to adjusting the time and location. Listen for outcomes that applaud a hospital with better patient care, employee engagement, and financial success.
- Seek other opportunities with adjacent departments or organizations. One department leader heard about our prayer initiative and requested that the pastors conduct a session with her staff.
There are many miracles in this healing place thanks to prayer and what it brings, as a result, to all who love Him.
JANET SCHADE, MS, RPh, is a pharmacist who resides in the northwestern corner of the United States. She does freelance writing on scientific and spiritual topics. Her company is The Word T.E.A.M (Truly Expecting Amazing Miracles).
Prayer Connect magazine, Issue 39
