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Suppose it was a placebo effect, as some might suggest. She prayed in great distress and intensity. She received kind words and assurance from a high religious authority. She had immediate and profound relief from her anxiety. That night she and her husband had successful intercourse. And she bore the child she had prayed for.

Or what about those who claim that all of Jesus' healings were but placebo effect. The suppliant comes in great need and with intense determination spurred on by heard stories of the healer's skill and compassion. In Jesus' presence the sick person with an open mind would see, sense, and feel deeply the compassion and energy and open acceptance that defied all society's anathemization. All this coming from Jesus could have instilled joy and peace, or happy relaxation, that freed the body to heal the traumas created by a lack of compassion, energy, and acceptance in the world.

Okay, prayer can be placebo, in my opinion. Answers to prayer can be placebo effect.

So Who made our minds and bodies to respond to placebo effect? Who created us with that sort of healing reflex? And who would know best how to tap into it? It might not be "just placebo effect." It might be divine power and wisdom combined, I think.

In fact, if Jesus indeed used the amazing power of placebo in the way I described above . . . I want to be healed by Him. I want to become the carrier of that kind of compassion, energy, and open acceptance that can bring hope and healing to so many sick around me.