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

David Levy, MD practices neuro and endovascular surgery at the Kaiser-Permanente Medical Center in San Diego, California. His articles have been published in a variety of neurosurgical journals, and he is an accomplished and engaging speaker and presenter. In his off time, David enjoys jogging and playing beach volleyball near his home in San Diego.
Joel Kilpatrick is an award-winning journalist and author whose work has been featured in Time magazine, the Washington Post, USA Today, CBS Radio, The Dallas Morning News and many other newspapers and magazines. He lives in southern California with his wife and children.

Dr. David Levy's Gray Matter tells the story of how Levy, a practicing neurosurgeon, boldly bridges the gap between medicine and religion by praying with patients, nurses, and fellow doctors. The title Gray Matter not only refers to the grayish hue of brain tissue, but also refers to religion's ambiguous role in modern healthcare. Most doctors view religion as admission of weakness or superstition, so they trust in the power of surgery over the power of prayer. As a newly dedicated Christian, Levy felt convicted by God to go beyond his role as a physician. He began offering his patients prayer and spiritual guidance.

Levy's stories about his encounters with patients serve as witnesses to the power of faith and religion, which often impact his patients' lives more than any surgical procedure could. Levy loads his chapters with detailed descriptions of highly delicate brain surgeries, the results of which frequently hold spiritual implications to Levy and his patients. As one of the top neurosurgeons in California, Levy identifies himself as a Christian seeking to share his faith in a generally godless work environment.

As Levy begins to pray with his patients, he discovers that spiritual health is closely connected to physical health, and that letting go of anger and learning to forgive can often relieve people of serious physical problems. "I have seen so many positive results from prayer that I'm convinced they go beyond any physical or psychological explanation," says Levy. Levy’s faith in prayer's ability is in direct agreement with James 5:15 which says, "And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up."

Gray Matter gives a fascinating peek into the advanced field of neurosurgery, and its message that God is alive and at work is very comforting. Although the surgical descriptions can be a bit lengthy, Levy describes the procedures clearly for those with little medical knowledge, and his interactions with his patients and their families are riveting. This book is recommended for all Christians, especially those in the medical field and those seeking evidence of the power of prayer. – Nicholas Van Heest, www.ChristianBookPreviews.com