Korean J Hosp Palliat Care.
2017 Mar;20(1):26-36. 10.14475/kjhpc.2017.20.1.26.
The Prayer Experiences of Patients with End-Stage Cancer
- Affiliations
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- 1Public Health, Pyongyang University of Science and Technology, Pyongyang, North Korea. psalmpark@gmail.com
- 2School of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.
- 3The National Medical University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
- 4Division of Nursing, Yonsei University Health System, Seoul, South Korea.
- KMID: 2371865
- DOI: http://doi.org/10.14475/kjhpc.2017.20.1.26
Abstract
- PURPOSE
To explore the meaning of prayer in Korean patients with end-stage cancer who profess Christianity or Buddhism, given the significant differences between these religions.
METHODS
The Colaizzi (1978) analysis method was employed. In-depth interview were performed with 13 participants (seven Christians and six Buddhists) who were admitted to a University-affiliated hospital in Korea.
RESULTS
The six categories emerged: 1) communication with God, 2) mind discipline, 3) spiritual growth, 4) mysterious experiences, 5) perception of death and after-life, and 6) various forms of prayers.
CONCLUSION
The participants' prayer experiences were described in a religious context. Christians believed that prayer is communication with God while Buddhists regarded it as disciplining of minds. Despite some differences between the religious groups, a general meaning of prayer was a desperate desire to solve their health issues by relying on God or someone who is more powerful than themselves. They also experienced personal and spiritual growth through prayer. This study explains the phenomenon of prayer experiences and shows that prayer is an important coping mechanism.
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