In medicine, we are constantly reminded of the fragility of life. We see patients at their most vulnerable moments, whether it be in the emergency room, during a surgery, or while delivering bad news. Often, we are the ones who must deliver the final blow of a diagnosis, or make the call to end a patient’s suffering. It can take a toll on our mental and emotional health, and it can be difficult to keep up with the demands of the job.
That is why a doctor’s prayer is so important. Whether you are religious or not, taking a moment to center yourself and connect with something greater than yourself can bring peace and clarity in even the most stressful situations. A prayer can help remind you of the values and intentions that brought you to medicine in the first place, such as compassion, empathy, and a desire to heal.
One example of a doctor’s prayer is the Physician’s Prayer, attributed to Maimonides, a 12th-century philosopher and physician. It reads:
“O God, thou has appointed me to watch over the life and death of thy creatures; here am I ready for my vocation and now I turn unto my calling. Help me to exercise my art purely and holy; for the sake of Thy creations, so that neither miserliness nor greed, nor thirst for glory, may corrupt me. For most great is the mystery of the human soul. Thou alone knowest it; therefore, I beseech thee, guide my hands and my heart in thy service. Amen.”
This prayer encapsulates the essence of what it means to be a doctor: to care for and heal patients, to approach our work with humility and purity of intention, and to recognize the mystery and wonder of the human body and soul. By reciting this prayer, we can remind ourselves that our work is not just a job, but a calling rooted in the sacred trust between doctor and patient.
Furthermore, it is important for doctors to pray for their patients, as well. By including our patients in our prayers, we can send positive energy and healing intentions their way, even if we are unable to physically be there for them every moment of their medical journey. Whether we are dealing with a life-threatening illness or a minor injury, prayer can offer comfort and hope to our patients and their families.
In conclusion, a doctor’s prayer is a powerful and essential tool for maintaining the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of doctors and their patients. By connecting with something greater than ourselves, we can find the strength and compassion to do our work with clarity and grace. Whether it be the Physician’s Prayer or another prayer of your choosing, take a moment each day to ground yourself and offer gratitude and compassion to those around you. As Hippocrates once said, “Wherever the art of medicine is loved, there is also a love of humanity.” May we all strive to embody this love in our daily work and in our prayers.