The hospital bedside is a holy place. There, trivial things make way for significant issues of life, death, relationships, pain, hope, and salvation. "Through faith and prayer the sickroom may be transformed into a Bethel."*

Every hospital chaplain has seen miracles in this holy place. Sometimes miracles of physical healing; more often the higher miracles—healing of emotions, relationships and soul.

Chaplains do important work at the hospital bedside, yet friends and loved ones can do an even more significant work, through their compassion, their practical help, and a ministry of prayer. The patient is fortunate who has such people at the bedside! Medical science widely recognises the benefit.

Some Christians may feel insecure about prayer in a hospital room—and miss marvellous opportunities. Here are some suggestions for effectively praying for the sick. . . .

Be sensitive to the patient's desires. If the patient asks you for prayer, by all means pray! Or, you may suggest prayer with the words, "I would be happy to pray for you if you'd like." Then take your cue from the patient's response. Never push prayer on a patient, and never react negatively if a patient declines.

Be sensitive to the patient's background. Is the patient Christian? Jewish? Hindu or Moslem? Sceptical or of a secular mind? Keep his or her spiritual context in mind as you pray.

Be sensitive to the patient's condition. A short, heartfelt prayer is best, especially if the patient is in pain, is very weak, or is partially sedated. Come close to the patient, and speak with sufficient volume for the patient to hear.

Be sensitive to hospital caregivers. Look for a moment when the patient is not being attended by caregivers, and not being visited by others. If no such opportunity appears, don't hesitate to say something like this to those in the room: "Jack has asked me to pray for him. It will take only a minute. Would you like to join us? Or, could you give us a moment when it's convenient?"

Consider the environment. Noise is a special distraction to prayer. If practical, close the door of the room and turn off the TV—with careful consideration if another patient shares the room.

Use the ministry of touch. Appropriate touch is powerful and appreciated in most cases. As you pray, you might hold the patient's hand or shoulder, or stroke an arm, naturally staying clear of any area of treatment or pain.

Pray personally, hopefully, biblically, specifically, and simply. Here's an example of these elements. . . . "Lord, you know the need that Mary faces. She is fearful about the surgery. She is suffering some pain. And she misses her home and family. Thank you, Father, that you love Mary dearly and that you have promised you will never leave or forsake her. Send a special blessing of healing for her right now. Ease her pain. Give her some good sleep tonight. Be present at each step of the surgery tomorrow morning at 9 o'clock. And restore her quickly to her husband, Ben, and her children, Susan and David. Thank you, Lord, for hearing and answering this prayer. May your will be done in every detail. Stay with Mary now in your everlasting love, I pray in Jesus' name, Amen."

Pause after your prayer. Don't "disconnect" too quickly. Silence is precious. Sometimes, the patient will want to respond with his or her own prayer—a further opportunity for you to minister through careful listening and affirmation.

Encourage, don't condemn. If the patient's own destructive lifestyle has contributed to the illness, he or she may be acutely aware of this. Don't use prayer to condemn. As you have opportunity, gently share the forgiveness of Christ and the power of the Spirit for change.

* Ellen G. White, The Ministry of Healing, p. 226.