1. The Power of Meditation and Prayer
Chaplain David Carl
Executive Director CHS Spiritual Care and Education
AVP CHS Patient Experience

2. Mind, Body, and Spirit
One thought can instantly change the chemistry of the body.
The challenge is to be more intentional with our thoughts.
Our thoughts inform feelings and they combine to create emotions which effect our bodies.

3. Meditation and Prayer: Definitions
Prayer…an active spiritual practice that allows space for an intimate conversation between a human and the Divine (Vocal Prayer and Contemplative Prayer). Meditation…gaining a state of mindfulness when we can listen to the Divine.

4. Meditation Practiced in antiquity…too often forgotten in the now.
It calls us to be centered in the moment rather than caught up in fears of the past and/or future.
It can remind us that the Kingdom of God is within in addition to all around us and beyond us.
The intention is to retrain our attention through mindfulness and/or concentration.

5. Active Meditation
Guided Meditation
Music Meditation
Mindfulness
Religious or Secular
Labyrinth

6. When We Meditate Blood flow increase while heart rate slows down
Become physically relaxed
Muscle tension decreases
Immune system is enhanced
High blood pressure is treated
Nervous system is relaxed
Brain chemistry changes beneficially
Anxiety is reduced
Energy is enhanced

7. Applications Chapel Service Meditation Room Meditation Circles
Self-Compassion Practice
Differing timeframes
Attain enlightenment
Multicultural
Interfaith

8. Prayer Types of Prayer (Praise, Petition, Pardon, Solitary, Communal)
Local Prayers/Non-local Prayers
Favorite Prayers (Lord’s Prayer, Serenity Prayer, etc.)
Prayers for Healing
Prayers for Harm (6% of Americans)

9. Sacraments and Rituals
Inclusion of prayer in sacraments and rituals is powerful.
Rituals and sacraments are formal and agreed upon actions.
These actions are re-enacted regularly in similar circumstances.
Very purposeful in their intention.
Give notice that a transition has taken place.
More than healing is involved…Holiness is inherent in the tradition and enhanced because of spiritual/religious values.
When family is present then the entire family is going through the passage.
Attitude of compassion is essential.

10. Prayer Prayer Books Prayer Wheels (Tibetan) Prayer Rugs (Islam)
Prayer Shawl (Judaism)

11. Breath Prayer Breath work is a cleansing practice.
Increased levels of oxygen travel to our cells.
Combined with prayer all the more powerful.

12. Effective Prayer for Another
Attentive Listening Skills
Ask the other what they would like to pray for.
Incorporate the religious tradition when possible.
From Spiritual Assessment completed include words of favorite hymns, holy writings, and prayers.
Listen for negative and harmful thoughts