Istijlál, 16 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quotes for Reflection:

O THOU Who art the Lord of all names and the Maker of the heavens! I beseech Thee by them Who are the Daysprings of Thine invisible Essence, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious, to make of my prayer a fire that will burn away the veils which have shut me out from Thy beauty, and a light that will lead me unto the ocean of Thy Presence. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Make my prayer, O my Lord, a fountain of living waters whereby I may live as long as Thy sovereignty endureth, and may make mention of Thee in every world of Thy worlds. — Bahá’u’lláh ²

There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer. Man must live in a state of prayer. The most blessed condition is the condition of prayer and supplication. Prayers is conversation with God. The greatest attainment or the sweetest state is none other than conversation with God. It creates spirituality, creates mindfulness, and celestial feelings, begets new attractions of the Kingdom and engenders the susceptibilities of the higher intelligence. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ³

Question for Consideration:

With reference to the quotations above, write five phrases on the nature of prayer. ⁴

Google Bard Response:

Here are five phrases on the nature of prayer, based on the quotations from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that you provided:

• Prayer is a fire that burns away the veils which have shut us out from God’s beauty.
• Prayer is a light that leads us to the ocean of God’s Presence.
• Prayer is a fountain of living waters that gives us life and helps us to remember God in all worlds.
• Prayer is conversation with God.
• Prayer is the sweetest state in the world of existence.
  

These phrases capture the essential nature of prayer as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and transformation. Prayer is not just a ritual or a set of words that we recite. It is a way of connecting with God on a deep and personal level. When we pray sincerely, we open ourselves up to God’s love and guidance. We also invite Him to help us to become better people and to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 317. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/7#197000951
   . ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/8#991781294. ↩
3. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Star of the West”, vol. 8, no. 4 (17 May 1917), p. 41. http://starofthewest.info. ↩
4. 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 ↩

’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.

1. ’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. ↩
2. 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 ↩

Fidál, 14 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O ye loved ones of God! The news was received that a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár hath been established, that in that land the praise and glorification of God hath reached the Kingdom of Glory and the melodies of worship and praise of that glorious Beloved have ascended to the Concourse on high. What boundless joy and delight were produced by these glad-tidings, inasmuch as the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár causeth the friends to be awakened, to remember God, and to be in a state of humble prayer. The Mashriqu’l-Adhkár causeth hearts to be illumined, souls to become spiritual, and the fragrances of the Kingdom of Glory to be inhaled. The world of humanity is thereby transformed into another world, and the susceptibilities of the heart are heightened to such a degree that they encompass the entire creation. My hope is that a Mashriqu’l-Adhkár be established in every quarter and in each corner of the country, even if this be done with the utmost discretion and circumspection, and, for prudence’s sake, be confined to chosen and trusted friends among the loved ones of God, until such time as the spread of its fame may not arouse dismay and turmoil among the heedless. — Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What does the phrase “state of prayer” mean? ²

Google Bard Response:

The phrase “state of prayer” refers to a state of being in which one is constantly aware of God and is constantly communicating with Him through prayer. It is a state of deep humility, devotion, and love.

In the passage from Abdu’l-Bahá that you quoted, He says that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, or House of Worship, causes the friends to be awakened, to remember God, and to be in a state of humble prayer. This means that the Mashriqu’l-Adhkár helps people to become more aware of God and to develop a deeper relationship with Him.

The state of prayer is not just about saying words. It is about opening one’s heart and mind to God and letting His love and guidance flow through one. It is about being constantly in touch with God and living one’s life in accordance with His will.

Here are some of the characteristics of the state of prayer:

• Awareness of God: The first characteristic of the state of prayer is awareness of God. This means being constantly aware of God’s presence in one’s life and being grateful for His blessings.
• Communication with God: The state of prayer is also characterized by communication with God. This communication can take many forms, such as silent prayer, vocal prayer, and meditation.
• Humility: The state of prayer is also characterized by humility. This means recognizing one’s own weaknesses and shortcomings and relying on God for strength and guidance.
• Devotion: The state of prayer is also characterized by devotion to God. This means loving God with all one’s heart, mind, and soul.
• Love: The state of prayer is also characterized by love. This means loving God and loving all of God’s creation.
  

If you want to experience the state of prayer, I encourage you to make prayer a regular part of your life. Pray every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. When you pray, be open and honest with God about your thoughts, feelings, and needs. And don’t be afraid to ask for His help.

The state of prayer is a gift from God. It is a way for us to connect with Him and receive His love and guidance. When we are in a state of prayer, we are transformed from within and we are able to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

1. Bahá’u’lláh, ’Abdu’l-Bahá, Shoghi Effendi, and Universal House of Justice. The Institution of the Mas͟hriqu’l-Ad͟hkár. Edited by Research Department of the Universal House of Justice, 2017. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/institution-mashriqul-adhkar/9#995423859. ↩
2. 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 ↩

Kamál, 13 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer. Man must live in a state of prayer. The most blessed condition is the condition of prayer and supplication. Prayers is conversation with God. The greatest attainment or the sweetest state is none other than conversation with God. It creates spirituality, creates mindfulness, and celestial feelings, begets new attractions of the Kingdom and engenders the susceptibilities of the higher intelligence. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What is the sweetest state in the world of existence? ²

Google Bard Response:

The sweetest state in the world of existence is the state of prayer. Prayer is conversation with God, and it is the most intimate and personal relationship that we can have. When we pray, we are opening our hearts and minds to God, and we are inviting Him into our lives.

Prayer is not just about asking God for things. It is also about expressing our love and gratitude to Him. It is about sharing our thoughts and feelings with Him, and about seeking His guidance and assistance.

When we pray sincerely, we experience a deep sense of peace and joy. We feel connected to something greater than ourselves, and we are filled with hope and optimism. Prayer can help us to overcome our challenges and to achieve our goals. It can also help us to grow spiritually and to become better people.

Here are some of the benefits of prayer:

• Spiritual connection: Prayer helps us to feel connected to God and to His love. It can also help us to experience His presence in our lives more fully.
• Spiritual growth: Prayer can help us to grow spiritually. It can help us to become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving people. It can also help us to develop a deeper understanding of God and His will for our lives.
• Inner peace and happiness: Prayer can help us to find inner peace and happiness. When we pray sincerely, we are opening ourselves up to God’s love and guidance. This can help us to overcome our worries and fears, and to experience a sense of deep contentment.
• Strength and courage: Prayer can give us strength and courage to face the challenges of life. When we pray, we are asking God for His help and guidance. This can help us to overcome our doubts and fears, and to move forward with confidence.
  

If you want to experience the sweetest state in the world of existence, I encourage you to pray sincerely and regularly. Ask God to help you to open your heart and mind to His love and guidance. And be patient. It takes time to develop a deep relationship with God. But if you persevere, you will eventually find that prayer is one of the most rewarding experiences in life.

1. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. “Star of the West”, vol. 8, no. 4 (17 May 1917), p. 41. http://starofthewest.info. ↩
2. 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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Jamál, 12 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Make my prayer, O my Lord, a fountain of living waters whereby I may live as long as Thy sovereignty endureth, and may make mention of Thee in every world of Thy worlds. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Can prayer be like a fountain of living waters? What does it bestow upon our souls? ²

Google Bard Response:

Yes, prayer can be like a fountain of living waters. It can quench our thirst for spiritual knowledge and guidance and give us the strength and vitality we need to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.

In the passage from Bahá’u’lláh that you quoted, He asks God to make His prayer a fountain of living waters whereby He may live as long as God’s sovereignty endureth, and may make mention of God in every world of God’s worlds. This means that He asks God to help Him to pray in such a way that His prayer becomes a source of constant spiritual nourishment and growth, and He can experience God’s love and guidance in all aspects of His life.

Prayer can bestow many gifts upon our souls. Here are a few examples:

• Spiritual nourishment: Prayer can nourish our souls and give us the strength and vitality we need to live a meaningful and fulfilling life.
• Inner peace: Prayer can help us to find inner peace and tranquility, even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
• 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.
• Guidance: Prayer can help us to discern God’s will for our lives and to make choices that are in alignment with His will.
• Healing: Prayer can help us to heal from physical, emotional, and spiritual wounds.
• Transformation: Prayer can help us to become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving people.
  

When we pray sincerely, we are opening ourselves up to God’s love and guidance. We are also inviting Him to work in our lives and to transform us from within. Prayer can help us develop certain spiritual qualities, such as humility, patience, and forgiveness, and become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving people. Prayer is a powerful tool that can help us grow spiritually and achieve our full potential.

If you want to experience the spiritual benefits of prayer, I encourage you to make prayer a regular part of your life. Pray every day, even if it’s just for a few minutes. When you pray, be open and honest with God about your thoughts, feelings, and needs. And don’t be afraid to ask for His help.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 8, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/8#991781294. ↩
2. 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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Jalál, 11 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Whensoever the light of the revelation of the King of Oneness settleth upon the throne of the heart and soul, His radiance becometh visible in every limb and member. At that time, the mystery of the famed tradition gleameth out of the darkness: “A servant is drawn unto Me in prayer until I answer him, and when I have answered him, I become the ear wherewith he heareth …”(From a Ḥadíth.) For thus the Master of the house hath appeared within His home, and all the pillars of the dwelling are ashine with His light. And as the action and effect of the light are from the Light-Giver, so it is that all move through Him and arise by His will. This is that wellspring whereof the near ones drink, as it is said: “A fount whereof they who draw nigh to God shall drink”. (Qur’án 83:28.) — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Can prayer be like a light? Where does it lead us? ²

Google Bard Response:

Yes, prayer can be like a light. It can illuminate our hearts and minds, and help us to see the world around us more clearly. It can also guide us on our spiritual journey, and help us to become closer to God.

In the passage from Bahá’u’lláh that you quoted, He says that when the light of the revelation of the King of Oneness settleth upon the throne of the heart and soul, His radiance becometh visible in every limb and member. This means that when we pray sincerely, and open our hearts to God’s love and guidance, we are transformed from within. We become more loving, compassionate, and forgiving people. We also become more aware of God’s presence in our lives, and we are better able to follow His will.

Prayer can lead us to a variety of places. It can lead us to a deeper understanding of ourselves and of our place in the universe. It can also lead us to a deeper understanding of God and His will for our lives. Prayer can also lead us to a state of inner peace and happiness.

Here are some specific ways in which prayer can lead us:

• To God: Prayer is a way to communicate with God and to experience His love and presence.
• To ourselves: Prayer can help us to better understand ourselves, our strengths and weaknesses, and our place in the world.
• To others: Prayer can help us to develop compassion and empathy for others, and to see the world through their eyes.
• To a better world: Prayer can help us to become better people and to contribute to the creation of a more just and peaceful world.
  

When we pray sincerely, we are opening ourselves up to God’s transforming power. We are also inviting Him to guide us on the path to Him. It can help us to overcome our challenges and to achieve our full potential.

If you want to experience the transformative power of prayer, I encourage you to pray sincerely and regularly. Ask God to help you to open your heart and mind to His love and guidance. And be patient. It takes time to develop a deep relationship with God. But if you persevere, you will eventually find that prayer is one of the most rewarding experiences in life.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Call of the Divine Beloved: Selected Mystical Works of Bahá’ú’lláh.” Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed September 27, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/call-divine-beloved/4#085917579. ↩
2. 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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istiqlál, 10 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O peoples of the world! Give ear unto the call of Him Who is the Lord of Names, Who proclaimeth unto you from His habitation in the Most Great Prison: “Verily, no God is there but Me, the Powerful, the Mighty, the All-Subduing, the Most Exalted, the Omniscient, the All-Wise.” In truth, there is no God but Him, the Omnipotent Ruler of the worlds. Were it His Will, He would, through but a single word proceeding from His presence, lay hold on all mankind. Beware lest ye hesitate in your acceptance of this Cause—a Cause before which the Concourse on high and the dwellers of the Cities of Names have bowed down. Fear God, and be not of those who are shut out as by a veil. Burn ye away the veils with the fire of My love, and dispel ye the mists of vain imaginings by the power of this Name through which We have subdued the entire creation. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

Mention some veils that shut us out from God. ²

Google Bard Response:

Here are some veils that can shut us out from God:

• Our ego: Our ego can lead us to believe that we are separate from God and that we don’t need Him. It can also make us arrogant and proud, which can prevent us from seeing God’s love and grace.
• Our attachments: Our attachments to material things, people, and places can prevent us from focusing on God and His will. They can also create a false sense of security and stability, which can make us less likely to turn to God for help and guidance.
• Our worldly desires: Our worldly desires, such as the desire for fame, fortune, and power, can lead us to make choices that are contrary to God’s will. They can also create a sense of emptiness and dissatisfaction, which can make us feel distant from God.
• Our sins and shortcomings: Our sins and shortcomings can create a sense of guilt and shame, which can make us feel unworthy of God’s love and forgiveness. They can also prevent us from experiencing His peace and joy.
  

Other veils that can shut us out from God include:

• Ignorance: When we don’t know about God, we can’t have a relationship with Him.
• Doubt: When we doubt God’s existence or His love for us, it can prevent us from experiencing His presence.
• Fear: Fear of God or fear of the unknown can also keep us from drawing close to Him.
  

If we want to experience the fullness of God’s love and presence, we must strive to remove all of the veils that stand between us and Him. This is a lifelong process, but it is one that is well worth it.

In the passage from Bahá’u’lláh that you quoted, He calls upon us to burn away these veils with the fire of His love and to dispel the mists of vain imaginings by the power of His name. He reminds us that there is no God but Him, and that He is the Omnipotent Ruler of the worlds.

Here are some things we can do to burn away the veils that shut us out from God:

• Pray regularly and sincerely.
• Study the scriptures and other spiritual writings.
• Meditate on God’s love and presence.
• Serve others in the spirit of love and compassion.
• Repent of our sins and shortcomings and seek God’s forgiveness.
• Be patient and persistent in our efforts to grow closer to God.
  

If we want to experience the fullness of God’s love and presence in our lives, we need to be willing to let go of the things that are keeping us separate from Him. This means humbling ourselves, detaching ourselves from material things, and turning away from our worldly desires. It also means repenting of our sins and shortcomings, and seeking God’s forgiveness.

It is important to remember that God loves us unconditionally and that He wants to have a relationship with us. He has given us the gift of prayer so that we can communicate with Him and receive His love and guidance. When we pray sincerely, we are opening ourselves up to God’s transforming power.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. The Kitáb-i-Aqdas. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed October 6, 2023. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/kitab-i-aqdas/6#636226833. ↩
2. 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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Istijlál, 09 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

O THOU Who art the Lord of all names and the Maker of the heavens! I beseech Thee by them Who are the Daysprings of Thine invisible Essence, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious, to make of my prayer a fire that will burn away the veils which have shut me out from Thy beauty, and a light that will lead me unto the ocean of Thy Presence. — Bahá’u’lláh ¹

Question for Consideration:

In what sense can prayer be like a fire? What does it consume? ²

Google Bard Response:

Prayer can be like a fire in the sense that it can transform us. It can burn away the impurities in our hearts and minds, and reveal our true selves to us. It can also ignite our passion for God and His will for our lives.

First, fire is a powerful force that can transform and purify things. In the same way, prayer can transform and purify our hearts. When we pray, we open ourselves up to God’s love and guidance. We also invite Him to help us to overcome our weaknesses and to become better people.

Second, fire is a light that can illuminate the darkness. In the same way, prayer can illuminate our minds and hearts. When we pray, we can see ourselves and the world around us more clearly. We can also see God’s will for our lives more clearly.

Third, fire is a warm and comforting presence. In the same way, prayer can bring us warmth and comfort. When we pray, we can feel God’s love and presence surrounding us. We can also find peace and strength in our prayers.

In the prayer that you quoted, Bahá’u’lláh asks God to make his prayer a fire that will burn away the veils which have shut him out from God’s beauty, and a light that will lead him unto the ocean of God’s Presence.

The veils that Bahá’u’lláh refers to are the things that prevent us from experiencing God’s love and presence fully. These veils can include our negative thoughts and emotions, our attachments to the material world, and our limited understanding of God.

Specific examples of veils include:

• Our egos: Prayer can help us to humble ourselves and to let go of our pride.
• Our attachments: Prayer can help us to detach ourselves from material things and to focus on what is truly important in life.
• Our worldly desires: Prayer can help us to prioritize our spiritual life over our material life.
• Our sins and shortcomings: Prayer can help us to repent of our sins and to seek forgiveness from God.
  

When we pray, we are asking God to help us remove these veils so that we can experience His love and presence more fully. Prayer is like a fire that can burn away these veils and reveal God’s beauty to us.

Prayer is also like a light that can lead us to God. When we pray, we are asking God to guide us on our spiritual journey. Prayer can help us to understand God’s will for our lives and to find the path that leads to Him.

In conclusion, prayer can be like a fire in the sense that it is a powerful force that can transform, purify, illuminate, and warm our hearts. When we pray, we are asking God to help us remove the veils that prevent us from experiencing His love and presence fully. Prayer can also help us to understand God’s will for our lives and to find the path that leads to Him.

1. Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 317. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/7#197000951
   . ↩
2. 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, 18. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

’Idál, 08 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

Prayer need not be in words, but rather in thought and attitude. But if this love and this desire are lacking, it is useless to try to force them. Words without love mean nothing. If a person talks to you as an unpleasant duty, with no love or pleasure in his meeting with you, do you wish to converse with him? — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What does the impulse to pray spring from? ²

Google Bard Response:

The impulse to pray springs from our love for God. When we love someone, we naturally want to communicate with them and share our thoughts and feelings with them. Prayer is a way for us to do this with God.

In the passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that you quoted, he emphasizes the importance of sincerity in prayer. He says that words without love mean nothing. This is because prayer is not about performing a ritual or reciting a set of memorized phrases. It is about having a genuine conversation with God.

When we pray, we should be open and honest with God about our thoughts, feelings, and needs. We can pray for anything and everything, from the big things in our lives to the small. We can also pray for others, asking God to bless them and help them in their lives.

The impulse to pray can come from a variety of sources. It may be triggered by a specific event or experience in our lives, such as a birth, death, or illness. It may also come from a more general sense of gratitude or love for God. And sometimes, the impulse to pray may simply come from a deep need to connect with God on a spiritual level.

Whatever the source, the impulse to pray is a natural one. It comes from the love that we have for God, and from the desire to communicate with Him. When we pray, we are not just talking to ourselves. We are talking to the Creator of the universe, who loves us unconditionally and wants to hear from us.

Here are some specific examples of things that might trigger the impulse to pray:

• Feeling grateful for something in your life.
• Feeling lost or confused.
• Facing a challenge or difficulty.
• Experiencing grief or loss.
• Feeling a deep connection to God.
• Simply wanting to talk to God and share your thoughts and feelings.
  

If you ever feel the impulse to pray, don’t ignore it. It is a gift from God.

1. Report of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 94. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-prayer-meditation-devotional-attitude/3#987236432.
   . ↩
2. 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, 17. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩

Fidál, 07 Mas͟híyyat (Will), 180 B.E.

Reflections on the Life of the Spirit

Quote for Reflection:

If one friend feels love for another, he will wish to say so. Though he knows that the friend is aware that he loves him, he will still wish to say so…. God knows the wishes of all hearts. But the impulse to prayer is a natural one, springing from man’s love to God. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá ¹

Question for Consideration:

What is the most fervent wish of a person who loves another? ²

Google Bard Response:

The most fervent wish of a person who loves another is to see the other person happy and fulfilled. This means wishing for their well-being in all aspects of their life, including their physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health. It also means wishing for them to achieve their goals and dreams, and to live a life that is meaningful and satisfying to them.

Of course, what makes one person happy may not be the same for another. But a loving person will take the time to get to know the other person on a deep level so that they can truly understand what they need and want. Once they have this understanding, they can then offer their love and support in ways that are truly meaningful and helpful.

The passage from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that you quoted beautifully expresses the idea that love naturally leads to a desire to express that love. This can be done through words, actions, and even prayer. When we pray for someone we love, we are essentially asking God to bless them and help them to achieve their full potential.

Here are some specific examples of the most fervent wishes that a person who loves another might have:

• That the other person be healthy and safe.
• That the other person finds happiness and fulfillment in their life.
• That the other person achieves their goals and dreams.
• That the other person experiences the love of God and others.
• That the other person grows and develops as a person.
• That the other person be able to overcome any challenges they face.
• That the other person always knows how much they are loved.
  

Ultimately, the most fervent wish of a person who loves another is for that other person to be happy and fulfilled. When we love someone, we want them to have the best that life has to offer. We want them to experience joy, peace, and love.

1. Report of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words as quoted in J. E. Esslemont, Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era, pp. 94. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/compilations/importance-prayer-meditation-devotional-attitude/3#987236432.
   . ↩
2. 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, 17. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS ↩