These experiments have produced surprising results. Patients with faith in God, and who have others praying for them, have "a 14-fold advantage over those who are isolated or lack faith."

A book by a Harvard graduate, Dr. Herbert Benson, has recorded many documented cases where healing is accelerated by faith. Concerning all humans. Dr. Benson writes, "Our genetic blueprint has made believing in an Infinite Absolute, part of our nature…humans are also wired for God."

In writing about prayer, another medical professor and author said, "We often know something works before we know why." Though these educated professors are not clear about God, or who He is and how He works, they are at least admitting there is a God who answers when He hears prayers of faith.

Concerning these experiments, one leading magazine stated, "Twenty years ago, no self-respecting M.D. would have dared to propose a double-blind, controlled study of something as intangible as prayer. Western medicine has spent the past 100 years trying to rid itself of remnants of mysticism…today (there is) a shift among doctors toward the view that there may be more to health than blood cell counts and EKG's and more to healing than pills."

The sophisticated medical world has achieved many goals through surgery, but actually the majority of illnesses afflicting people are not curable by surgery. Also, Americans are becoming disenchanted with expensive medicines, which many times create side affects. What doctors are learning is that stress and lifestyle play an important part in a person's well-being and health. Bring that up to spiritual terms, and people who live according to God's Word live healthier. And Christians who do become ill can recover quicker because of their faith in God and the support of others who pray. Obeying James 5:14-16 is an updated prescription for the sick and afflicted.

The Word of God holds many secrets that we can uncover if we will only search for them. It is important for us to care for the body because it is the temple of God. (I Corinthians 3:16-17.) The Israelites were given a strict diet according to the Mosaic Laws. Though we don't need to follow that diet for religious purposes, the natural reasons behind it have not wavered down through the centuries.

Remember Daniel and his three friends who refused to eat of the Babylonian meats and wines? After ten day's trial, these four boys were healthier than the others. (Daniel 1:8-16.) God honored their obedience to His Word and they were doing better than if they had consumed the rich foods of the king. [ selected ]