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ABSTRACT
People most commonly pray because of their belief in a God or higher power that can hear and respond to these prayers. Patients may ask their physicians to join with them in prayer for many reasons. These requests become particularly poignant when made in the situation of terminal care. How then should a physician respond? We discuss this question using casuistry together with an analysis of the current literature. We provide physicians with a variety of possible responses depending on the context and circumstances of the request.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of Michelle How in reviewing an earlier draft of this paper.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Jerry Chia-wei Hsu
Dr Jerry Chia-wei Hsu is a General Practitioner at two semi-rural medical practices in New Zealand. He is currently pursuing a degree in theology at the University of Otago with main research interests in biblical studies, historical theology and bioethics.
Katherine Helen Hall
Dr Katherine Hall is an Associate Dean and Senior Lecturer and has a background in critical care and general practice medicine, bioethics and classics. Her primary research interests are general practice bioethics, medical education and health humanities.
Chrystal Jaye
Associate Professor Chrys Jaye is a medical anthropologist. Her current research interests include rural health, refugee health care, aged care, and moral capital in healthcare.