Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer . . . One Patient at a Time

I was attracted to this book because I could make a text to self connection to the content. I could relate to the varied stories of the characters/patients in the book. You see approximately 3 years ago I suffered a massive brain aneurysm and it's a miracle why I'm alive to tell the story today. This aneurysm has left me with some disabilities. At first I wasn't able to walk, now I'm able to walk with the assistance of a cane, I still have balancing and coordination issues, the hearing in my right ear is completely gone, my speech is affected including my long term memory but just reading this book has helped me to understand and cope with the residual effects, the science of the brain and having HOPE despite the circumstance. I strongly believe in the power of prayer and it has played a vital role in my survival and recovery. I was particularly fascinated to read about a doctor who believes in the power of prayer and when it is coupled by faith the tremendous effect it has on the mind/body and healing process. How many doctors do we know that believe that their skill/gift is from a higher power? Many believe in themselves and want the credit and often times we need to be reminded that the doctor is a tool that God uses to help us.This book is a fascinating read and has helped spiritually and intellectually. By reading this book I have also learned how important the patient/doctor relationship is in the healing process. I also gleaned additional information about the brain and the various types of procedures and different types of outcomes after surgery. I learned also about hope, trusting and developing a faith that will not shrink no matter what happens.

In this non-fiction work we walk along side Dr. Levy as he matures spiritually and, haltingly at first, but boldly as time goes on, learns to share his spiritual insights with those who enter into his professional (he's a neurosurgeon) arena .I know you've heard this before, but this is another one that is hard to put down. As he told the stories of the various patients, it read like a medical drama. I had to keep going to see if the patient's aneurysm led to death (some did), if surgery was successful (some were not), and if the patient found new life spiritually (some did).In the beginning of the book I picked up on an arrogance and pride that I found distasteful . . . but then, I would not want my brain opened up by a doctor who lacked confidence. I think some of that was a set-up, so I would be able to relate to the tremendous trepidation Dr. Levy felt as he first dared to expose himself to the criticism and ridicule of his peers by introducing a spiritual element into his practice: praying with his patients. By the end of the book, I knew that this man was indeed humble and vulnerable, as he stepped out in obedience to his calling.Dr. Levy has been criticized by some for not practicing PC medicine. Does it make it awkward for non-believing patients, when Dr. Levy asks if he can pray for them? I would not be intimidated by such a request . . . but I had to ask myself this question: Would I find it awkward if my Hindu surgeon asked me if he could seek the blessing of his ancestor on my surgery? My conclusion is that, no, I would not find that awkward. A person . . . whether he is a surgeon, a president, a teacher, a lawyer, or a truck driver . . . has a right to be authentic. To push one's belief on someone when they have expressed their desire to be "left alone" would be unwise, unproductive, and disrespectful. Dr. Levy does not seem to cross that line. I want my surgeon (or other in authority) to be free to be authentic and honest with me even if I disagree with him.I appreciate the emphasis on the connection between physical health and emotional and spiritual health. I think we have all observed this in real life, but it is refreshing to see it through the eyes of a very scientific physician. When medical science can go no further, the simple act of forgiveness can produce dramatic results.As a Messianic Jew, Dr. Levy has had to face criticism in many arenas. He was proud to be a Jewish neurosurgeon . . . a highly respected position--the best of the best--in his opinion! When he began attending a Christian church, and when pressed, admitted his faith in Christ, he lost the camraderie of the Jewish community. When he introduced his faith into his medical practice he lost the respect of many of his associates. He feared that by introducing prayer into his patient relationships, he would lose their confidence as well. I think you will enjoy getting to know this man of courage.

In the memoir Gray Matter, Dr. David Levy shares his journey to combine medicine and faith. Dr. Levy slowly came to faith over a period of years, but eventually he began to chafe at compartmentalizing his belief in Christ. However, he found that most medical professionals he worked with--especially his fellow surgeons--considered themselves men of science who were above spiritual concerns. Yet he became convinced that God wanted Him to pray aloud with his patients before their surgeries. Initially this idea scared him, and he came up with a list he entitled . . .Reasons Not To:1.To call on a higher power would be to admit weakness or lack of control.2.Patients may be offended.3.If I pray and things go badly, I might ruin patient's faith.4.Separation of physical and spiritual is important.5.I'll lose my reputation.6.I wanted the credit for successes myself.In spite of these concerns, he writes, "Through all my questions and doubts I felt an inner voice saying to me, 'If you are worried about being misunderstood, I can promise you that you will be. Jesus was. But you still need to do the right thing.'"So Dr. Levy chooses a patient and dives in! He describes how he decided which patient to begin with and then his hesitation in praying in front of the nurse. He makes small talk with the family during an excruciating wait for the nurse to leave, and then he asks his patient, "Do you mind if I pray for you?"Thus begins his incredible journey. Soon he is praying in front of family members, nurses, technicians, and even his fellow doctors and surgeons--and all with amazing results. The stories he shares of his patients' responses are by turns inspiring, amusing, uplifting, and poignant. With his prayers Dr. Levy ushered in opportunities to lead patients and family members to Christ.The following excerpt will give you a feel for Dr. Levy's bedside manner . . ."'I know that I have given you a lot to think about. Would it be okay if I said a prayer with you?' I asked in a tone that made it safe for her to say no if she wished. I had asked earlier about her spiritual history and learned that her parents were Catholic but that she did not attend services.She tilted her head to one side and looked at me curiously, as if reading a financial report she didn't understand. She relaxed slightly and nodded. 'Uh, okay,' she said, a little confused. 'Fine.' I slid my rolling chair over to her and slowly reached out my hand. As surprised as she was, she instinctively reached out with both of her hands and grabbed it as if grabbing a lifeline.I bowed my head to give her privacy. Then I began to pray. 'God, thank you for Maria and for allowing us to find this problem,' I said, 'This is a surprise to us but no surprise to you. I am asking that this aneurysm not cause her any problems until we can fix it. Please give her peace and good sleep leading up to this surgery. God, we are asking you for success for this surgery. Give her the sense that you are with her. In Jesus' name, Amen.''Thank you, Dr. Levy,' she said with a sparkle in her eyes that spoke of calm and hope. 'I've never prayed with a doctor before.' I smiled. I'd heard that many times. This simple act had done what no conversation, no psychological analysis, no recitation of the medical facts had ever done, in my experience. She had received something no insurance company, medical provider, surgeon, or drug could offer: confidence and peace from a simple prayer. And even, I believe, a welcome touch from God."Here's Dr. Levy's official conclusion on the role of faith in healing: "My goal as a professional is to use my skills and knowledge to help people have the best lives possible, for as long as possible. This includes emotional as well as physical health, because the two are interrelated. Emotions can create health or cause disease, and spiritual health affects emotional health. Laughter and joy are known to restore and encourage health, while bitterness and resentment promote disease. Forgiveness has well-documented health benefits. One's concept of God can cause ongoing joy or ongoing anxiety. These issues are not incidental but are central to health."My conclusion? Many folks will be in the kingdom of heaven because of the compassion of this good man.

Loved this book. Loaned it out a bunch of times till it never came back, so purchased it again. Daughter found it and read it at 10 years of age and has wanted to be a brain surgeon ever since.

Un libro EXCELENTE! INSPIRADOR !Es una pena que no este traducido al edpañol !

I bought this book because, following an MRI scan, it was discovered that I had a gigantic brain aneurysm followed by intervention by a neuroradiologist in June and July 2012. The book ranges from being hilarious (when he is trying to get a space to pray with a patient for the first time) to being very serious. I was most impressed by how humble David Levy comes across in his book as a neurosurgeon and intervention neuroradiologist have to be extremely well qualified. As David said, it is true that people tend to think of their neuroradiologist as a demi god - after all we have to put our lives in their hands. I know it was the prayers of my friends that gave me so much peace between my two procedures (the one in June was unsuccessful and I had to wait 5 weeks, with a ticking time bomb in my head, for a successful procedure performed by 2 neuroradiologists). I certainly would have considered it a priveledge if David Levy had performed the intervention I needed and had prayed with me beforehand. Thank you David for sharing your faith and profession with us.

"Gray Matter" is a fabulous book. I loved it. Very honest struggle with faith and professional issues.. A great faith journey shared with heartfelt throbbing.I found it a challenge to my own faith. Thankyou for sharing your heart with the world, David.

Great read. Some chapters brought tears to my eyes.