Often we
get messages, emails or phone calls saying that someone is not well, or recuperating
after a surgery or admitted to Intensive Care Units (ICU). Lately, I received two
emails informing that a friend of mine is recovering from a major operation and
another one about a friends’ wife receiving treatment in ICU. It was really sad
to hear such news. We always feel grieved hearing such sorrowful news because
of our close intimation with the unwell persons.
Often, we
want to express our sincere feelings to these ailing persons. So, we call them,
send SMS or bouquet of flowers to them or their family members. If possible, we
want to visit them personally to show our deep concern. Often times, in such
occasions we are requested to say prayers for their speedy recovery.
Sometime
ago, a friend of mine used to visit sick persons admitted in hospital to say
prayers for them at their bedsides. Although he does not know them personally,
he visits and chats with them to give assurance of speedy recovery. Before he
leaves, he says a prayer for them, if they permit. He also leaves behind a copy
of the recited prayer.
What a
novel gesture! If all of us can emulate his act, many sick persons will find some
relieve while recuperating at hospitals.
Saying prayers
is a special way to show our care to the sick persons. What is actually a
prayer? In a healing prayer, words are uttered for one’s good health and speedy
recovery of the ailing person. In such a prayer, the ailing one is remembered
and thought of.
Actually, the
very thought of the ailing person in our mind is already a prayer. True prayer
is the heart. Prayer is from the sincere heart. The words said in prayer contains
genuine concern for the person remembered. By this mere act of focusing on the well-being
of a person, the sick person’s illness gradually improves. This is the special
potency of prayers. Mahtama Gandhi once said prayers is the most potent
instrument of action if it properly understood and applied.
Recently,
the air tragedy involving MAS killed many passengers and crew members. We need
to remember them in our prayers. It is really soothing to hear that many
prayers gatherings are held for the departed souls. Such gatherings are really
wonderful and humane in nature. Only human beings can demonstrate such
compassion, concern and sympathy to other fellow human being at times of perils
and difficulties.
Let us all
always pray for ailing people and down-trodden ones, whether we know or we
don’t know them. Prayer should not be resort in times of trials and afflictions
only, but rather become a way of life. Only we, as human beings can offer
prayers for the well-being of fellow being.
