PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE

The Practice of Hospital Lay Chaplaincy

2023

Post Office Box 22262

Houston, Texas 77227

832-377-7442

www.popministry.org

OUTCOMES OF SPIRITUAL CARE SUMMARY Research demonstrates the value of spirituality and faith in patient outcomes. Duke University, Harvard Medical School, The George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and The Institute of Spirituality and Health are among many entities conducting research on Spirituality in healthcare. These findings align with experiences voiced by patients and families having received Spiritual Care through the services of PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE (POP).

POP’s Training equips Spiritual Care Volunteers to serve as a faith-bridge between churches and healthcare settings; often called upon to facilitate gatherings during community crises and memorial/funeral services. POP’s ongoing charge lies in, “I was sick and you visited me.”

-Jesus Christ, AD 30 [Matthew 25:36] The body of research on spiritual care continues to grow. Following is a partial list of outcomes:  Confidential spiritual visits or consults provide compassionate, empathetic care, allowing individuals to express deep-seated concerns during the process of coping and healing.  Outcomes may include a renewed desire for self-examination, a review of personal purpose and questions about mortality, salvation and life after death.  Expressing grief for losses provides inner peace and healing  Oftentimes, elements of one’s faith are restored as time is provided to express fear, sadness, anger and other emotions toward God or Higher Power. Dialogue may focus on one’s spiritual heritage, faith traditions, current beliefs and values.  Levels of stress and anxiety are reduced which may block physical, emotional and mental coping and healing.  Patients are reminded of spiritual coping tools as they access current realities, find meaning or transcendence and be able to consider future goals.  Sacraments and spiritual resources are offered through local faith communities.  Avenues of appreciation for art, music, nature, and pet therapy are explored.  Peace is restored as patients and loved ones find hope in the midst of isolation, crisis and suffering. This may oftentimes come as a result of prayer and solace provided while looking at the sacred or soulful longings within their lives.  Hospital length of stay is affected positively.  Healthcare professionals are positively affected by the spiritual aid offered to their patients and themselves.

RESOURCES: o Christina M. Puchalski, MD - George Washington University, Center for Spirituality & Health o Harold G. Koenig, MD - Duke University, Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health o Herbert Benson, MD - Harvard Medical School, Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/Body Medicine o Institute of Spirituality and Health

PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE 2022 SPIRITUAL CARE CONSULTS 34,669 CONSULTS Street Ministry

UTMB Clear Lake

Caring Heart Ministry Out-Patient -Telephone International CHI St. Luke's

OakBend Medical Center

Memorial Hermann Health System

Harris Health - System Ben Taub/Lyndon B. Johnson

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston Methodist

HCA Houston Healthcare

The Anne and Judge Edward H. "Ted" Patton, Jr. Award

With grace and strength, the late Anne and Ted Patton were humble, and yet persevering, pillars of their community.

While serving God, family, uncountable colleagues and friends, they embraced life with an unwavering commitment to their church, military service, as well as civic and social organizations. Anne and Ted were consummate models, working diligently toward a shared vision of demonstrating gratitude to God - making a positive difference in every arena of life. Significant attributes include their contagious authenticity with an unmistakable adoration for one another and their family! For both Anne and Ted, prayer and living model lives were hallmarks of their magnificent journey with God, leaving an indelible mark through their faith.

The Anne and Edward H. “Ted” Patton, Jr. Award is an avenue to acknowledge the tantamount need for prayer, spiritual care and steadfastness. This Award recognizes individuals/organizations that have chosen to take supportive steps toward this viability, brilliantly illuminating pathways for prayer, spiritual comfort and lives well lived.

Celebrating Anne and Ted’s commitment to spiritual care, exemplary lives and prayer, Prayers Of the People, along with the beautifully faithful Patton Family, enthusiastically present this Distinguished Award which emulates a brilliant legacy.