’Idál, 15 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.
Reflections on the Life of the Spirit
Quote for Reflection:
Manifestly, the animal has been created for the life of this world. Its highest virtue is to express excellence in the material plane of existence. The animal is perfect when its body is healthy and its physical senses are whole. When it is characterized by the attributes of physical health, when its physical forces are in working order, when food and surrounding conditions minister to its needs, it has attained the ultimate perfection of its kingdom. But man does not depend upon these things for his virtues. No matter how perfect his health and physical powers, if that is all, he has not yet risen above the degree of a perfect animal. Beyond and above this, God has opened the doors of ideal virtues and attainments before the face of man. He has created in his being the mysteries of the divine Kingdom. He has bestowed upon him the power of intellect so that through the attribute of reason, when fortified by the Holy Spirit, he may penetrate and discover ideal realities and become informed of the mysteries of the world of significances. As this power to penetrate the ideal knowledges is superhuman, supernatural, man becomes the collective center of spiritual as well as material forces so that the divine spirit may manifest itself in his being, the effulgences of the Kingdom shine within the sanctuary of his heart, the signs of the attributes and perfections of God reveal themselves in a newness of life, the everlasting glory and eternal existence be attained, the knowledge of God illumine, and the mysteries of the realm of might be unsealed. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 1
Question for Consideration:
Mention some of the attributes created by prayer. 2
Google Bard Response:
Prayer can create a variety of attributes in our lives, including:
- Spiritual knowledge and understanding: Prayer can help us to understand God and His will for our lives more deeply. It can also help us to develop a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our place in the universe.
- Spiritual growth and development: Prayer can help us to grow and develop spiritually. It can help us to become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving people. It can also help us to develop a stronger sense of inner peace and happiness.
- Connection to God: Prayer can help us to feel connected to God and to His love. It can also help us to experience His presence in our lives more fully.
- Gratitude and appreciation: Prayer can help us to develop a sense of gratitude and appreciation for all the good things in our lives.
- Hope and optimism: Prayer can give us hope and optimism for the future. It can help us to believe that God is always with us and that He will help us to overcome any challenges we face.
- Love and compassion: Prayer can help us to develop more love and compassion for others.
- Forgiveness: Prayer can help us to forgive ourselves and others.
- Humility: Prayer can help us to become more humble.
- Patience and endurance: Prayer can help us to develop patience and endurance in the face of challenges.
- Trust in God: Prayer can help us to develop more trust in God.
Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us to become better people and to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives. If you are not already praying regularly, I encourage you to start. Even a few minutes of prayer each day can make a big difference in your life.
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. The Promulgation of Universal Peace: Talks Delivered by ʻAbduʼl-Bahá during His Visit to the United States and Canada in 1912. Edited by Howard MacNutt. 2nd ed. Wilmette, Ill: Baháʼí Publishing Trust, 1982, 302-303. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/21#228777817. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Reflections on the Life of the Spirit. 4.1.2.PE May 2020. Vol. Book 1. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Institute, 2020, 19. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 