Book Review: Gray Matter by Dr. David Levy, MD

"Out of nowhere, I felt a wind at my back, pushing me on. Without any forethought the prayer began to flow like a river cascading downhill." - David Levy, MD, Gray Matter, page 34

Science and religion are typically seen as incongruous.  Some consider them separate but equal, some consider their preference higher, and some consider them inseparable. Dr. David Levy, MD found through his neurosurgery practice that he fell into the latter group.


Gray Matter: A Neurosurgeon Discovers the Power of Prayer . . . One Patient at a Time is the personal recollections of a neurosurgeon who excelled at his science and lived a big life, until he realized that no matter how big he got and how much his patients depended upon him, he was not God. Instead Dr. Levy, the son of a Christian mother and a Jewish father, decided to let God and His Son Jesus run his practice and steady his hand. He started doing this by getting up the courage to pray with his patients before and after surgery and eventually in his office or as needed.

Although Dr. Levy uses discernment when asking people if he can pray with them, many agree and most are comforted. Praying for patients shows the patient and their families that he, the highly-educated, highly-paid doctor, sees them as a person and not just a random patient. Letting God into his work also reminds Dr. Levy of that very thing; patients are not just projects, but rather are God's children the same as he.

The storytelling in Gray Matter is candid and revealing both of Dr. Levy's successes and boldness, but also of his failures and uncertainties.  Each chapter reads honestly and the "medical speak" is brought down to an understandable level, which makes the book a quick and powerful read. (Read first chapter here.)

The book offers no disappointments, save for the fact the stories of hope and redemption had to end. Far from "fluff," Gray Matter inspires the reader to take their health, their spiritual life and their prayer life to a whole new level. This book would be excellent for believers presently employed in or going into medical professions, especially those who are concerned about the division of science and faith.  This book shows you that with God on your side, you can step out in boldness and give His comfort while being His hands as well.

Book release date: March 2011, Tyndale House Publishers

(Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Tyndale book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.”)