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Bahá'í Prayers
Prayer in the Bahá'í Faith refers to two distinct concepts: obligatory prayer and devotional prayer (general prayer). Both types of prayer are composed of reverent words which are addressed to God,[1] and the act of prayer is one of the most important Bahá'í laws for individual discipline.[2] The purpose of prayer in the Bahá'í Faith is to get closer to God and to Bahá'u'lláh and to help better one's own conduct and to request divine assistance.[3]
Bahá'ís between the ages of 15 and 70 are required to perform one of three prescribed obligatory prayers daily and individually, according to a set form and in accordance with specific laws. In addition to the daily obligatory prayer, Bahá'í scripture directs believers daily to offer devotional prayer as well as to meditate and study sacred scripture. There is no set form for devotions and meditations.
Devotional prayers may be offered in the believer's own words. In addition, there is a large corpus of devotional prayers written by the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, `Abdu'l-Bahá, the central figures of the Bahá'í Faith, which are used extensively by Bahá'ís in their devotional life.[2] These prayers, encompassing many topics that include meetings, times of day, and healing, are held in high esteem. The specific words are believed by many Bahá'ís to have special power. Group reading from prayer books is a common feature of Bahá'í gatherings. Commonly, Bahá'ís gather informally in each other's homes to read prayers in events known as devotionals. Participants in a devotional gathering take turns reading aloud from a prayer book, while the others listen in reverent silence.
Bahá'ís between the ages of 15 and 70 are required to perform one of three prescribed obligatory prayers daily and individually, according to a set form and in accordance with specific laws. In addition to the daily obligatory prayer, Bahá'í scripture directs believers daily to offer devotional prayer as well as to meditate and study sacred scripture. There is no set form for devotions and meditations.
Devotional prayers may be offered in the believer's own words. In addition, there is a large corpus of devotional prayers written by the Báb, Bahá'u'lláh, `Abdu'l-Bahá, the central figures of the Bahá'í Faith, which are used extensively by Bahá'ís in their devotional life.[2] These prayers, encompassing many topics that include meetings, times of day, and healing, are held in high esteem. The specific words are believed by many Bahá'ís to have special power. Group reading from prayer books is a common feature of Bahá'í gatherings. Commonly, Bahá'ís gather informally in each other's homes to read prayers in events known as devotionals. Participants in a devotional gathering take turns reading aloud from a prayer book, while the others listen in reverent silence.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 28, 1976
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About the author
Abdu'l-Bahá
109 books89 followersAbdu’l-Bahá was the eldest son of Bahá’u’lláh, the prophet-founder of the Baha'i Faith.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
September 4, 2012
How does one review a prayer book? All the prayers in this collection are of consummate beauty. That much is certain. They cover different areas of life, such as tests and difficulties, service, nearness to God, and spiritual growth. Do they "work"? That is not for me to say. What strikes me is their unrelenting drive to make sense of the world and one's place in it. Once you get to know your limits and accept them, you are to exceed them by drawing near to God. These prayers are designed to help you in that quest.
December 8, 2020
As calming as the sect. A sanctuary of spirituality.
April 9, 2025
These prayers are very sacred to me. The words reveal the attributes of a compassionate, loving, eternal Source of life and consciousness, a loving God of Truth. This volume has brought profound comfort and healing in my life, including when I changed the pronouns to explore what it was like to pray to a divine female eternally loving, aware, compassionate Source. I found the sentiments to be healing and inspiring; praying with these words and sentiments and expanding on the emotions they convey and bring forth brought God’s love into my heart in a unique way. Others prayers can teach us a pattern that we can build and find strength and hope in, if we sincerely desire to be nearer to a loving Creator.
A friend who was raised Baha’i and didn’t connect with the formal faith gave me this book in high school. I appreciate the wisdom, service, love and devotion of many Baha’i friends and the founders and leaders of the faith. The love I connected with in these prayers and the roots of my Christian and earth-loving, science-loving foundations brought me profound personal experiences as a young woman that I carry with me every day whether or not I’m practicing any particular religious or spiritual path.
The Baha’i statement on World Peace is very inspiring and the prayer book and official statements are available online without cost.
I’m grateful for this little volume- I’ve worn out my paperback copy and bought several hardback copies to give away to friends who share my interests.
Very deeply inspiring.
A friend who was raised Baha’i and didn’t connect with the formal faith gave me this book in high school. I appreciate the wisdom, service, love and devotion of many Baha’i friends and the founders and leaders of the faith. The love I connected with in these prayers and the roots of my Christian and earth-loving, science-loving foundations brought me profound personal experiences as a young woman that I carry with me every day whether or not I’m practicing any particular religious or spiritual path.
The Baha’i statement on World Peace is very inspiring and the prayer book and official statements are available online without cost.
I’m grateful for this little volume- I’ve worn out my paperback copy and bought several hardback copies to give away to friends who share my interests.
Very deeply inspiring.
January 31, 2023
Beautiful prayers for every occasion
January 14, 2024
A book to reread at all times and the foundation of my daily spiritual meditating time! How to not love it?
October 4, 2024
published in 2002. have read through many times.
December 13, 2024
A daily connection with the Supreme Being.
October 12, 2022
Intone, O My servant, the verses of God
that have been received by thee,
as intoned by them who have drawn
nigh unto Him,
that the sweetness of thy melody
may kindle thine own soul,
and attract the hearts of all men.
Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber,
the verses revealed by God,
the scattering angels of the Almighty
shall scatter abroad the fragrance
of the words uttered by his mouth,
and shall cause the heart
of every righteous man to throb.
Though he may, at first, remain unaware
of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace
vouchsafed unto him must needs
sooner or later exercise its influence
upon his soul.
Thus have the mysteries of the Revelation of God
been decreed by virtue of the Will of Him
Who is the Source of power and wisdom.
---Baha'u'llah
(This reader thinks her comment shows the above as what prayer does) note from Esther
that have been received by thee,
as intoned by them who have drawn
nigh unto Him,
that the sweetness of thy melody
may kindle thine own soul,
and attract the hearts of all men.
Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber,
the verses revealed by God,
the scattering angels of the Almighty
shall scatter abroad the fragrance
of the words uttered by his mouth,
and shall cause the heart
of every righteous man to throb.
Though he may, at first, remain unaware
of its effect, yet the virtue of the grace
vouchsafed unto him must needs
sooner or later exercise its influence
upon his soul.
Thus have the mysteries of the Revelation of God
been decreed by virtue of the Will of Him
Who is the Source of power and wisdom.
---Baha'u'llah
(This reader thinks her comment shows the above as what prayer does) note from Esther
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews