His mother’s doctors had told the young boy the devastating news. Her cancer had spread throughout her body and there was no hope for recovery. The doctor had given her, at most, one-week to live. He callously told this young child that in reality he doubts that his mother will survive the evening.

Lost and forlorn this young boy did the only thing he knew how to do. He asked his father to take him to the Western Wall so that he could beseech Almighty G-d for compassion and mercy. All night he prayed with all his heart, crying to Hashem, refusing to be consoled until his prayers were answered.

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The morning arrived and he asked his father to take him back to the bedside of his mother. When he arrived, his mother was sitting up with life giving color on her face, excited to see her son. She was filled with emotion and love.

The doctors came in hurriedly to examine this woman who was expected to die during the night. After close examination they ascertained that the cancer had disappeared and this woman was completely cured. They had no explanation except to say that it was a miracle! But if you ask the young boy he will tell you what happened. It was his fervent prayers that ascended to Almighty G-d that saved his mother. G-d had listened to his prayers.

The Talmud in many instances describes the lives of our great sages and the power some of them had in influencing Almighty G-d to listen to their supplications.

In our times, most of us when we pray, our minds are on something else-it is hard to focus all the time.

A study was completed at Kansas City’s Mid America Heart Institute at Saint Luke’s Hospital which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The research involved 990 heart patients, 524 were randomly assigned to a control group. Each patient in the remaining group was prayed for daily by five separate individuals. Neither patients nor the doctors were aware of who was being prayed for, or for that matter that the study was even taking place. The prayer groups prayed away from the hospital and except for the first name of the individual knew nothing about the person they were praying for.

The results were astounding. Patients who were prayed for did 11 percent better than the patients in the control group. The definition of better included everything from the numbers and types of medications patients needed, whether they needed respirators or needed pacemakers, how long they stayed in the Hospital, how fast they recovered, or, in some cases, died.

Dr. James O’keefe, a cardiologist and one of the researchers in the study, said: “From my perspective, I can tell you the message of this study is simple and clear. If you or a loved one is in trouble, medically sick, and you feel so inclined, go ahead and pray. Pray for yourself and your loved ones. This study suggests it might help”

I am always in awe when I witness the davening of young children. They have the ability to truly communicate with G-d. It is as if they are closer to G-d and can accept without reservation that special relationship they have with him.

William Wordworth in his poem “Intimation of Immortality” states exactly that: Children are closer to G-d. As G-d has no beginning or end, so children have no conception of time – before or after. They can conceive more clearly the eternity of time and Almighty G-d. We should learn from their actions.

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Rabbi Mordechai Weiss has been involved in Jewish education for the past forty-six years, serving as principal of various Hebrew day schools. He has received awards for his innovative programs and was chosen to receive the coveted Outstanding Principal award from the National Association of Private Schools. He now resides in Israel and is available for speaking engagements. Contact him at [email protected] or 914-368-5149.