Words are the shell, meditation the kernel. Words are the body of the prayer, and meditation its spirit. (Chovos haLevavos 8.3.9 c. 1040)

A holy rabbi was once approached to pray for a sick person who was in serious condition. The holy rabbi went into his study, and after a while came out and requested that a person known throughout the village to be a master thief be brought to him without delay.

The master thief was brought to the holy rabbi who explained to him, “There is a person who is in desperate need of help from Heaven, and I want you to pray for him.” He gave the name of the sick person to the master thief and suggested some prayers to be said. Although confused and unsure as to why he of all people was approached by the holy rabbi, the master thief did as he was told.

Not long after the master thief began to pray, someone came to the old wooden shul (synagogue) with the happy news that the sick man had suddenly showed incredible signs of recovery. The confused doctors now believed that he would recover.

To the surprise of all around the holy rabbi he explained that he had prayed for the sick man, but he found the gates of Heaven locked and his prayers could not enter and go before the Holy One, blessed be He. It was at that time that he sent for someone who knows how to pick locks and break through barriers. Once he got through the locks, the gates of Heaven swung open to his prayers, mine were able to enter and be received.”

Who amongst us has not attempted, as a child, to open or pick some sort of lock, often successfully. Perhaps we all harbor within us a potential skill for breaking down doors and would do well to put it to use in the form of deep and heartfelt prayer.

The power of prayer is at times beyond understanding. The can heal the body and the spirit while strengthening faith.

Heavenly Father, I give you this hurt, pain, fear and sadness for we are taught
He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds. (Psalm 147:3)

The promise of tomorrow reminds us, For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal, says the L-rd (Jeremiah 30:17)

Please take the hurt, pain, fear and sadness in exchange for Your comfort and blessing

Amen

May all your tales end with Shalom (peace)

Click here for more storytelling resources

Tell it to your children, and let your children tell it to their children, and their children to the next generation. (Joel 1:3)

Rachmiel Tobesman is a motivational speaker and Maggid (spiritual Storyteller). He is available for speaking engagements or storytelling, Click here to contact us

Please share this story with family and friends and let us know what you think or feel about the stories in a comment or two. Like us on Facebook or tweet us on Twitter

If the stories are not shared they will be lost.

Please share this story with others