In diverse settings throughout the world, Bahá'ís and their friends unite with one another in prayer. Whether in urban settings or villages, these devotional gatherings consist largely of reading prayers and passages from the Baha’i sacred texts in an informal yet respectful atmosphere. A spirit of communal worship is generated by these simple gatherings and the spirit begins to permeate the community’s collective endeavors.

The Devotional gatherings create a unique opportunity for people of different faiths and beliefs to practice collective worship and experience a mutual spirit of joy, love and fellowship as they come together to share devotional readings from the Holy Writings of the World Faiths. The devotional programs enable us to experience the spiritual essence of these diverse Teachings in a warm and inviting setting where each person present can enjoy the sense of the Divine that emanates from the sacred words and can feel inspired and uplifted. Whether at a local center, or in small groups in the comfort of a home environment with soft music and inspirational selected Writings, one can experience a sense of inner stillness and connection with the creative power.

Inspiration, rejuvenation, motivation, purpose and meaning, all are essential ingredients to one’s sense that his or her life is on track, is worth living. Yet, day to day, one is hard-pressed to find or feel them and is challenged to maintain a positive, hopeful outlook.

The Bahá'í Community of Parksville hosts devotional gatherings in their homes and in a public spaces:

• • • • to take advantage of the rejuvenating benefits of prayer

      • to read together the Bahá'í writings and other scriptures

      • to create an environment of unity and harmony.

Prayer is a central element in all religious traditions and these meetings stress its universal nature. The Word of God provides inspiration, rejuvenates souls, gladdens hearts, and renews one’s sense of purpose.

What does prayer offer us?

Prayer offers us an opportunity to commune with our Creator, draw on the revitalizing power of the Word of God, and to contemplate and more deeply appreciate our lives. The meetings, often simple, have a variety of elements to accommodate participants regardless of their religious background. Music, food, and discussion are often present, though the primary purpose is to use prayer’s power to transform, unify, and revitalize.

For many, these gatherings become a refreshing refuge from the discordant and grinding aspects of everyday life. Participants are able to meditate on spiritual principles and gain some perspective on how these principles can be applied to their day-to-day affairs.

For a selection of Bahá’í prayers, you can visit www.bahaiprayers.org