Guidelines For Offering Prayer With Patients

Is it ok to pray with patients as a medical professional? Generally speaking in the United States, it is legal to pray with patients. There are some ethical considerations to keep in mind. Also, it is important to check your facility’s policies to ensure you remain compliant.

It is vital that we keep in mind the right of every person to be treated equally regardless of religion or worldview. Additionally, patients are a captive audience in a medical setting. It is not a public space where they can easily walk away if they choose. Thus, we must respect their right to access medical care without proselytization. Always ask a patient if they would like you to pray with them in a way that allows them to say no. "Would you like me to offer a prayer?" Instead of "Let's pray about it."

Do not pray for a patient publicly if they are not alert and oriented enough to agree to it. You can always pray for them privately in your mind. Also, be wary of praying for a patient publicly based only on a family or friend’s request if you do not know the patient’s wishes.

A chaplain I know made this mistake. She prayed with a comatose patient whose friend was visiting based on the friend's information that the patient would have been agreeable. Amid the prayer, the family entered the room. They were furious to discover this as the patient had recently left their former faith and wanted nothing to do with it anymore. Whatever you believe about prayer, understand that this action damaged the credibility the chaplain had with the family and she was no longer able to provide support.

The simple remedy is always to obtain permission. This demonstrates respect. Additionally, keep in mind that prayer practices can vary. I recommend a few things:

It is best to stay in your wheelhouse (e.g., maybe only pray with patients from the same religion as you). This way, you avoid offence.

Keep it generic and short. Pray to “God” and avoid other terms. Various faiths prefer or dislike certain terms. For example, some Christians call God the Father Daddy as they pray. Others may see this as disrespectful.

Avoid intimate touch during prayer unless the patient initiates.

If you are hesitant to lead in prayer, simply ask the patient if they would like to offer a prayer before proceeding. If you do not feel comfortable praying with your patients, ask them if they would like to have someone come by to pray with them. This is a chance to refer to a chaplain. Alternatively, you could keep a poem on hand to share instead of a prayer. This is appropriate for all or no religion.

Prayer does have strong psychological power. Prayer can relieve anxiety and reduce pain. There is no need to fear offering to pray with a patient. Keep in mind that prayer and spirituality are extremely personal matters and people can have strong opinions about them. Only do what you are comfortable with, and be respectful.