Vol. 5, Pearls from the Ocean Unseen Prayer
There is a story that illustrates this need of prayer.
A king was once hunting in the forest, when he was overtaken by a storm and had to take refuge in the hut of a peasant. The peasant set before the king a simple meal, which he partook of with gratitude. On his departure he asked the peasant if there was any service he could render him. The man, not knowing that it was the king who was speaking to him, replied that his needs were simple, and that he had all he required. The king then drew off a ring from his finger, and gave it to the peasant, saying, "Take this ring, and if ever you are in need of anything, bring it to the city and show it to some official, and ask for me."
Some months later bad times came and famine was rife in the land, and the peasant was near starvation, when he bethought himself of his ring. He set out for the city, and on arrival there showed it to an official, who immediately conducted him to the king's presence. When he arrived he found the king on his knees in prayer. When the king had finished he rose from his knees, and asked the peasant what he could do for him.
The man, who was surprised to find that his friend was the king, and still more surprised to find him on his knees, asked him why he was in that posture. The king replied that he was praying to Allah. The peasant asked, "Who is Allah?" The king replied, "One even higher than myself, the King of kings, and I am asking Him for my own needs and those of my people."
The peasant on hearing these words said, "If you, the king, have to pray to somebody above you, then why should not I ask Him direct, and not trouble you?"
|