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PATIENTS' DESIRES TO have their spiritual concerns taken seriously are leading doctors to recommend that they consult clergy in addition to having medical treatment. A survey of active members of the American Academy of Family Physicians showed that 80 percent recommended such consultations.

According to a report from the National Institute for Healthcare Research, the doctors most likely to refer patients to clergy were those who had been practicing for more than fifteen years. The report commented that "perhaps physicians ... observed over time the benefit of collaborating." For instance, one study showed that "visits by hospital chaplains for 15 minutes each day not only shortened hopitalizations by 29 percent, but reduced pain medication by two-thirds and drastically slashed demands on nurses as well."

THE KORAN GIVES ninety-nine "beautiful names" for God—including The Truth that Muslims are expected to apply in their lives. Some recite all ninety-nine each day. Others focus on a particular name. No matter what they choose to do, the purpose is to get to know and understand God better.

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