The Prayer and the Response
The following episode in a devotee’s life is reminiscent of the experience of countless recipients of Baba’s grace. His grace comes unexpectedly and when it is most needed.
I realized the power of prayer while I was recently waiting for my coronary bypass surgery in the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital in Saudi Arabia. I believe it is Baba’s grace that enabled me to have a successful surgery and return to work in Hofuf.
I was admitted to the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital on August 14th for my Ischemic heart disease. Following the investigations, the surgeon decided to perform a coronary bypass surgery on August 31st. He also warned me that failure to have the surgery could lead to a massive heart attack, with serious consequences.
So, I decided to go ahead with the surgery, and soon my wife, who had been in India, joined me. We prayed to Bhagavan Baba for a successful surgery.
Just six days prior to the surgery, the hospital authorities told me that I had to find ten persons who could donate blood (10 units) within two days, failing which the surgery would have to be postponed. I was nonplussed; I felt depressed and desperate.
I did not know anyone in Riyadh except one friend. I was worried that I might not get ten persons to donate the needed blood for my surgery. I was anxious that not finding the donors might eventually lead to my having a severe attack.
In my desperation, I turned to Bhagavan. I earnestly prayed to Him to help me get the required donors so the surgery could be performed as scheduled. At the same time, a Sri Lankan Tamilian, Mr. Sylvester, had undergone a coronary bypass operation and was recovering in the same ward where I was. I saw many of his friends coming to see him. After praying to Baba, I visited Mr. Sylvester and mentioned to him about my predicament regarding blood donors.
Meanwhile, I continued to pray to Baba to help me in this affair. The very same evening, Mr. Sylvester’s friends visited him. One of them greeted me and said, “Hello.” Most likely, I thought that Mr. Sylvester had told him that I was from Madras and was waiting for my surgery. After some time, he came, sat with me, enquired about me and told me that he was also from Madras.
While talking, he asked me, “Doctor, please let me know if I can help you in any way. Do not hesitate.” At first, I hesitated to ask him to help me get ten donors. How could I ask a person with whom I had a brief acquaintance to arrange for ten donors for my surgery? Somehow, by Baba’s grace, I ventured to tell him about my problem. He said: “Doctor, you have told me about this…. now it is my problem…. and I will try to arrange the donors. Leave that problem to me. Do not worry. It is my responsibility.” His name was Balakrishnan.
On August 27th, Mr. Balakrishnan phoned me: “Doctor, tell me at what time and what place I have to bring these donors.” After enquiry, I told him that they should be at the Blood Bank the next morning (Wednesday, August 28th).
If this is not a response to my prayer, what else is it? The all-compassionate and loving God had sent this Mr. Balakrishnan like an angel and solved my donor problem. Furthermore, two of my acquaintances from Hofuf where I worked also offered to donate their blood when two of the initial donors did not match my blood type.
Now I am recuperating in Hofuf and doing well by Bhagavan’s grace. I realize that I have been granted a second lease on life, and I wish to serve at His lotus feet. I pray to Him to guide me and make me always worthy of His grace.
—Dr. Suryaprakasa Rao, Hofuf, Al Hasa (Saudi Arabia)
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Oct. 1985
