Here’s another great idea for those wanting to give a meaningful gift this Christmas, Gray Matter: a neurosurgeon discovers the power of prayer . . . one patient at a time by David I. Levy, MD.
Gray Matter is a page-turning account of how award-winning neurosurgeon, Dr. David Levy, stepped out in faith to make prayer an integral part of his medical practice—no matter what the outcome. In quest of living his faith authentically, Levy risked being misunderstood, rejected or humiliated by offering to pray with patients. To his surprise, many accept gratefully.
“It makes a tremendous difference to patients and families when I pray with them,” says Levy. His book details the kind of difference prayer makes.
According to Dr. Levy, healthcare professionals “…give advice and carry out our clients’ wishes, but we cannot guarantee the outcome.”
“It is tempting to hide behind our experience and education and make our best human effort - what we are paid to do. But I want to do more. By asking my patient/client if I can pray with them about their case, I identify myself as a person of faith and they may or may not ask me what I believe. When we identify ourselves with God, we begin to experience the reason that God put us in that position - to use our gifts and talents to glorify the one who gave them to us. God will honor those who honor Him.
“This is not about pushing your faith on someone in a crisis who needs your services or trying to get everyone to believe like you. I do this because it blesses many people. Not everyone, but many.”
When asked how prayer has changed Levy’s own life, he responded, “I have become much more spiritually sensitive to what is happening around me. My boldness has allowed others to bless their patients and clients by asking to pray with them or for them. I don't pray with everyone who comes into the office but I try to be sensitive to who would be blessed by prayer.”
As a high-risk specialty neurosurgeon who operates on the blood vessels of the brain, Levy has a long line of dramatic and funny stories to share. That’s why friends urged him to write Gray Matter.
Gray Matter builds faith and provides encouragement to those with difficult medical problems. It deals with what happens when the stakes are high and prayers are not answered. It provides a praying neurosurgeon's view of medicine and also touches on emotional and relational issues that often affect health, such as resentment and bitterness.
What does Levy see as a key gem to be gleaned from Gray Matter? “Authenticity, being who God designed you to be in your sphere of influence. Not being ashamed or embarrassed if you don't have all the answers. Many stories in the book show the beauty, humor, unpredictability and power of bringing up prayer and faith in a secular workplace. The power of God's love to heal broken hearts and minds is a major theme.”
Dr. Levy is a speaker and frequently speaks in the San Diego area where he has worked as a neurosurgeon since 1997. He is also currently writing another book. Find out details on the website, www.DrDLevy.com.
Gray Matter can be purchased in Barnes & Noble, at Christian bookstores and on Amazon.com.
Janey DeMeo M.A.
Copyright © December 2011
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