The Power of Prayer

We know that prayer is a good practice, but do we really believe that prayers are answered? Are we not somewhat skeptical about how much it can help us? Read this inspiring story below that illustrates the true power of prayer.

Rahul was on his way to airport to catch a flight to Mumbai. This trip to Mumbai was important for him, as he was going to give the keynote address in a prestigious conference there. His presence was very much needed in Mumbai. Unfortunately, he got stuck in the Delhi traffic for more than one hour, and as he was about to lose hope of catching the flight, his car reached the airport. He came out quickly and rushed inside airport, and managed to reach the check-in counter in time. The airline staff helped him to go through the security quickly, and finally he boarded the plane, feeling relieved that he did not miss the flight.

As the flight took off, Rahul tried to catch some sleep. As a doctor, he had such a hectic schedule, that he used to look for all such opportunity to catch a few moments for himself.

His nap was interrupted about an hour later, as the captain was making an announcement. The weather was poor with heavy storm and lightening, and it was no longer possible to keep flying under the conditions. As a safety measure, the flight was being diverted to Surat and will wait there till the weather is clear.

He contacted the airline staff to check when are they expecting to fly again, but did not get a firm answer.  He complained in vain that every minute is valuable for him, and he must reach Mumbai today.

While he was thinking about what to do, a fellow passenger recognized him, “Dr Rahul Rastogi, the famous liver specialist, so nice to meet you sir!  Mumbai is not very far from here. You can take a taxi and go by road, it will take just about five hours. Rahul thanked him and started for Mumbai by road.

But the weather was bad; heavy rains and storm made it almost impossible to move forward on the road. The cab driver was trying his best to keep driving despite the challenging weather, but he was barely able to see the road. Suddenly, he noticed that they are alone on the road – there was no traffic around. Then he realized that he has missed taking a turn, and has lost his way. It was a deserted street, and there was nobody around to ask directions. The driver kept moving ahead with the hope of finding someone.

That’s when they came across a ray of hope – there was an isolated house on the side of road. Feeling relieved, he stopped the car in front of the house. Rahul got out of the cab and knocked the door.

“Come in. The door is open.”

As he went in, he saw an old woman, around 75 years old, who was sitting in prayer. Rahul waited patiently for her to finish her prayer, and then asked her:

“Maa ji, I have lost my way, and am stranded here. Can I use your phone please?”

The woman smiled, “Beta, I do not have phone or electricity here. This is a remote village. Please come in and make yourself comfortable. Let me give you something to eat and drink. Rest for a while before you continue your journey.”

She  got up and brought some food and tea for him. Rahul was feeling exhausted, so he thanked her profusely for the courtesy. While he was sipping the tea, he noticed a small kid wrapped in a blanket on a cot. 

Feeling refreshed after the tea, he said, “Maa ji, I am grateful for your kindness and help. I saw you praying when I came in. Please pray for me too, that the weather gets clear and I find my way. I am quite hopeful that your prayer will be accepted.”

She said in a humble tone, “I did not do any special favor. You are my guest, and God wants us to take good care of our guests. I will pray for you as well, God is great. He has always given me whatever I have asked for. I just have one more wish, I am sure He will fulfill it soon”

“What are you praying for?”, asked Rahul.
She said, “This is my grandson whom you see lying on the cot. He has lost both his parents, and I am solely responsible for him. Doctor says he has a serious liver disease, that they cannot treat here. When I asked them who can treat him, they named a famous doctor in Delhi, Dr Rastogi if I remember correctly. I do not know how to reach Dr Rastogi, and even if I take him there, will he agree to treat him? I am in a real difficult situation and I was praying to God to show me the way.”
Suddenly, there were tears in Rahul’s eyes, and as he tried to say something, he felt himself choking. With a lot of difficulty, he managed to utter a few words.

“Maa ji, God is great. He listened to your prayer, and created bad weather that grounded the plane, made me lose my way, so that I reach here on my own. I am Dr Rahul Rastogi, I consider myself fortunate to be able to treat your grandson.

I am not a religious person, but I have just experienced the power of prayer.”

As he looked outside the window, the weather had already started to clear up.