In a talk with Miss Ethel Rosenberg, in October 1904, 'Abdu'l-Baha said:
The healing that is by the power of the Holy Spirit needs no special concentration or contact. It is through the wish or desire and the prayer of the holy person. The one who is sick may be in the East and the healer in the West, and they may not have been acquainted with each other, but as soon as that holy person turns his heart to God and begins to pray, the sick one is healed. This is a gift belonging to the Holy Manifestations and those who are in the highest station. (73:1)

Of this nature, apparently, were the works of healing performed by Christ and His apostles, and similar works of healing have been attributed to holy men in all ages. Both Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha were gifted with this power, and similar powers are promised to Their faithful followers. (73:3)

Attitude of the Patient
In order that the power of spiritual healing may be brought fully into operation certain requirements are necessary on the part of the patient, of the healer, of the patient's friends and of the community at large. (73:4)

On the part of the patient the prime requisite is, turning with all the heart to God, with implicit trust both in His Power and in His Will to do whatever is best. To an American lady, in August 1912, 'Abdu'l-Baha said: (73:5)

All of these ailments will pass away and you will receive perfect physical and spiritual health.. Let your heart be confident and assured that through the Bounty of Baha'u'llah, through the Favor of Baha'u'llah, everything will become pleasant for you.. But you must turn your face wholly towards the Abha (All-Glorious) Kingdom, giving perfect attention - the same attention that Mary Magdalene gave to His Holiness Christ - and I assure you that you will get physical and spiritual health. You are worthy. I give you the glad tidings that you are worthy because your heart is pure.. Be confident! Be happy! Be rejoiced! Be hopeful! (73:6)

Although in this particular case 'Abdu'l-Baha guaranteed the attainment of sound physical health, He does not do so in every case, even where there is strong faith on the part of the individual. To a pilgrim in Akka He said: (73:7)

The prayers which were written for the purpose of healing are both for the spiritual and material healing.. If healing is best for the patient, surely it will be granted. For some who are sick, healing for them shall be the cause of other ills. Thus it is that Wisdom does not decree the answer to some prayers (73:8)

O maid-servant of God. The Power of the Holy Spirit heals both material and spiritual ills. - Daily Lessons Received at Akka, p. 95. (73:9)

Again He writes to one who is ill:
Verily the Will of God acts sometimes in a way for which mankind is unable to find out the reason. The causes and reasons shall appear. Trust in God and confide in Him, and resign thyself to the Will of God. Verily thy God is affectionate, compassionate and merciful .. and will cause His Mercy to descend upon Thee. (73:10)

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