The Jewish return to petitionary prayer:

The newfound popularity of the prayer for the sick begs for explanation. Why has this once fairly obscure prayer assumed such importance and ubiquity? And why has it spread in popularity across the Jewish denominational spectrum?

Jews may be reacting to recent reports about the reputed efficacy of prayer in facilitating healing. Some studies have suggested a link between prayer–including the prayers of others–and prospects for recovery. A survey conducted last year, in fact, found high percentages of American physicians who believe in the power of prayer in the healing process. By uttering the prayer, they are "doing something" constructive. Or as the Zaleskis put it: "Healing prayer . . . is a work of repair, reknitting the social fabric that is frayed by illness or ruptured by death."

Another possible explanation for the resurgence of petitionary prayer is that far more people today are living with illness for long periods of time. Astonishing advances in medical treatment that have prolonged the years of people who live with illness may serve to explain why this prayer has gained a wide following.

Perhaps, most important, the prayer for healing captures the current spiritual mood of America’s Jews. The prayer is both highly personal, for we bid God to remember a particular family member or friend, and also universal in that the entire congregation is similarly engaged.

In these various senses, the prayer may bring healing to the intended recipient of God’s succor, to the petitioner and to the Jewish community.