A Mother's Prayer

Every day, Reb Shimon and his wife watched helplessly as their little boy's sickness became worse and worse. Now, with the baby hovering between life and death, Reb Shimon ran to Reb Nachman for help.

"Rebbe," he cried, "our son is so sick. Please pray for Hashem to save him!"

But Reb Nachman did not answer.

Night came, and the baby's fever went up again. Reb Shimon's wife sat beside the cradle rubbing the child's face with a damp cloth. Her eyes were filled with tears, as she began to pray for her son's life.

"Ribbono Shel Olam! Master of the Universe!" she pleaded. "Have pity on this innocent little baby! Don't punish him for anything his parents may have done wrong. Please forgive us and spare his life!"

All through the night she continued to weep and to pray in her own words until finally, just before dawn, she fell asleep.

Not long afterwards, Reb Shimon came to Reb Nachman again, pale with worry. However, before he could speak, the Rebbe exclaimed, "Shimon! Just look at what a simple, honest prayer can accomplish! In Heaven, they had already decreed that your baby would die. However, in the merit of your wife's heartfelt prayers, the child has been granted life."

"And not only that," the Rebbe added, "but he will live many long and happy years!"

As Reb Nachman predicted, Reb Shimon's son recovered from his sickness. And, according to Breslover tradition, he lived to be almost one hundred years old!

© 1990 Mesorah Publications