The Role of the Pharmacist—Prayer and Spirituality in Healing

Abstract

Are you a “spiritual” pharmacist? I define being spiritual as having an ongoing relationship with God regardless of whether one is physically healthy, “stressed out,” or sick; I encourage pharmacists to pray for, and with, their patients when opportunities present themselves and patients are receptive. Spiritual healing can be as dramatic as physical and emotional healing. Holistic healing encompassing all 3 components is important for lasting, abundant wellness for professionals and patients alike. Spiritual practice, including a reliance on prayer in the healing process, demonstrates pharmacists' gratitude for the gifts and humility received through their relationships with patients. Imagine office-based and hospital employees, from accounting, to housekeeping, to pharmacy, to nurses and physicians, praying daily. Many patients and their healthcare providers believe that faith-based prayers to God are important instruments for healing, and spiritual pharmacists may wish to consider integrating prayer into their professional practice.