Date of Conferral

8-28-2026

Date of Award

August 2026

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Health Sciences

Advisor

Magdeline Aagard

Abstract

Prayer as a source of improved physical outcomes for individuals with medically diagnosed Stage 4 cancer has not been thoroughly addressed in recent academic literature, despite an increase in individual reporting within nonacademic sources.. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore the lived experiences of individuals in the United States who experienced remarkable healing from Stage 4 cancer after receiving Christian prayer for healing. Using the biopsychosocial-spiritual model as the conceptual framework, this study investigated the lived experiences of participants regarding their decision to seek prayer to heal their Stage 4 cancer, and its subsequent effects on their social relationships and physical well-being. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with N = 10 purposively selected participants who had received a medical diagnosis of Stage 4 cancer and subsequently experienced significant health improvements attributed to Christian prayer. Data were analyzed using Paul Colaizzi’s seven-step descriptive phenomenological method. Results included five key findings: The medical process, God in the middle of the process, Prayer all around the process, Personal connections at home and away from home, and Peace replaces anxiety in body, mind, and spirit. The results of this study contribute to positive social change for anyone with Stage 4 cancer who desires to engage in relational Christian prayer for healing. These findings can be used by public health professionals to support Stage 4 cancer patients pursuing Christian prayer for healing. This may result in the benefits of a longer life and lower anxiety in body, mind, and spirit for those with Stage 4 cancer.

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