The power of prayer
In May 2001, at age 47, Shelley Solmes, host of CBC Radio Two's daily program "Take Five," was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. She contracted pneumonia and an X-ray revealed a tumour. Three months later the cancer had flooded the lymph glands in her neck and underarms. "I could hardly swallow or breathe," says Shelley. "After an excruciating bone-marrow test, I went straight into chemotherapy the same day." The power of prayer
Shelley fought her illness with every weapon she had. She followed a strict medical regimen and diet. She enjoyed the moral support of her colleagues and loved ones. She treated herself to positive experiences. And some days at work Shelley would remove her headset, step away from the microphone and sit at a nearby piano. There she would softly play a simple repetitive composition, intended for nobody's ears but God's. Her music of choice was a chant adapted from a prayer of St. Theresa of Avila, "Nada Te Turbe." Roughly translated as "let nothing disturb you." It was one of the ways Shelley prayed her way through cancer.
That was almost three years ago. Today Shelley's colour and hair are back. And her faith in the power of prayer is stronger than ever. Shelley believes her own form of praying helped her through cancer. So the question arises: can prayer -- asking for divine help -- really make you better?
The answer is yes. Not only have studies linked intercessory prayer, or asking for help, to improved health, but there are also aspects of prayerlike behaviour that are clearly associated with wellness. And you can practise your own form of prayer at home, even if you don't believe in a higher being.
Page 1 of 3
Shelley fought her illness with every weapon she had. She followed a strict medical regimen and diet. She enjoyed the moral support of her colleagues and loved ones. She treated herself to positive experiences. And some days at work Shelley would remove her headset, step away from the microphone and sit at a nearby piano. There she would softly play a simple repetitive composition, intended for nobody's ears but God's. Her music of choice was a chant adapted from a prayer of St. Theresa of Avila, "Nada Te Turbe." Roughly translated as "let nothing disturb you." It was one of the ways Shelley prayed her way through cancer.
That was almost three years ago. Today Shelley's colour and hair are back. And her faith in the power of prayer is stronger than ever. Shelley believes her own form of praying helped her through cancer. So the question arises: can prayer -- asking for divine help -- really make you better?
The answer is yes. Not only have studies linked intercessory prayer, or asking for help, to improved health, but there are also aspects of prayerlike behaviour that are clearly associated with wellness. And you can practise your own form of prayer at home, even if you don't believe in a higher being.
Page 1 of 3
Advertisement
