Patients expect a visiting chaplain or cleric to pray with them. But it can be much more powerful when a doctor clasps a scared patient's hand, closes his eyes and petitions God to protect her as she heads into surgery. That's the impetus behind Adventist Midwest Health's new "praying hands and hearts" program, which provides training to hospital volunteers, physicians and employees who want to pray with patients.

"Praying hands and hearts is another way that we, as a Christian health care leader, can fulfill our mission of providing whole-person care and promoting wellness," said John Rapp, regional vice president of ministries and mission at Adventist Midwest Health.

To identify themselves, praying hands participants wear lapel pins that feature a pair of hands clasped in prayer. It is expected that prayer will be offered with sensitivity and good taste. Participants learn that a patient might appreciate prayer at various times during his or her hospital visit, such as when he or she: exhibits fear or anxiety, expresses discouragement, asks for a chaplain or clergy member, expresses doubts about God, makes reference to faith, asks "Why has this happened?", lacks the support of family or friends, or comments on one of the praying hands lapel pins.

Natalie Lesher, admitting director at Adventist La Grange Memorial Hospital, proudly wears her praying hands pin as a way to connect not only with patients but also with everyone she comes into contact with at the hospital.

"It's nice to have something visible to show," Natalie said. "Although I haven't come across a patient who's asked me to pray with them, they do tend to talk with me more about their religious beliefs because they see me as someone they can connect to."

Natalie said being involved in the praying hands program adds an important spiritual dimension to her everyday work.

"For me, it's important because I deal in the finance world," Natalie said. "Praying hands gives me a chance to connect with someone on a level I might not have otherwise."

Praying hands participants seek permission to pray with a patient. They also are advised to partially close the patient's door or draw the curtain, offer to touch the patient on his or her shoulder or hold the patient's hand, and be cautious of asking for miraculous healing.

As far as possible, employees and volunteers are encouraged to pray within the patient's religious tradition. Training materials for praying hands participants include sample prayers in the Protestant, Roman Catholic, Jewish and Muslim traditions. Other popular prayers include Psalm 23 and Ephesians 3:19.

"This program really goes to the heart of our mission," John said.

Lisa Parro is a public relations specialist at Adventist Midwest Health.