Phoebe Putney Health System

06/01/2023 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 06/01/2023 13:41

Phoebe Offers Prayer Line for the Community

Albany, GA | June 1, 2023 - Phoebe's Chaplaincy Services team has started a new service for hospital patients - and anyone else in the community - in need of spiritual support. It's a prayer line that you can call 24 hours a day.

"We know going to the hospital is a difficult and often frightening experience. Some people are able to use their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and relationships as sources for coping and healing, but many others could use some extra spiritual and emotional support during a hospital stay. That's what we're hoping our prayer line will provide," said Rev. Joey Holland, Phoebe's Manager of Chaplaincy Services.

While Rev. Holland and volunteer chaplains are available to counsel and pray with patients in person, the prayer line offers another alternative to help make sure anyone in need of spiritual care gets it.

When you call the line, you'll be prompted to press a number to choose from one of four recorded prayers based on the acronym "CAST," as referenced in a Bible verse from 1 Peter which says, "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you."

Callers press 1 for a prayer for comfort, 2 for a prayer if they are afraid, 3 for a prayer before surgery and 4 for a prayer for thanksgiving.

"Our chaplaincy team is here to serve the spiritual and emotional needs of our patients and their families, but we're also concerned about the spiritual wellbeing of everyone in our community. While we certainly hope our prayer line will bring comfort and peace to patients, it is also available to our employees and the general public who may have a specific request or simply need an emotional pick-me-up," Rev. Holland said.

In addition to listening to recorded prayers, callers may leave a voice message with a prayer request. A chaplain will pray for that request or contact the caller if he or she would like to speak to a chaplain. The prayer line number is 229-312-PRAY (7729).