Istijlál, 13 ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), 181 B.E.
Walking Together on a Path of Service
Quotes for Reflection:
I pray Thee, O Thou Who art the Lord of all names and the Ruler of both earth and heaven, to grant that all who are dear to Thee may each become a cup of Thy mercy in Thy days, that they may quicken the hearts of Thy servants. Empower them also, O my God, to be as the rain that poureth down from the clouds of Thy grace, and as the winds that waft the vernal fragrances of Thy loving-kindness, that through them the soil of the hearts of Thy creatures may be clad with verdure, and may bring forth the things that will shed their fragrance over all Thy dominion, so that every one may perceive the sweet smell of the Robe of Thy Revelation. Potent art Thou to do what Thou willest. — Bahá’u’lláh 1
It behoveth the servant to pray to and seek assistance from God, and to supplicate and implore His aid. Such becometh the rank of servitude, and the Lord will decree whatsoever He desireth, in accordance with His consummate wisdom. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 2
Spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect. Therefore, we pray, “O God! Heal this sick one!” Perchance God will answer. Does it matter who prays? God will answer the prayer of every servant if that prayer is urgent. His mercy is vast, illimitable. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 3
O thou who art turning thy face towards God! Close thine eyes to all things else, and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious. Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone; seek whatsoever thou seekest from Him alone. With a look He granteth a hundred thousand hopes, with a glance He healeth a hundred thousand incurable ills, with a nod He layeth balm on every wound, with a glimpse He freeth the hearts from the shackles of grief. He doeth as He doeth, and what recourse have we? He carrieth out His Will, He ordaineth what He pleaseth. Then better for thee to bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord. — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 4
Question for Consideration
Suppose that, while studying Section 8, Unit 2, “Prayer” in Book 1, Reflections on the Life of the Spirit 5, the members of a study circle have difficulty with the concepts about prayer. How would you help them gain insight into the dynamics of prayer? What questions based on the quotations in that section (see above) could you ask them in order to enhance their understanding of the relevant concepts? 6
Perplexity Pro Response 7
To help study circle members gain insight into the dynamics of prayer, especially when they encounter difficulties with the concepts, you can use a combination of reflection, discussion, and exploration of the quotations provided. Here are some steps and questions you can use to enhance their understanding:
Reflection on the Purpose of Prayer
- Begin by asking participants to reflect on why prayer is important in their personal lives and in the context of spiritual growth.
- Discuss how prayer can be a means of seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and deepening one’s connection with the divine.
Exploring the Quotations
- Use the quotations from Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to delve deeper into the nature of prayer. For example, the prayer by Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes the role of mercy and spiritual renewal. Ask participants to reflect on what it means to be a “cup of Thy mercy” and how this can influence their interactions with others.
Discussion Questions
Bahá’u’lláh’s Prayer
- What does it mean to be a “cup of Thy mercy” in the context of serving others?
- How can we, like the rain and wind, bring spiritual nourishment to those around us?
- What are the “things that will shed their fragrance over all Thy dominion,” and how can we contribute to this process?
‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Statements
- Why is it important to seek assistance from God and to supplicate His aid?
- How does the concept of “spirit has influence; prayer has spiritual effect” relate to our understanding of prayer’s power?
- What does it mean for prayer to be “urgent,” and how can we cultivate this urgency in our own prayers?
Submission and Trust
- What does it mean to “close thine eyes to all things else, and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious”?
- How can we balance our desires with submission to God’s Will?
Practical Application
- Encourage participants to share times when prayer has had a significant impact on their lives or the lives of others.
- Discuss ways to incorporate prayer into daily life, such as setting aside time for personal reflection or using prayer as a tool for community building.
Group Reflection
- Conclude the session by having participants reflect on what they have learned about prayer and how they plan to apply these insights in their personal and collective service activities.
By using these steps and questions, participants can deepen their understanding of prayer as a powerful tool for spiritual growth and service.
Perplexity Pro Response — Deeper Dive
The Ruhi Institute’s Book 1, “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit,” explores the profound concept of prayer, offering insights into its spiritual dynamics and transformative power in both personal growth and community service.
Purpose of Prayer
Prayer serves as a vital spiritual practice, fostering a deep connection between the individual and the Divine. It acts as a channel for seeking guidance, expressing gratitude, and nurturing spiritual growth. The Ruhi Institute’s curriculum emphasizes prayer’s role in personal transformation and community building, encouraging participants to explore its multifaceted nature [1]. By engaging in prayer, individuals can:
- Cultivate a sense of inner peace and clarity
- Strengthen their faith and spiritual resolve
- Develop a greater awareness of their purpose in service to humanity
- Contribute to the spiritual upliftment of their communities
Through regular practice, prayer becomes a powerful tool for self-reflection, allowing individuals to align their actions with their spiritual aspirations and contribute meaningfully to the betterment of society [2].
Insights from Bahá’í Quotations
The Bahá’í writings offer profound insights into the nature and power of prayer. Bahá’u’lláh’s prayer emphasizes the transformative potential of individuals becoming “cups of mercy,” capable of quickening hearts and spreading spiritual fragrances [1]. This metaphor illustrates how prayer can empower believers to become agents of positive change in their communities. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings further elucidate the spiritual dynamics of prayer, highlighting its influence beyond the physical realm and its capacity to heal and uplift [1]. He emphasizes the importance of sincerity and urgency in prayer, suggesting that God responds to the earnest supplications of all servants, regardless of their station [1]. These writings collectively portray prayer as a powerful tool for personal transformation and service to humanity, encouraging believers to approach it with devotion and trust in divine wisdom.
Practical Applications of Prayer
To enhance understanding of prayer’s practical applications, study circle participants can explore ways to integrate prayer into daily life and service activities. This might include setting aside specific times for personal reflection, using prayer as a tool for community building, or incorporating devotional gatherings into neighborhood activities. Encourage participants to share experiences of how prayer has impacted their lives or the lives of others, fostering a deeper appreciation for its transformative power [1]
- Practice mindful prayer by focusing on the meaning of words and cultivating a sense of presence
- Use prayer as a source of inspiration and guidance when facing challenges or making decisions
- Explore the connection between prayer and action, understanding how spiritual communion can lead to meaningful service
- Experiment with different forms of prayer, such as meditative, conversational, or collective prayers, to discover what resonates most deeply
Trust and Submission in Prayer
Trust and submission form essential aspects of prayer, as emphasized in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s teachings. By closing one’s eyes to worldly distractions and opening them to the “realm of the All-Glorious,” individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with the Divine [1]. This act of focused devotion allows believers to seek guidance and assistance solely from God, fostering a sense of reliance on His infinite wisdom and mercy.
The practice of submission in prayer involves recognizing God’s omnipotence and accepting His will, even when outcomes differ from personal desires. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá encourages believers to “bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord,” highlighting the importance of faith and surrender in the spiritual journey [1]. This attitude of trust and submission can lead to profound spiritual growth, enabling individuals to navigate life’s challenges with greater resilience and inner peace.
Citations
[1] Book 1: Reflections on the Life of the Spirit (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
[2] Book 2: Arising to Serve (PDF) – Ruhi Institute
Follow-Up Questions Proposed by Perplexity
- How can we apply the principles of prayer in our daily lives?
- What are some practical ways to deepen our spiritual connection through prayer?
- How does prayer influence our mental and emotional well-being?
- Can you share examples of how prayer has impacted your life or the lives of others?
- What role does prayer play in building a stronger community?
- How does trust in God influence the effectiveness of prayer?
- What role does submission play in the process of prayer?
- How can one cultivate a deeper sense of trust and submission in prayer?
- Are there specific Bahá’í teachings that address trust and submission in prayer?
- How do different faiths view the relationship between trust and submission in prayer?
- Bahá’u’lláh. Prayers and Meditations by Baháʼuʼlláh. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. 1938. Reprint, Wilmette, IL: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1974, 191. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/bahaullah/prayers-meditations/5#026343086. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Additional Tablets, Extracts and Talks. Haifa: Bahá’í World Centre, 2018. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/additional-tablets-extracts-talks/852286005/1#423554814. ↩
- ’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, 246. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/promulgation-universal-peace/18#823238376. ↩
- ’Abdu’l-Bahá. Selections from the Writings of ʻAbduʼl-Bahá. Translated by Marzieh Gail. Reprint. Wilmette, Illinois: Bahá’í Publishing Trust, 1996, 51. https://www.bahai.org/library/authoritative-texts/abdul-baha/selections-writings-abdul-baha/4#143501747. ↩
- 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, 20-21. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#RLS. ↩
- Ruhi Institute. Walking Together on a Path of Service. 2.1.1.PE February 2024. Vol. Book 7. 14 vols. Embarking on a Path of Service. Cali, Columbia: Ruhi Foundation, 2024, 117-120. https://www.ruhi.org/en/walking-a-path-of-service/#WLK. ↩
- Perplexity Pro. “Enhancing Understanding of Prayer Concepts.” Edited by Steve Bosserman. March 11, 2025. https://www.perplexity.ai/search/i-pray-thee-o-thou-who-art-the-YMEooMr2QauFcvRT_Aq48Q. ↩
Frameworks for Understanding the World 