Devotionals

Gatherings for Inspiration and Renewal 

Inspiration, rejuvenation, motivation, purpose, 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 Word of God, say the Bahá’í writings, provides inspiration, rejuvenates souls, gladdens hearts, and renews one’s sense of purpose.

A devotional meeting in Perth, Australia  

Thus, Bahá’ís host devotional gatherings in homes and community centers to take advantage of such benefits through prayer and the reading together of the Bahá’í writings and other scriptures and to create an environment of unity and harmony. Prayer is a central element in all religious traditions and these meetings stress its universal nature.

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.

A devotional meeting-New York City Baha’i Centre 

For many, these gatherings become a refreshing refuge from the pressures 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.

In the United Kingdom,  the Bahá’í community in the English town of Swindon has pioneered the use of the Tranquillity Zones. 

 Tranquility Zones are a means of helping people attain inner peace in this crowded and frenetic world. It works by creating an atmosphere in which mind, body and spirit are soothed and made tranquil.

 All pictures above are  © Bahá’í International Community.