Can We Cure Disease Through Prayer?

Prayer is a very mysterious thing. Many people around the world participate in this (normally) daily activity. They send their prayers to God in hopes that they answered and things will turn out for the better in their times of need. To many, prayer is confusing. Why do people spend time in their day to pray to something that (according to some) may or may not exist. Often times prayer is used by family and friends in hopes to cure a loved one from an illness. When (or if) that person gets cured, some people will say that their prayers were answered. If the person is not cured people may say that God decided their time had come and there is nothing they can do.
In my own experience, when people tell me that they are praying for me I get empowered or encouraged to work harder. It makes me happy to think that people truly do care about my well-being. I think the same holds true for many other people as well. People like being cared for. Like it was brought up in our last class: God will put us into difficult circumstances, and sometimes you need the help of others to get through these circumstances. I think that this help is prayer. Some things can be too difficult to get through on your own and if you pray for help, I think in some way help will arrive. Or if you have contracted some kind of disease or illness, the power of prayer from our loved ones will help us to get through our tough times.
In our experiences here in Rome we have been to many churches and have seen many people at each one praying inside (despite the seemingly best efforts from the countless tourists). A prime example, while not a church, is the Holy Steps located outside of San Giovanni in Laterano. These steps are supposedly the same steps that Jesus walked multiple times before his crucification. They were imported form Jerusalem, and ever since countless people go up the steps on their knees praying to Jesus. Another good example was the church we visited in Nettuno, Italy. The church was Santa Maria Goretti. Maria was a young girl who had a very noticeable faith in God. She was also, however, a very attractive young girl who drew the attention of a man named Alessandro. Alessandro tried to force himself upon her but she refused. Alessandro stabbed her for denying him. While in jail, Alessandro had visions of Maria forgiving him. Alessandro was then converted to the Catholic faith after this event. The stories of Maria have really resonated with me and have made me a more firm believer in the power of prayer.
Overall, I do think that the power of prayer is powerful indeed and can be used to cure disease and illness. I think that the reason so many people participate in this activity on a daily basis, many other people would agree with me. Prayer is powerful, it can be used to help someone you love who is in need, it can be used to help get yourself through tough times, and it can be used to praise God and to give thanks for what you have.