The Prayer

A poor woman, widowed and alone, raises her son in poverty. Though she has almost nothing material to offer him, she teaches him to pray—to speak with God morning and evening, to bring all his troubles and joys before the Almighty. The son grows and learns a trade, yet remains devoted to the practice of prayer his mother instilled. When he faces a difficult decision, he prays. When he is tempted toward sin, he prays. When he experiences joy, he prays in gratitude. One day, while working in a forest, he encounters a strange man who offers him a bargain: great wealth in exchange for seven years of service, at the end of which the man will claim the youth's soul. The young man, remembering his mother's teaching, pauses to pray before responding. In prayer, he perceives the truth: the stranger is the Devil himself. Rather than accept the bargain, the young man prays for protection. His prayer is answered: a light surrounds him, and the Devil cannot touch him. The young man remains, unharmed, while the Devil departs in frustration. Throughout his life, whenever danger approaches—whether from temptation, illness, or evil—the young man's first recourse is prayer. His mother's simple teaching—that prayer connects us to God and calls upon divine protection—proves more valuable than any wealth or knowledge. Prayer, rightly understood, is not the recitation of words but the offering of one's entire self to God, requesting guidance and protection. The young man's faithfulness to prayer, taught by a faithful mother, saves him and sustains him throughout his life.