Daily Frameworks for 31 March 2024

Jamál, 12 Bahá (Splendor), 181 B.E

Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1

Quotes for Reflection:

He is God! O God, my God! Bestow upon me a pure heart, like unto a pearl. —‘Abdu’l‑Bahá ¹

O compassionate God! Thanks be to Thee for Thou hast awakened and made me conscious. Thou hast given me a seeing eye and favored me with a hearing ear, hast led me to Thy kingdom and guided me to Thy path. Thou hast shown me the right way and caused me to enter the ark of deliverance. O God! Keep me steadfast and make me firm and staunch. Protect me from violent tests and preserve and shelter me in the strongly fortified fortress of Thy Covenant and Testament. Thou art the Powerful. Thou art the Seeing. Thou art the Hearing.
O Thou the Compassionate God. Bestow upon me a heart which, like unto a glass, may be illumined with the light of Thy love, and confer upon me thoughts which may change this world into a rose garden through the outpourings of heavenly grace.
Thou art the Compassionate, the Merciful. Thou art the Great Beneficent God. —‘Abdu’l‑Bahá ²

O Divine Providence! Awaken me and make me conscious. Cause me to be detached from all else save Thee, and captivate me by the love of Thy beauty. Waft upon me the breath of the Holy Spirit, and suffer me to hearken to the call of the Abhá Kingdom. Bestow upon me heavenly power, and kindle the lamp of the spirit within the innermost chamber of my heart. Release me from every bond, and deliver me from every attachment, that I may cherish no desire except Thy good-pleasure, seek naught besides Thy Countenance, and tread no path other than Thy path. Grant that I may enable the heedless to become mindful and the slumberers to awaken, that I may proffer the water of life to those who are sore athirst and bring divine healing to those who are sick and ailing.
Though I am lowly, abased, and poor, yet Thou art my haven and my refuge, my supporter and my helper. Send down Thine aid in such wise that all may be astounded. O God! Thou art, verily, the Almighty, the Most Powerful, the Giver, the Bestower, and the All-Seeing. —‘Abdu’l‑Bahá ³

Question for Consideration:

Why does one pray for God to “bestow upon me…?” ⁴

Google Gemini Response:

The prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá offer several reasons why one might pray to God to “bestow upon me…” something desirable:

• Divine Source of Positive Qualities: These prayers acknowledge that desirable qualities like a pure heart, love for God, and spiritual power ultimately come from God’s grace. By praying for God to “bestow” these qualities, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá recognizes that humans need God’s help to achieve them.
• Humility and Dependence: Prayer expresses humility and dependence on God’s will. It acknowledges that humans are not self-sufficient and require God’s guidance and assistance.
• Yearning and Commitment: Praying for these qualities reflects a yearning and desire to develop them. It’s not merely a passive request but an expression of one’s commitment to spiritual growth.
• Opening for Divine Action: The prayer opens the door to “Gottes Wirken” (action or influence) in one’s life. By expressing a desire for these qualities, one creates a space for God’s transformative power to work.
  

Here’s a breakdown of why ‘Abdu’l-Bahá prays for specific things:

• Pure Heart: A pure heart is a foundation for spiritual growth and a closer connection to God. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá prays for a heart “like unto a pearl” in the first quote.)
• Love for God: Love for God is a central theme in the Bahá’í teachings. Having a heart “illumined with the light of Thy love” allows one to contribute positively to the world. (This is highlighted in the second quote.)
• Detachment and Spiritual Power: Detachment from worldly attachments and the ability to serve humanity are essential aspects of spiritual growth. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá prays for these qualities in the third quote.)
  

Overall, praying to God to “bestow upon me…” reflects an understanding that desirable qualities are ultimately God-given gifts. It’s an expression of humility, a yearning for spiritual growth, and an opening for God’s transformative power to work in one’s life.

ChatGPT 3.5 Response:

Praying for God to “bestow upon me” specific attributes, qualities, or blessings reflects a fundamental aspect of the relationship between the individual and the divine. Here are several reasons why one may pray in this manner:

1. Recognition of Dependency: Individuals acknowledge their dependency on God by praying for God to bestow certain qualities or blessings upon them. They recognize that all good qualities, abilities, and blessings ultimately come from God and are not inherently possessed by the individual alone.
   
2. Humility: Praying for divine bestowal is an expression of humility, acknowledging that one’s efforts and abilities are limited. It is an admission that without God’s grace and assistance, one cannot attain or accomplish certain things.
   
3. Desire for Spiritual Growth: Individuals pray for God’s bestowal to facilitate their spiritual growth and development. They seek divine assistance in cultivating virtuous qualities, deepening their understanding of spiritual truths, and drawing closer to God.
   
4. Alignment with Divine Will: Praying for God’s bestowal expresses a desire to align one’s will with the divine will. It reflects a surrender of personal desires and aspirations to God’s wisdom and guidance, trusting that His will is ultimately best for the individual.
   
5. Request for Guidance and Assistance: Praying for God’s bestowal is often a request for guidance, strength, and assistance in navigating life’s challenges and striving toward spiritual excellence. It is a plea for divine intervention and support in overcoming obstacles and fulfilling one’s purpose in life.
   
6. Gratitude and Recognition: Praying for God’s bestowal can also express gratitude and recognition for the blessings and favors already received from God. It is an acknowledgment of His generosity and a plea for further blessings to continue on the path of righteousness and service to humanity.
   

Praying for God to “bestow upon me” reflects a deep spiritual longing, humility, and trust in God’s mercy and grace. It is a profound expression of the individual’s relationship with the divine, seeking guidance, strength, and blessings to navigate life’s journey and fulfill their spiritual potential.

1. Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/prayers/bahai-prayers/1#206428460. ↩
2. Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Prayers: A Selection of Prayers Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, The Báb, and ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/prayers/bahai-prayers/3#947013367. ↩
3. ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Prayers of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Bahá’í Reference Library. Accessed March 30, 2024. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/prayers-abdul-baha/2#874596022. ↩
4. Ruhi Institute. Teaching Children’s Classes, Grade 1. 2.2.1.PE September 2021. Vol. Book 3. 6 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2021, 22-23. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#CC1. ↩