I agree to with Tom regarding the material in chapter 7. I have grown to believe the purpose of prayer is to ask for wisdom, strength, patience, grace etc. However I have also seen what appears to be miracles that have come about as a result of prayer. According to one of the people directly involved, and his doctors, there was something other than modern medicine and technology at work in his recovery.
I believe there is no way we can understand what God can do or may do to affect the course of peoples lives. I do agree with the author that the most powerful result of prayer is to know God is with us and gives us stregth and that being in a community of faith let's us know we are not alone. That alone helps us havedthe strength, hope and peace to deal with the problems with which we are presented. That is essentially what we as Stephen Ministers do. We provide that community of support for those dealing with problems so they know they are not alone.
