Prayers for the Feast of Ala: Luminosity

The Baháʼí Feast of Loftiness refers to the 19-day fast (March 2–20) during the month of ‘Alá’ (Loftiness), representing a spiritual retreat to elevate the soul, detach from material desires, and rejuvenate spiritual forces. It is a period for meditation, prayer, and self-restraint before the new year (Naw-Rúz), focusing on humility and connecting with the divine.  Prayers: These are the days wherein Thou hast bidden all men to observe the fast, that through it, they may purify their souls and rid themselves of all attachment to anyone but Thee. All praise, O my God, be to Thee, who art the source of all glory and majesty, of greatness and honor, of sovereignty and dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and power. No deed have I done, O my God, to merit beholding Thy face. And I know of a certainty that were I to live as long as the world lasts, I would fail to accomplish any deed such as to deserve this favor. O Thou Who dealest equitably with all who are in heaven and on earth, and rulest over the kingdom of Thy creation and of Thy Revelation! I testify that every man of equity hath recognized his unfairness in the face of the revelation of the splendors of the Day-Star of Thy Justice, and the ablest of pens hath confessed its impotence before the movement of Thy most exalted Pen. The word of God which the Abhá Pen hath revealed and inscribed on the first leaf of the Most Exalted Paradise is this: Verily I say: The fear of God hath ever been a sure defense e and a safe stronghold for all the peoples of the world. I beseech Thee, O my God… to graciously aid me to do what Thy will hath desired, and Thy purpose hath manifested. Send down upon me, and upon them who are in my company, that which will enable us to soar into the heavens of Thy transcendent glory. In regard to his affairs, let him repeat nineteen times: “Thou seeest me, O my God, detached from all save Thee and cleaving unto Thee. Guide me, then, in all mine affairs unto that which profiteth me for the glory of Thy Cause and the loftiness of the station of Thy loved ones.”