Dr. Larry Dossey has been in the forefront of those trying to bridge the gap between science and spirituality. In this fascinating interview with Michael Toms, he talks about prayer as an attitude of the heart, a way of being in the world, and our intimate communication with the Divine. Dossey has prayed for his patients as an internal medicine physician and also uses prayer as a start to his day of work. He believes that there are a variety of devotional styles, each keyed to a certain kind of temperament. The good doctor prefers a minimalist style.
Dossey discusses how drugs, surgical procedures, and prayer are now being used in tandem to treat illness. He contends that general guidance through prayer can be more valuable than asking for something specific. And he is convinced that prayers are always answered — even though the answer may not be "yes" or anything we expect. Intimate contact with the Absolute is a hope-inducing activity and it provides meaning. Dr. Dossey's conversational style is very relaxed and informative. He is the author of Healing Words and Prayer is Good Medicine.