Susan Hill Susan Hill

Praying for patients

I once wrote in the Spectator about my near-death from a wasp sting. What I didn’t mention was that as the ambulance raced up to A and E the paramedic told me he had said a prayer for me on the way.

I was in no fit state to object, I needed all the help I could get and in any case, I was a Christian.

I still am and if I was in the same situation I would be just as grateful. If he were a Moslim,  Jew or Hindu I would be equally happy.

So why do I feel uncomfortable about Nurse Caroline Petrie offering to pray for patients?

Oddly, it feels less of an intrusion to be told  ‘I`ve said a prayer for you’ than to be asked.  It’s a done deal and where’s the harm ? It’s also less of an embarrassment. 

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