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Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer . . . One Patient at a Time
A perfect blend of medical drama and spiritual insight, Gray Matter is a fascinating account of Dr. David Levy's decision to begin asking his patients if he could pray for them before surgery. Some are thrilled. Some are skeptical. Some are hostile, and some are quite literally transformed by the request. Each chapter focuses on a specific case, opening with a detailed description of the patient's diagnosis and the procedure that will need to be performed, followed by the prayer "request." From there, readers get to look over Dr. Levy's shoulder as he performs the operation, and then we wait--right alongside Dr. Levy, the patients, and their families--to see the final results. Dr. Levy's musings on what successful and unsuccessful surgical results imply about God, faith, and the power of prayer are honest and insightful. As we watch him come to his ultimate conclusion that no matter what the results of the procedure are, "God is good," we cannot help but be truly moved and inspired.
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
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January 19, 2024
Can science and religion coexist? Can spirituality and Medicine be handled by a single person at the same time effortlessly without making the patients uncomfortable? Dr. David Levy tries to answer these questions in this book.
The author is a neurosurgeon who shares many heart-touching experiences with various patients in this book. He has been following the practice of asking his patients if he could pray for them before surgery.
What I learned from this book
1) What makes brain aneurysms fatal?
Aneurysms, in simple terms, is ballooning at a thin, weak spot in the arterial wall. The thinness of the walls will make aneurysms vulnerable to rupture.
Aneurysms in the brain are a serious medical condition. The author tells us why these aneurysms are considered fatal.
“Many brain problems don’t announce themselves. Aneurysms, notoriously, give no warning; they hide in the brain until one day, when the blood pressure proves too great for the strength of the artery wall, they rupture and bleed, causing a tremendous headache, loss of consciousness—and eventual death. Sometimes, in the fortunate cases, the aneurysm will push against a nerve or brain structure and prompt some odd symptoms that might alert someone before a catastrophic rupture.”
2) What are the qualities that should be present in a good Doctor, according to Dr. David Levy?
A person well versed in medical literature and knows all the theoretical aspects of all diseases without any other qualities won’t become a good doctor. The author tells us the other attributes that make an ordinary Doctor exceptional.
“So much of a doctor’s job is in not just diagnosis but in demeanor and presentation as well—the way you come across as you speak, the way you comport yourself, the way you relate to patients. Are your eyes steady, or are they shifty? Do you look into their eyes or over their shoulders or around the room? What does this subtly tell them about their prognosis? What can they read into your body language, your hand motions, your almost imperceptible movements of facial muscles, your ease or lack of ease, and your willingness to engage with them as persons, not just medical problems? Pre-surgical consultation is a dance. You have to practice it, becoming light on your feet and making the right moves in sequence, for it to seem graceful to you and to your patients. Fortunately, I have a calm manner that seems to set people at ease. Still, it takes a great deal of experience to make bedside manner seem effortless, and ultimately that is what you want to achieve: a sense of peace and confidence”
3) Is it ethical for a Doctor to pray with their patient?
It all depends on the communication skills of the Doctor. Ethically there is nothing wrong if the patient is comfortable with this method imparted by Dr. Levy. We can see how he usually prays with his patients from a passage in this book.
“I know that I have given you a lot to think about. Would it be okay if I said a prayer with you?” I asked in a tone that made it safe for her to say no if she wished. I had asked earlier about her spiritual history and learned that her parents were Catholic but that she did not attend services.
She tilted her head to one side and looked at me curiously, as if reading a financial report she didn’t understand. She relaxed slightly and nodded.
“Uh, okay,” she said, a little confused. “Fine.”
4) What is the art of Medicine?
The author tells us about the art of Medicine that all medical students learn in their medical schools.
“In medical school we had talked a little about what was called the “art of medicine.” This included the creativity to elicit the correct history, the insight to ask the right questions, and the meticulous attention to detail that would lead us to order the right test and thus lead us to the correct diagnosis. This method of diagnosis, which occasionally touched on areas of spirituality or emotion, was used much more in the days before CT and MRI scans.”
5) What makes a surgery a successful one?
The author shares many pearls of wisdom that he understood from his professional career in this book
“I was trained to believe that success in surgery is always the result of applied knowledge and expert technical skills. I believed that the intellectual acumen needed to correctly diagnose a problem and the ability to technically execute a plan comprised the real healing power; I had worked diligently to obtain and apply this expertise. To suggest that knowledge and skills were inadequate would be to challenge not only my own sense of self-worth but the very way in which Medicine is practiced.”
6) Doctor-patient relationship and fear
I felt that this book is unique compared to many other medical non-fiction books in many ways. Some topics that many authors deliberately discard from discussing are brilliantly integrated and discussed by the author. The way he describes the role fear plays in medical science is one such example.
“In truth, the doctor-patient relationship is based on something more than hierarchy—it’s at least partially based on fear. Doctors fear being sued; patients fear a bad outcome. This is the overriding dynamic of the relationship, especially when it involves a high-risk surgery, which includes every brain surgery. Because of the fear of being sued, doctors are very careful not to let their humanity turn into any sort of vulnerability. The questions in the back, or front, of their minds are always, How could this relationship go bad? What might turn this happy scene into a lawsuit? The questions in patients’ minds are, The Doctor seems nice, but is he or she competent? What if something goes wrong? What will happen to me?
Being sued is one of the few possibilities that make doctors feel vulnerable. It is the worst possible scenario for a medical professional, because it means someone has broken through the protective barrier of your life and threatens your personal and professional well-being.”
7) How should a Doctor take the social history if he plans to bring spirituality and prayer into his treatment?
Dr. Levy tells us about the two questions that Doctors should never miss while taking social history if they are planning to bring spirituality into treatment.
“When I first see patients in the office, I generally ask two questions related to “spiritual history”: “In what faith or religion were you raised?” and “Are you practicing now?” This gives me some spiritual background on each patient and helps me not to offend anyone. As a surgeon, I want all my patients to know and feel that I personally care about their complete welfare, not just the part of their health for which they are seeing me. I want them to enjoy the best physical, emotional, and spiritual health possible, according to their own definitions. And I want to encourage them wherever they are on their spiritual journeys with their own faith, not to push my faith on them. It is not my job to insist that they address spiritual issues any more than I insist that they exercise, which is also good for health.”
My favourite three lines from this book
“My experiences have convinced me that spirituality is a crucial element to the well-being of a person as a whole; moreover, if we let him, God can do powerful, supernatural things in our everyday lives. That’s why I began inviting God into my consultations, exams, and surgeries.”
“I had always approached this area of “study” with the idea that spirituality and Medicine were weakly connected and could be explained by the placebo effect: if some people thought their faith would help them, then they would improve merely because they believed it.”
“Claudia, being angry or offended when God doesn’t do what we expect is natural, especially when we are in pain. The problem is that when you need him most, you have no access to him because you have pushed him away.”
What could have been better?
Praying with a patient seems to be a simple process. But it requires a lot of skill. The Doctor must develop the correct rapport with the patient and have immaculate skills in extracting the information, whether the patient is a religious person, without probing too much or making the patient uncomfortable while taking the social history. If anything in this process fails, it can totally backfire. Just think about a Doctor asking an atheist (which they don’t want to reveal in the social history) to pray before their surgery.
Dr. Levy is mentioning about the negative experiences he had while asking his patients to pray in this book. But he has excellent conversation skills and the chance for this technique to fail is significantly less in his case. I think the author should also have shared more experiences of his colleagues, especially young Doctors who are comparatively new to the field, to know more about how all these methods can backfire. He could have kept their names anonymous due to privacy reasons. It would have helped the new budding Doctors who are planning to implement this method when they start practicing.
Rating
4/5 The author beautifully shows us the power of prayer in Medicine in this book.
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April 8, 2021
When it comes to surgery, the farthest thing usually from the surgeon and patient is spirituality. There is an unspoken rule that prayer in the OR is negative and reflects badly upon the competency of the surgeon. Though from the name an untrained eye would discern Levy to be Jewish yet Christian faith and prayer are the soft tools of this award winning neurosurgeon.
Caring for the spirituality of the patient is something that is customarily delegated off to the Chaplain/Rabbi that is affiliated with the hospital where the surgery is performed. Aligning the thought of a surgeon/minister is truly iconoclastic in medicine. If you end up on the table of an endovascular neurosurgeon, it is the end station of a long train ride of illness.
"I operate on the brain. If surgery is necessary...cutting a hole in the skull to reveal the melon-sized gray matter that functions as the repository of our memories, habits, knowledge, personalities, and everything else that makes human life what it is."
---David I. Levy, MD
In this memoir and recounts of patient stories, the approach that is being discussed is a preventive one and not reactive. One patient suffered from abuse from the maltreatment, neglect and abandonment by a family member. Resentment, bitterness, jealousy and envy are like acid and from lack of forgiveness problems then manifest physically. "Ad sidera tollere vultus."
Caring for the spirituality of the patient is something that is customarily delegated off to the Chaplain/Rabbi that is affiliated with the hospital where the surgery is performed. Aligning the thought of a surgeon/minister is truly iconoclastic in medicine. If you end up on the table of an endovascular neurosurgeon, it is the end station of a long train ride of illness.
"I operate on the brain. If surgery is necessary...cutting a hole in the skull to reveal the melon-sized gray matter that functions as the repository of our memories, habits, knowledge, personalities, and everything else that makes human life what it is."
---David I. Levy, MD
In this memoir and recounts of patient stories, the approach that is being discussed is a preventive one and not reactive. One patient suffered from abuse from the maltreatment, neglect and abandonment by a family member. Resentment, bitterness, jealousy and envy are like acid and from lack of forgiveness problems then manifest physically. "Ad sidera tollere vultus."
February 3, 2012
David Levy was a hard-charging, high-achieving neurosurgeon who loved his work and was good at it when he became convinced that he wanted to pray with his patients before their operations.
Though he was certain about his desire, Dr. Levy was -- perhaps for the first time in his career -- nervous and apprehensive. He was afraid he would come across as soft, superstitious, unprofessional, or even worse, that his skills were in need of divine help. He was worried that patients might not want spiritual intervention and resent his intrusion. He was afraid others might overhear him! He wondered if prayer should even factor into his brain surgeries. "The role of prayer in health care," he notes, "is itself a gray matter."
But one day he plunges ahead. To his surprise, he finds that not only do his patients and their families appreciate his prayers, but he discovers a new confidence and joy in his work. In time, after he goes public with his prayers, he finds that nurses and colleagues are surprisingly supportive, and many even ask to join his prayer circles. "The experience has been nothing short of phenomenal," he says.
From his simple desire to pray, Dr. Levy expands his efforts to heal his patients' minds and spirits as well as their bodies. He becomes bolder in bringing spirituality into the medical picture and finds that adapting biblical concepts like forgiveness into doable steps often brings patients to a place of peace and comfort.
This is a well-written, finely paced story of the kind of doctor you would want to find wielding the instruments if you were flat on your back on an operating table. Dr. Levy is the anti-House, a calm and reassuring presence in times of great fear and anxiety. Though he probably charges around the corridors of a hospital with the same sense of purpose as a Dr. House, this book illuminates those still moments in the exam or pre-op room when it's just a doctor and his patient, quietly preparing to face down a brain gone haywire. It's a terrific read for your gray matter!
Though he was certain about his desire, Dr. Levy was -- perhaps for the first time in his career -- nervous and apprehensive. He was afraid he would come across as soft, superstitious, unprofessional, or even worse, that his skills were in need of divine help. He was worried that patients might not want spiritual intervention and resent his intrusion. He was afraid others might overhear him! He wondered if prayer should even factor into his brain surgeries. "The role of prayer in health care," he notes, "is itself a gray matter."
But one day he plunges ahead. To his surprise, he finds that not only do his patients and their families appreciate his prayers, but he discovers a new confidence and joy in his work. In time, after he goes public with his prayers, he finds that nurses and colleagues are surprisingly supportive, and many even ask to join his prayer circles. "The experience has been nothing short of phenomenal," he says.
From his simple desire to pray, Dr. Levy expands his efforts to heal his patients' minds and spirits as well as their bodies. He becomes bolder in bringing spirituality into the medical picture and finds that adapting biblical concepts like forgiveness into doable steps often brings patients to a place of peace and comfort.
This is a well-written, finely paced story of the kind of doctor you would want to find wielding the instruments if you were flat on your back on an operating table. Dr. Levy is the anti-House, a calm and reassuring presence in times of great fear and anxiety. Though he probably charges around the corridors of a hospital with the same sense of purpose as a Dr. House, this book illuminates those still moments in the exam or pre-op room when it's just a doctor and his patient, quietly preparing to face down a brain gone haywire. It's a terrific read for your gray matter!
February 3, 2019
Wow, what an emotional rollercoaster. This was an amazing book. It is very well written and easy to read. You get drawn into his reflections of self-awareness and discovery and rejoice with him in all his successes and join him in sorrow when things don’t go as planned. All along he is taking you on your own spiritual journey. Each chapter you are introduced to some of his patients and their diagnoses and problems. Not all patients are healed with surgical skill alone and some are healed without it…. A great book.
July 6, 2011
In the memoir
Gray Matter
, Dr. David Levy shares his journey to combine medicine and faith. Dr. Levy slowly came to faith over a period of years, but eventually he began to chafe at compartmentalizing his belief in Christ. However, he found that most medical professionals he worked with—especially his fellow surgeons—considered themselves men of science who were above spiritual concerns. Yet he became convinced that God wanted Him to pray aloud with his patients before their surgeries. Initially this idea scared him, and he came up with a list he entitled . . .
Reasons Not To:
1.To call on a higher power would be to admit weakness or lack of control.
2.Patients may be offended.
3.If I pray and things go badly, I might ruin patient’s faith.
4.Separation of physical and spiritual is important.
5.I’ll lose my reputation.
6.I wanted the credit for successes myself.
In spite of these concerns, he writes, "Through all my questions and doubts I felt an inner voice saying to me, 'If you are worried about being misunderstood, I can promise you that you will be. Jesus was. But you still need to do the right thing.'”
So Dr. Levy chooses a patient and dives in! He describes how he decided which patient to begin with and then his hesitation in praying in front of the nurse. He makes small talk with the family during an excruciating wait for the nurse to leave, and then he asks his patient, “Do you mind if I pray for you?”
Thus begins his incredible journey. Soon he is praying in front of family members, nurses, technicians, and even his fellow doctors and surgeons—and all with amazing results. The stories he shares of his patients’ responses are by turns inspiring, amusing, uplifting, and poignant. With his prayers Dr. Levy ushered in opportunities to lead patients and family members to Christ.
The following excerpt will give you a feel for Dr. Levy’s bedside manner . . .
"'I know that I have given you a lot to think about. Would it be okay if I said a prayer with you?' I asked in a tone that made it safe for her to say no if she wished. I had asked earlier about her spiritual history and learned that her parents were Catholic but that she did not attend services.
She tilted her head to one side and looked at me curiously, as if reading a financial report she didn’t understand. She relaxed slightly and nodded. 'Uh, okay,' she said, a little confused. 'Fine.' I slid my rolling chair over to her and slowly reached out my hand. As surprised as she was, she instinctively reached out with both of her hands and grabbed it as if grabbing a lifeline.
I bowed my head to give her privacy. Then I began to pray. 'God, thank you for Maria and for allowing us to find this problem,' I said, 'This is a surprise to us but no surprise to you. I am asking that this aneurysm not cause her any problems until we can fix it. Please give her peace and good sleep leading up to this surgery. God, we are asking you for success for this surgery. Give her the sense that you are with her. In Jesus’ name, Amen.'
'Thank you, Dr. Levy,' she said with a sparkle in her eyes that spoke of calm and hope. 'I’ve never prayed with a doctor before.' I smiled. I’d heard that many times. This simple act had done what no conversation, no psychological analysis, no recitation of the medical facts had ever done, in my experience. She had received something no insurance company, medical provider, surgeon, or drug could offer: confidence and peace from a simple prayer. And even, I believe, a welcome touch from God."
Here’s Dr. Levy’s official conclusion on the role of faith in healing: "My goal as a professional is to use my skills and knowledge to help people have the best lives possible, for as long as possible. This includes emotional as well as physical health, because the two are interrelated. Emotions can create health or cause disease, and spiritual health affects emotional health. Laughter and joy are known to restore and encourage health, while bitterness and resentment promote disease. Forgiveness has well-documented health benefits. One’s concept of God can cause ongoing joy or ongoing anxiety. These issues are not incidental but are central to health."
My conclusion? Many folks will be in the kingdom of heaven because of the compassion of this good man.
I reviewed this book as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.
Reasons Not To:
1.To call on a higher power would be to admit weakness or lack of control.
2.Patients may be offended.
3.If I pray and things go badly, I might ruin patient’s faith.
4.Separation of physical and spiritual is important.
5.I’ll lose my reputation.
6.I wanted the credit for successes myself.
In spite of these concerns, he writes, "Through all my questions and doubts I felt an inner voice saying to me, 'If you are worried about being misunderstood, I can promise you that you will be. Jesus was. But you still need to do the right thing.'”
So Dr. Levy chooses a patient and dives in! He describes how he decided which patient to begin with and then his hesitation in praying in front of the nurse. He makes small talk with the family during an excruciating wait for the nurse to leave, and then he asks his patient, “Do you mind if I pray for you?”
Thus begins his incredible journey. Soon he is praying in front of family members, nurses, technicians, and even his fellow doctors and surgeons—and all with amazing results. The stories he shares of his patients’ responses are by turns inspiring, amusing, uplifting, and poignant. With his prayers Dr. Levy ushered in opportunities to lead patients and family members to Christ.
The following excerpt will give you a feel for Dr. Levy’s bedside manner . . .
"'I know that I have given you a lot to think about. Would it be okay if I said a prayer with you?' I asked in a tone that made it safe for her to say no if she wished. I had asked earlier about her spiritual history and learned that her parents were Catholic but that she did not attend services.
She tilted her head to one side and looked at me curiously, as if reading a financial report she didn’t understand. She relaxed slightly and nodded. 'Uh, okay,' she said, a little confused. 'Fine.' I slid my rolling chair over to her and slowly reached out my hand. As surprised as she was, she instinctively reached out with both of her hands and grabbed it as if grabbing a lifeline.
I bowed my head to give her privacy. Then I began to pray. 'God, thank you for Maria and for allowing us to find this problem,' I said, 'This is a surprise to us but no surprise to you. I am asking that this aneurysm not cause her any problems until we can fix it. Please give her peace and good sleep leading up to this surgery. God, we are asking you for success for this surgery. Give her the sense that you are with her. In Jesus’ name, Amen.'
'Thank you, Dr. Levy,' she said with a sparkle in her eyes that spoke of calm and hope. 'I’ve never prayed with a doctor before.' I smiled. I’d heard that many times. This simple act had done what no conversation, no psychological analysis, no recitation of the medical facts had ever done, in my experience. She had received something no insurance company, medical provider, surgeon, or drug could offer: confidence and peace from a simple prayer. And even, I believe, a welcome touch from God."
Here’s Dr. Levy’s official conclusion on the role of faith in healing: "My goal as a professional is to use my skills and knowledge to help people have the best lives possible, for as long as possible. This includes emotional as well as physical health, because the two are interrelated. Emotions can create health or cause disease, and spiritual health affects emotional health. Laughter and joy are known to restore and encourage health, while bitterness and resentment promote disease. Forgiveness has well-documented health benefits. One’s concept of God can cause ongoing joy or ongoing anxiety. These issues are not incidental but are central to health."
My conclusion? Many folks will be in the kingdom of heaven because of the compassion of this good man.
I reviewed this book as part of the Tyndale Summer Reading Program.
February 9, 2022
Audible.com 8 hour 15 min. Narrated by Larry Wayne (A)
As a successful neurosurgeon's walk with God grows, he feels led to pray for and with his patients both in his office visits then pre and post surgery. Dr. Levy understands that there is more to healing than just correcting medical problems. Good surgical outcomes involve healthy minds and relationships. Bitterness, unforgiveness, loneliness, and other factors affect not only our mental but also our physical health. Introducing spiritual health, a right relationship with God, is a "gray" area where both Christian and non-Christian physicians might think it inappropriate. Dr. Levy has a very sensitive approach and doesn't force prayer, but he's obviously found great success with positive results. This was such an open, honest book about what goes on in the mind of a surgeon as he faces new challenges with each operation and how he processes personally the outcomes. Dr. Levy is the kind of surgeon I would like to have if I needed one.
As a successful neurosurgeon's walk with God grows, he feels led to pray for and with his patients both in his office visits then pre and post surgery. Dr. Levy understands that there is more to healing than just correcting medical problems. Good surgical outcomes involve healthy minds and relationships. Bitterness, unforgiveness, loneliness, and other factors affect not only our mental but also our physical health. Introducing spiritual health, a right relationship with God, is a "gray" area where both Christian and non-Christian physicians might think it inappropriate. Dr. Levy has a very sensitive approach and doesn't force prayer, but he's obviously found great success with positive results. This was such an open, honest book about what goes on in the mind of a surgeon as he faces new challenges with each operation and how he processes personally the outcomes. Dr. Levy is the kind of surgeon I would like to have if I needed one.
March 1, 2021
Patient's spirituality is very important. For those with faith, interactions like this could be very meaningful and help with healing. But that's why hospitals have chaplains. It is highly unethical for spiritual care like this to be initiated by a physician. The doctor-patient relationship is not one of equal power. Patients are in an extremely vulnerable position. So an invitation like this may make the patient feel like "If I say no, am I still going to get the best medical care?" Even if consent is given by the patient, you cannot say it was given freely.
It's the same way with missionary work and humanitarian aid. For example, let's say you are offering food to people experiencing homelessness, but on the condition they listen to a short sermon or prayer session. What you are essentially doing is coercing vulnerable people to participate in your spiritual practices. Aid should never be offered in this way.
It's the same way with missionary work and humanitarian aid. For example, let's say you are offering food to people experiencing homelessness, but on the condition they listen to a short sermon or prayer session. What you are essentially doing is coercing vulnerable people to participate in your spiritual practices. Aid should never be offered in this way.
April 16, 2021
This is Nonfiction and the title is completely accurate when it comes to its contents. I liked that the author had the courage to incorporate prayer into his working life. So many people are afraid to talk about their faith for so many reasons. And I think he also went above and beyond in earnestly trying to help his patients in more ways than just medical.
Now with that said, I'm not sure how I feel about this one. His story was 4 stars, but I'm still mulling this one over. So 3 stars.
Now with that said, I'm not sure how I feel about this one. His story was 4 stars, but I'm still mulling this one over. So 3 stars.
December 16, 2011
An inspiring read. To read of a spiritual journey of one who supplicates to god when expected to atleast equal him as a NeuroSurgeon, is very humbling. Hatsoff to Dr.Levy's inner urge to help patients as people and not as a medical case, and to give them a chance at holistic healing.
Mention about sin and Jesus dying for our sins made me cringe, but the spontaneous healing that confession and forgiveness brought to people was jaw-dropping. The two are not simple acts, they need immense courage to accept one's mistakes and let go of others'. The psychosomatic relations are beautifully highlighted.
The style of writing was appealing, esp how the last sentence of the chapter was indicative of what the next chapter was about.
More than anything, it regenerated my awe of the Central Processing Unit of the human body.
Mention about sin and Jesus dying for our sins made me cringe, but the spontaneous healing that confession and forgiveness brought to people was jaw-dropping. The two are not simple acts, they need immense courage to accept one's mistakes and let go of others'. The psychosomatic relations are beautifully highlighted.
The style of writing was appealing, esp how the last sentence of the chapter was indicative of what the next chapter was about.
More than anything, it regenerated my awe of the Central Processing Unit of the human body.
November 28, 2023
Very interesting. It proved what I've always believed; many physical illnesses are results of spiritual/mental issues. I admire the way he held on to what he believed and Who he believed in in a field where God is not recognized enough. If more in the medical field were like him, I wonder where it would lead.
**Reread in November 2023.
**Reread in November 2023.
March 2, 2025
Wow!!! What a truly profound novel and approach to preaching and healing in a practical sense. The stories shared, patient interactions, and advice was something that will absolutely impact my future career in healthcare!
March 12, 2019
Inspiring book. It made me want to be a doctor. A medical doctor, that is.
April 6, 2025
Listened to this while I was staining a fence.
Refreshing to hear a doctor speak about belief, forgiveness, God.
Refreshing to hear a doctor speak about belief, forgiveness, God.
May 29, 2011
Physicians who write about their craft (Atul Gawande, for example) have a willing audience in me, so I didn't hesitate to pick up this one when I came across it. Turns out that the practice of medicine forms the setting, but the actual subject matter is prayer. Despite the subtitle, the degree of that focus took me a little by surprise.
Almost all of the content is a series of interactions with various patients (ranging from a fetching two-year-old to a crisp upper-level business executive to a retired mercenary) who come to the author with brain aneurysms, tumors, and similar dire conditions. At the beginning of the book, Dr. Levy has recently begun praying in private with his patients prior to their surgeries, and he is overcoming fear of professional backlash in order to pray more openly in the presence of nurses and even other doctors.
Each of the anecdotes he tells is interesting enough in its own right, but after 100 pages I was beginning to wonder about the back story. What could have led him to do something that obviously comes as a surprise to people every time he suggests it? But then he pauses in the narrative to provide that information. At least, he tells a little about his early years, about (a) starting out working in a gas station, with no serious career plans, and suddenly realizing that medicine sounds interesting; (b) making up his mind in med school to be the best, to the extent that he alienates some of his peers; and (c) beginning to commune with a voice in his head that sometimes challenges what he's doing.
Having provided that much summary, he resumes the stories of treating patients. It seems that in many cases prayer (or at least the soul-searching that is prompted by prayer and discussion) is often demonstrably beneficial. But not always. Some surgeries do not go well, and some outcomes are tragic. Those become the subject of further prayer.
All this is very touching, as is the almost childlike eagerness of many patients and professional people alike to join with him. I would appreciate having such a doctor, because I believe Western medicine errs in taking too narrow a view of illness and treatment. But if I had access to Dr. Levy, there are a lot of questions I'd want to ask. The apparent ease with which he entered the medical profession after his inauspicious start, and with which he became an effective spiritual guide on top of being a highly esteemed neurosurgeon, does not mesh with my own experience and observations. To me, it feels like he's leaving something out.
Almost all of the content is a series of interactions with various patients (ranging from a fetching two-year-old to a crisp upper-level business executive to a retired mercenary) who come to the author with brain aneurysms, tumors, and similar dire conditions. At the beginning of the book, Dr. Levy has recently begun praying in private with his patients prior to their surgeries, and he is overcoming fear of professional backlash in order to pray more openly in the presence of nurses and even other doctors.
Each of the anecdotes he tells is interesting enough in its own right, but after 100 pages I was beginning to wonder about the back story. What could have led him to do something that obviously comes as a surprise to people every time he suggests it? But then he pauses in the narrative to provide that information. At least, he tells a little about his early years, about (a) starting out working in a gas station, with no serious career plans, and suddenly realizing that medicine sounds interesting; (b) making up his mind in med school to be the best, to the extent that he alienates some of his peers; and (c) beginning to commune with a voice in his head that sometimes challenges what he's doing.
Having provided that much summary, he resumes the stories of treating patients. It seems that in many cases prayer (or at least the soul-searching that is prompted by prayer and discussion) is often demonstrably beneficial. But not always. Some surgeries do not go well, and some outcomes are tragic. Those become the subject of further prayer.
All this is very touching, as is the almost childlike eagerness of many patients and professional people alike to join with him. I would appreciate having such a doctor, because I believe Western medicine errs in taking too narrow a view of illness and treatment. But if I had access to Dr. Levy, there are a lot of questions I'd want to ask. The apparent ease with which he entered the medical profession after his inauspicious start, and with which he became an effective spiritual guide on top of being a highly esteemed neurosurgeon, does not mesh with my own experience and observations. To me, it feels like he's leaving something out.
June 13, 2021
The book could have been written as an article instead. The idea of prayer might not be something he believes in , but as Muslim , we never start anything without prayers.
March 18, 2025
I'd give this book 4.5 stars if I could, although I round up to 5 happily. It wasn't a book that I couldn't put down because it was written in such a way that each chapter seemed independent of each other. I feel like the author could have created a little bit more suspense from chapter to chapter making you wonder what was going to happen next. Also a few times the chapter titles or a small comment from him gave away the outcome before you finished that chapter. I think he could have emphasized the progression of his personal spirituality throughout to give it more of a timeline / journey feel.
Aside from those minor complaints, I loved it. He talked about the medical side of neurosurgery without getting too technical. It was easy to understand the difficulties he faced in a particular surgery. I really loved that he showed us how he felt when a procedure didn't go well. He reminded us that doctors are people too, with feelings and emotions. Traits they try so hard to suppress in the interest of professionalism that they contribute to me tending to not like them as a group. He's a credit to his profession and gave me hope for doctors. I wish more were like him.
Aside from those minor complaints, I loved it. He talked about the medical side of neurosurgery without getting too technical. It was easy to understand the difficulties he faced in a particular surgery. I really loved that he showed us how he felt when a procedure didn't go well. He reminded us that doctors are people too, with feelings and emotions. Traits they try so hard to suppress in the interest of professionalism that they contribute to me tending to not like them as a group. He's a credit to his profession and gave me hope for doctors. I wish more were like him.
January 21, 2024
Incredibly profound lens into the rare space whereby the worlds of both medicine and spirituality are bound together. There are strong themes of humility, the human condition, and the ultimate responsibility/power that medical professionals hold. There is a clear balance between personal and professional experiences by the author. His accounts prompt the reader to question how our much our beliefs influence the outcomes of both our own lives and others.
As a practicing ICU Nurse I absolutely loved this one. It calls us to reflect on the impact that our choices ultimately have on others.
As a practicing ICU Nurse I absolutely loved this one. It calls us to reflect on the impact that our choices ultimately have on others.
August 24, 2021
this book was great!! i wouldn't recommend for anybody who's skittish about surgery or blood, but it definitely gave me a great insight into the medical world as well as the spiritual aspect to it.
April 16, 2024
Amazing book!!!
March 31, 2023
A true story about a surgeon that believed in the power of prayer. This is such an inspiring read!
I was especially touched by some of the stories about the children he worked with.
I was especially touched by some of the stories about the children he worked with.
September 17, 2016
I went to a seminar one cold, windy morning where Dr. Levy was speaking, only because a couple of nurses in my church were on the committee to bring him to town. What a treat it was to hear him give his excellent presentation! This book tells his story of offering to pray for his patients before their brain surgery. This story gives a lot of background on Dr. Levy's life as well as brain function. There are lots of case examples, so it's not just theory and info. A question he often asks patients in his office is: "Where are you on your spiritual journey?"
"So much of a doctor's job is in not just diagnosis but in demeanor and presentation as well."
"There is great power in affirming people's good qualities -- their inner beauty, kindness, strength, and love."
"So much of a doctor's job is in not just diagnosis but in demeanor and presentation as well."
"There is great power in affirming people's good qualities -- their inner beauty, kindness, strength, and love."
June 15, 2011
This is exactly the kind of surgeon I would place my confidence in - one connected to the Master Healer. My son is an Anesthesiologist who always visits his patients pre-surgery to answer any doubts and questions and to ask to pray for the patient and the surgical team as they seek healing during the upcoming surgery.
I appreciated the candid struggle of this physician as he struggled for the courage to follow what he considered God given promptings for him to pray with his patients before and after surgery.
I appreciated the candid struggle of this physician as he struggled for the courage to follow what he considered God given promptings for him to pray with his patients before and after surgery.
February 6, 2015
Very inspiring! I love the way this doctor touches his patients hearts with God's love! I believe as a doctor you're called not only to heal the physicals problems of the body, but also the heart, the soul, and to truly represent Jesus. This doctor is a true example of an authentic faith living! As a future young doctor, he really inspired me, and answered to my question: how to combine faith and science, God's love and medicine? This book is an answer!
June 17, 2016
Such an inspiring and convicting book. To see God work through a neurosurgeon and his patients is really encouraging. It just goes to show you that God equips us to do what we think we can't, especially when he chooses to speak to others through us. This book had me on the edge of my seat at some points, it was tough to put down. Dr. Levy has done a great job of conveying his experiences and passion in this book.
March 17, 2014
A wonderful and fascinating read! What a great leap of faith for Levy to start praying with his patients. Something I have never seen as a patient, that's for sure. Levy has a great balance of patient stories, his own background, and explanations of neurosurgery. I would love to see him speak sometime.
March 28, 2012
A Very good book about Dr. Levy's experiences with having prayer with his patients. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer in the healing process. Nice to see that a physian has that same understanding.
July 31, 2016
Encouraging, inspiring, fascinating. Dr Levy's honest account of initiating prayer with patients and staff, combined with his detailed description of delicate surgical procedures, provides an enthralling story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I highly recommend to Christians of every walk of life.
May 15, 2017
Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer .....and partnering with God in his practice
Words that come to mind as I write my little review of Dr Levy's amazing book; characteristics he had which developed as he prayed:
LISTENING (first of all to God, and then also to his patients)
OBEYING what he senses from the Lord (even when it wouldn't be well received by his peers and medical people he worked with, or even his patients. Also he learned to obey even when he himself didn't understand the reasons for doing..... or not doing something.
HUMILITY (which goes hand and hand with obedience, but humility demonstrated in his honesty about his own lack of faith, and his struggle with mistakes he made.)
GIFTEDNESS (yes, God has given incredible knowledge and skills to humans created in His image.....and God blesses a person's willingness to use these gifts as they serve others)
SENSITIVITY (to his patients and their primary need...whether that be spiritual, relational, or physical)
WILLINGNESS to share the Good News of the Father's love for those He created even when he knew it might be misunderstood or not well received).
Yes, I loved the technical and medical descriptions....although as a retired nurse, anatomy and physiology was a long time ago, and sooo many advances have occurred I never heard about! But it fascinated me to see what amazing minds and skills God has given to people. Still, Dr. Levy has such a healthy view of what he doesn't know or understand. He was willing admit he didn't know what to do at times. He was also able to advise against performing surgery or a procedure based on the big picture (the age and other medical needs, spiritual state and support system of his patient). He learned to sense what God was saying...."no" or "wait". Yet, he admitted the mistakes he made as he was learning to listen and obey.
It was so helpful to note the type of questions he asked those who stated they had no faith in God or who had rejected Him. In the process Dr Levy opened a spiritual door that had been shut often years before, so that patient could communicate with the only Source Who could help them now and for all eternity. This book could be an excellent resource for approaches medical people and counselors can use to get to bottom line alienation issues. At the same time, he shows respect for those who simply don't want to hear the message of hope and salvation he wanted to offer them.
There was one other line Dr Levy "crosses" in the scientific and medical world he functions in. Not only does he openly pray and engage patients in a conversation about their spiritual life, he also makes himself vulnerable as a fellow human being who deeply feels their pain and grief. Most medical training teaches that is unwise, as it will influence their objectivity. As a result, we have doctors and nurses who don't connect with patient's needs that are so obvious and they come across callous, proud, judgmental, and superior. Dr Levy presents himself to his patients as safe, relational, open, and very human just like they are.
Words that come to mind as I write my little review of Dr Levy's amazing book; characteristics he had which developed as he prayed:
LISTENING (first of all to God, and then also to his patients)
OBEYING what he senses from the Lord (even when it wouldn't be well received by his peers and medical people he worked with, or even his patients. Also he learned to obey even when he himself didn't understand the reasons for doing..... or not doing something.
HUMILITY (which goes hand and hand with obedience, but humility demonstrated in his honesty about his own lack of faith, and his struggle with mistakes he made.)
GIFTEDNESS (yes, God has given incredible knowledge and skills to humans created in His image.....and God blesses a person's willingness to use these gifts as they serve others)
SENSITIVITY (to his patients and their primary need...whether that be spiritual, relational, or physical)
WILLINGNESS to share the Good News of the Father's love for those He created even when he knew it might be misunderstood or not well received).
Yes, I loved the technical and medical descriptions....although as a retired nurse, anatomy and physiology was a long time ago, and sooo many advances have occurred I never heard about! But it fascinated me to see what amazing minds and skills God has given to people. Still, Dr. Levy has such a healthy view of what he doesn't know or understand. He was willing admit he didn't know what to do at times. He was also able to advise against performing surgery or a procedure based on the big picture (the age and other medical needs, spiritual state and support system of his patient). He learned to sense what God was saying...."no" or "wait". Yet, he admitted the mistakes he made as he was learning to listen and obey.
It was so helpful to note the type of questions he asked those who stated they had no faith in God or who had rejected Him. In the process Dr Levy opened a spiritual door that had been shut often years before, so that patient could communicate with the only Source Who could help them now and for all eternity. This book could be an excellent resource for approaches medical people and counselors can use to get to bottom line alienation issues. At the same time, he shows respect for those who simply don't want to hear the message of hope and salvation he wanted to offer them.
There was one other line Dr Levy "crosses" in the scientific and medical world he functions in. Not only does he openly pray and engage patients in a conversation about their spiritual life, he also makes himself vulnerable as a fellow human being who deeply feels their pain and grief. Most medical training teaches that is unwise, as it will influence their objectivity. As a result, we have doctors and nurses who don't connect with patient's needs that are so obvious and they come across callous, proud, judgmental, and superior. Dr Levy presents himself to his patients as safe, relational, open, and very human just like they are.
October 4, 2021
I’m an evangelist when it comes to books. When I find a book that I really like, I start contacting my friends/family and insist that they read it. The more people I contact, the better the book. If I could give this book 6 stars, I would. It’s definitely my favorite book I’ve read this year.
Neurosurgeon David Levy has the feeling (wonder where that came from) he should start praying with his patients. His description of the first time he prays with a patient is priceless, exactly what I would have done in the same situation (wait until the nurse leaves the room…and wait…and wait…why is she taking so long on THIS day? What will my patient think when I ask them if they want me to pray? Etc.)
Over time David has a nurse tell him, “hey! I want to be involved in these prayers. Come get me when you’re going to pray with a patient.” Then he decides he should pray with his technicians who help him in surgery and it goes on from there.
The book is filled with powerful story after powerful story. Does everything always go right? Not it does not. Indeed, there are some spectacular failures that make Dr. Levy question why he prayed at all. I like that about the book.
A couple of takeaways I had from reading the book:
1. The influence bitterness and hatred has on physical illness. Doctor Levy has one patient who is wracked with illness with no apparent physical cause, he begins to delve deeper on the emotional side and wow…read the book to find out what happens. Amazingly powerful story.
2. The power that forgiveness has to help our physical ailments. There are a couple of very powerful stories in which Dr. Levy and his patients explore forgiveness. Even one incident where Dr. Levy asks his patient for forgiveness (read the book) These were my favorite parts of the book.
3. One of the things that Dr. Levy discovers (and which anyone who has been involved as a patient in the medical system with a serious issue will already know) is that the medical system simply does not take into account and is not even interested in, the spiritual side of the people they serve. Many people (not all, but many) respond very well when the whole person is treated and not just the physical part of the person.
An absolutely fantastic book. Set aside whatever you are reading and read this book. You can thank me later.
Neurosurgeon David Levy has the feeling (wonder where that came from) he should start praying with his patients. His description of the first time he prays with a patient is priceless, exactly what I would have done in the same situation (wait until the nurse leaves the room…and wait…and wait…why is she taking so long on THIS day? What will my patient think when I ask them if they want me to pray? Etc.)
Over time David has a nurse tell him, “hey! I want to be involved in these prayers. Come get me when you’re going to pray with a patient.” Then he decides he should pray with his technicians who help him in surgery and it goes on from there.
The book is filled with powerful story after powerful story. Does everything always go right? Not it does not. Indeed, there are some spectacular failures that make Dr. Levy question why he prayed at all. I like that about the book.
A couple of takeaways I had from reading the book:
1. The influence bitterness and hatred has on physical illness. Doctor Levy has one patient who is wracked with illness with no apparent physical cause, he begins to delve deeper on the emotional side and wow…read the book to find out what happens. Amazingly powerful story.
2. The power that forgiveness has to help our physical ailments. There are a couple of very powerful stories in which Dr. Levy and his patients explore forgiveness. Even one incident where Dr. Levy asks his patient for forgiveness (read the book) These were my favorite parts of the book.
3. One of the things that Dr. Levy discovers (and which anyone who has been involved as a patient in the medical system with a serious issue will already know) is that the medical system simply does not take into account and is not even interested in, the spiritual side of the people they serve. Many people (not all, but many) respond very well when the whole person is treated and not just the physical part of the person.
An absolutely fantastic book. Set aside whatever you are reading and read this book. You can thank me later.
May 2, 2020
“Bitterness is like poison that you swallow hoping that someone else dies.” ~ Dr. David Levy
What happens when you mix faith with medicine? Does forgiveness play a role in one’s physical health? Is it ever appropriate for doctors to pray with their patients?
These are questions that most medical doctors don’t consider. And for the first seven years of his accomplished career, neither did Dr. David Levy, an endovascular neurosurgeon practicing in San Diego.
But that all changed one day when Dr. Levy’s dentist offered to pray for him before a procedure. The tension that Dr. Levy felt in the dentist’s chair melted away and was replaced by a feeling of peace.
If prayer could positively influence a patient’s mindset, could it also affect surgical outcomes? Would it lead to improved quality of life for patients? Might it ultimately transform their life trajectories?
Dr. Levy could no longer ignore these questions. Even though his reputation was at stake, he began offering optional prayer to his patients before and after surgeries. The results of that decision have been beautifully documented in his compelling memoir, “Gray Matter.”
In this gripping page-turner, Dr. Levy offers his readers an inside glimpse into the high-stakes world of brain surgery. His detailed accounts of memorable cases reveal how tricky it can be to navigate the complex human body. But his personal stories of patient interactions illuminate how much trickier it is to navigate sensitive topics like life after death. Dr. Levy writes candidly about his successes and failures on both fronts.
Regardless of where you find yourself on the faith spectrum, “Gray Matter” is a captivating read for everyone. The author’s vivid recollection of high-risk procedures will have you holding your breath until the final outcome is revealed. Each chapter concludes with a teaser hook for the next chapter, making it difficult to put the book down. But the most memorable stories belong to the patients, many of whom experienced healing and wholeness in mind, body and soul, all because one doctor dared to pray.
What happens when you mix faith with medicine? Does forgiveness play a role in one’s physical health? Is it ever appropriate for doctors to pray with their patients?
These are questions that most medical doctors don’t consider. And for the first seven years of his accomplished career, neither did Dr. David Levy, an endovascular neurosurgeon practicing in San Diego.
But that all changed one day when Dr. Levy’s dentist offered to pray for him before a procedure. The tension that Dr. Levy felt in the dentist’s chair melted away and was replaced by a feeling of peace.
If prayer could positively influence a patient’s mindset, could it also affect surgical outcomes? Would it lead to improved quality of life for patients? Might it ultimately transform their life trajectories?
Dr. Levy could no longer ignore these questions. Even though his reputation was at stake, he began offering optional prayer to his patients before and after surgeries. The results of that decision have been beautifully documented in his compelling memoir, “Gray Matter.”
In this gripping page-turner, Dr. Levy offers his readers an inside glimpse into the high-stakes world of brain surgery. His detailed accounts of memorable cases reveal how tricky it can be to navigate the complex human body. But his personal stories of patient interactions illuminate how much trickier it is to navigate sensitive topics like life after death. Dr. Levy writes candidly about his successes and failures on both fronts.
Regardless of where you find yourself on the faith spectrum, “Gray Matter” is a captivating read for everyone. The author’s vivid recollection of high-risk procedures will have you holding your breath until the final outcome is revealed. Each chapter concludes with a teaser hook for the next chapter, making it difficult to put the book down. But the most memorable stories belong to the patients, many of whom experienced healing and wholeness in mind, body and soul, all because one doctor dared to pray.
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