Dawn Prayers

Intro First and last paragraphs of the Tablet of Visitation I am, I am, Ia the Promised One All majesty and glory, O my God, and all dominion and light and grandeur and splendor be unto Thee. The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance. Its prolongation has not been, and is not loved, by God. No record is passed to posterity of that unique night, save the fragmentary but highly illuminating account that fell from the lips of Mulla Hussain. I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God. Let no harm beset me in times of tests. The advent of the Bahai faith

This Tablet is read at the Shrines of Bahá’u’lláh and The Báb. It is also frequently used in commemorating Their anniversaries. The praise which hath dawned from Thy most august Self, and the glory which hath shone forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art the Manifestation of Grandeur, and the King of Eternity, and the Lord of all who are in heaven and on earth!  I testify that through Thee the sovereignty of God and His dominion, and the majesty of God and His grandeur, were revealed, and the Daystars of ancient splendor have shed their radiance in the heaven of Thine irrevocable decree, and the Beauty of the Unseen hath shone forth above the horizon of creation.  I testify, moreover, that with but a movement of Thy Pen Thine injuction “Be Thou” hath been enforced, and God's hidden Secret hath been divulged, and all created things have been called into being, and all the Revelations have been sent down. I bear witness, moreover, that through Thy beauty the beauty of the Adored One hath been unveiled, and through Thy face the face of the Desired One hath shone forth, and that through a word from Thee Thou hast decided between all created things, causing them who are devoted to Thee to ascend unto the summit of glory, and the infidels to fall into the lowest abyss. I bear witness that he who hath known Thee hath known God, and he who hath attained unto Thy presence hath attained unto the presence of God.  Great, therefore, is the blessedness of him who hath believed in Thee, and in Thy signs, and hath humbled himself before Thy sovereignty, and hath been honored with meeting Thee, and hath attained the good pleasure of Thy will, and circled around Thee, and stood before Thy throne.  Woe betide him that hath transgressed against Thee, and hath denied Thee, and repudiated Thy signs, and gainsaid Thy sovereignty, and risen up against Thee, and waxed proud before Thy face, and hath disputed Thy testimonies, and fled from Thy rule and Thy dominion, and been numbered with the infidels whose names have been inscribed by the fingers of Thy behest upon Thy holy Tablets. Waft, then, unto me, O my God and my Beloved, from the right hand of Thy mercy and Thy loving-kindness, the holy breaths of Thy favors, that they may draw me away from myself and from the world unto the courts of Thy nearness and Thy presence.  Potent art Thou to do what pleaseth Thee.  Thou, truly, hast been supreme over all things. The remembrance of God and His praise, and the glory of God and His splendor, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art His Beauty!  I bear witness that the eye of creation hath never gazed upon one wronged like Thee.  Thou wast immersed all the days of Thy life beneath an ocean of tribulations.  At one time Thou wast in chains and fetters; at another Thou wast threatened by the sword of Thine enemies.  Yet, despite all this, Thou didst enjoin upon all men to observe what had been prescribed unto Thee by Him Who is the All-Knowing, the All-Wise. May my spirit be a sacrifice to the wrongs Thou didst suffer, and my soul be a ransom for the adversities Thou didst sustain.  I beseech God, by Thee and by them whose faces have been illumined with the splendors of the light of Thy countenance, and who, for love of Thee, have observed all whereunto they were bidden, to remove the veils that have come in between Thee and Thy creatures, and to supply me with the good of this world and the world to come.  Thou art, in truth, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Glorious, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Compassionate. Bless Thou, O Lord my God, the Divine Lote-Tree and its leaves, and its boughs, and its branches, and its stems, and its offshoots, as long as Thy most excellent titles will endure and Thy most august attributes will last.  Protect it, then, from the mischief of the aggressor and the hosts of tyranny.  Thou art, in truth, the Almighty, the Most Powerful.  Bless Thou, also, O Lord my God, Thy servants and Thy handmaidens who have attained unto Thee.  Thou, truly, art the All-Bountiful, Whose grace is infinite.  No God is there save Thee, the Ever-Forgiving, the Most Generous. Bahá’u’lláh

Bahá’u’lláh taught that God’s greatness is beyond the limits of human understanding. No words or descriptions can fully capture divine majesty. Human beings come to know something of that greatness through the Manifestations of God, who reveal divine attributes in ways we can understand. The signs of God’s grandeur can also be seen throughout creation—in the beauty, order, power, and harmony of the world around us. The Writings encourage us to reflect on these signs, allowing our awareness of the Creator to deepen through thoughtful observation and contemplation. At the Feast of Grandeur, we can turn our hearts to the majesty of God, consider the role of the Manifestations as channels of divine revelation, and reflect on our own responsibility to bring spiritual teachings into action through our lives.

The Tablet of Visitation, paragraph 1 The praise which hath dawned from Thy most august Self, and the glory which hath shone forth from Thy most effulgent Beauty, rest upon Thee, O Thou Who art the Manifestation of Grandeur, and the King of Eternity, and the Lord of all who are in heaven and on earth!    The Intention of the Revelation  The advent of the prophets and the revelation of the Holy Books is intended to create love between souls and friendship between the inhabitants of the earth. Real love is impossible unless one turn his face towards God and be attracted to His Beauty.   The Purpose of God Verily I say, the creation of God embraceth worlds besides this world, and creatures apart from these creatures. In each of these worlds He hath ordained things which none can search except Himself, the All-Searching, the All-Wise.   One single letter of Thy Book is the mother of all utterances My God, Thou Whom I adore and worship, Who art Most Powerful! I testify that no description by any created thing can ever reveal Thee, and no praise which any being is able to utter can express Thee. ​   Beautify thy tongues, O people, with trustworthiness, truthfulness, and adorn yourselves with the ornament of honesty…Be ye the trustees of God amongst His creatures and the emblems of his generosity amongst His people.   O  ye children of men! The fundamental purpose animating the faith of God and His religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race and to foster the spirit of love and fellowship among men.     Glory to thee O God.  Deny her not Thy bounty and Thy grace. Supply her, then, with that which excelleth all that can be found on earth.   All beings partake of Thy care and Thy lovingkindness.

In the darksome night of despair, my eye turneth expectant and full of hope to the morn of Thy boundless favor and at the hour of dawn my drooping soul is refreshed and strengthened in remembrance of Thy beauty and perfection.  Know verily that the soul is a sign of God, a heavenly gem whose…mystery no mind, however acute, can ever hope to unravel. Behold what the spirit of devotion is able to achieve.  O seeker of truth! If thou desires that God may open thine eye, thou must supplicate unto God, pray to and commune with Him at midnight saying, “O Lord, I have turned my face to Thy kingdom of oneness…" The composite beauty of humanity will be witnessed in their unity and blending. How glorious the spectacle of real unity among mankind! O my Lord! Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink, and Thy pleasure my hope, and praise of Thee my actions, and remembrance of Thee my companion, and the power of Thy sovereignty my succor, and Thy habitation my home. Thou art the Lord of loving kindness. We are sinners and have strayed far from home. Wherefore, O Cloud of Mercy, grant us some drops of rain. O Flowering Bed of Grace, send forth a fragrant breeze. O Sea of Bestowals, roll towards us a great wave. O Son of Bounty, send down a shaft of light. By Thy Beauty, we come with no provision but our sins.

O ye, the elected representatives of the people of every land, take ye counsel together, and let your concern be only for that which profiteth mankind and bettereth the condition thereof. Know ye that trials and tribulations have, from time immemorial, been the lot of the chosen ones of God and His beloved. Illumine their faces with the effulgent rays shed from the divine rays of Thy unity. ʻAbdu'l-Bahá says, “In this marvelous cycle, the earth will be transformed, and the world of humanity arrayed in tranquility and beauty..." “Only when the lamp of search, of earnest striving, of longing desire, of passionate devotion, of fervid love, of rapture, and ecstasy, is kindled within the seeker’s heart, and the breeze of His loving-kindness is wafted upon his soul, will the darkness of error be dispelled, the mists of doubts and misgivings be dissipated, and the lights of knowledge and certitude envelop his being. At that hour will the Mystic Herald, bearing the joyful tidings of the Spirit, shine forth from the City of God resplendent as the morn, and, through the trumpet-blast of knowledge, will awaken the heart, the soul, and the spirit from the slumber of heedlessness. Then will the manifold favors and outpouring grace of the holy and everlasting Spirit confer such new life upon the seeker that he will find himself endowed with a new eye, a new ear, a new heart, and a new mind. He will contemplate the manifest signs of the universe, and will penetrate the hidden mysteries of the soul. Gazing with the eye of God, he will perceive within every atom a door that leadeth him to the stations of absolute certitude. He will discover in all things[…]” Be kind to all around and serve one another. Pray always and so live your life that sorrow cannot touch you.    Sorrow not if in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for Thee. Hence the unity of all mankind can in this day be achieved.

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.” 

Central to the Baha’i teachings is knowing God almighty. The might of God may be understood as an all-encompassing, transcendent power, radiating through all the realms of existence. A power through which creation is sustained, guided and unified in His eternal will.

In Baháʼí writings, "Might" (or Izzat) refers to divine spiritual power and strength, not just physical power, that is available to believers who are aligned with God's Will and the teachings of Baháʼu'lláh. This spiritual might enables individuals and communities to overcome challenges, build civilization, and achieve spiritual victories by drawing on the confirmations of the Holy Spirit and the power of God's Word. 

In the Baha’i faith, the names of God are considered qualities that describe aspects of God’s nature. All of creation reflects the attributes of God to some degree, and we humans are created to reflect these names. The names of God illumine our souls and refine the character of humankind. Welcome to Dawn Prayers. Today, we turn our hearts to the Names of God—each a jewel of His beauty, each a ray of His light. They whisper of His mercy, His justice, His love, His majesty. As we breathe these Names in prayer, may they awaken the divine qualities within us and draw us nearer to the One who is the Source of all being. We invite you to comment or make a request for a prayer.

In this episode, we turn our hearts to the healing power of prayer as we reflect on the journey from estrangement to connection, from separation to unity. The Bahá’í writings remind us that the divisions among humanity are not permanent walls but passing shadows, and that the light of God’s love can draw us together as one family. Through prayer, we open the door to reconciliation, understanding, and the deeper bonds that unite all souls in the spirit of oneness.

Welcome to Dawn Prayers. In this episode, we’ll turn our hearts to the many beautiful Names of God. Each Name is a window into His infinite attributes—like Compassionate, All-Knowing, Healer, Ever-Forgiving—reminders of how the divine presence touches every part of our lives. As we pray together, let us reflect on how these Names call us to embody love, mercy, and truth in our own actions, and draw nearer to the Source of all goodness.

In the Bahá’í Faith, every soul is seen as a noble creation of God, worthy of dignity, kindness, and fairness. Bahá’u’lláh reminds us that “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” Prejudice of any kind is condemned, and unity in diversity is celebrated—not as passive tolerance, but as an active commitment to uplift others and build a just and harmonious world. In Anishinaabe wisdom, respect—Mnaadendimowin—extends beyond humanity, embracing the land, water, air, and all living beings. It teaches reciprocity, humility, and the wisdom of listening with patience and acting with care. The bison, a symbol of this interconnectedness, reminds us that to live respectfully is to walk in balance, honoring both what we receive and what we give. Today, as we offer these prayers, we reflect on respect as a sacred bridge between cultures and faiths, a call to see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home. “Graciously aid me to serve Thy cause… Grant me communion with Thee in my loneliness. Thou hast created humanity from the same stock, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy tabernacle.” May this morning’s prayers help us clothe ourselves not in silks, but in courtesy, compassion, and reverence for all creation.

Welcome to Dawn Prayers, a space where hearts gather at daybreak to remember God, lift our spirits, and draw nearer to the One who is the source of all light. This episode is dedicated to the Feast of Kamál — Perfection. In the Bahá’í writings, perfection is not the absence of flaws. It is the radiant presence of virtue, purpose, and love in action. God created us so that we might know Him and love Him, and in that love, we find the strength to turn toward the light each day. Perfection is not a destination; it is a path — a path of striving to reflect divine attributes such as kindness, compassion, and justice, and to help build communities where every soul is uplifted. As one prayer reminds us: “No path have I trodden, nor any will I seek, but the path of Thy love.” At the hour of dawn, when the world is quiet, we remember that in Him are potentially revealed all the attributes and names of God. We are invited to lift our hearts above the present, and with eyes of faith, look toward the future — a future shaped by unity, justice, and the transforming power of His love. Join us now in prayer, as we refresh our spirits in His beauty and perfection.

Welcome to Beyond the Veil: Life after Death in the Baha'i Writings. In this episode, we journey into the mystery of what happens to the soul when it leaves the body, how the next world is described in the Bahá’í Writings, and what it means to live a life that prepares us for that eternal journey. Drawing on the words of Bahá’u’lláh, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and Shoghi Effendi, we’ll reflect on the purpose of this life, the continuity of the soul, and the hope and reassurance these teachings offer us. Whether you’re grieving a loved one or seeking deeper understanding, may these words bring you peace and clarity. "The world beyond is as different from this world as this world is different from that of the child while still in the womb of its mother." — Bahá’u’lláh  

As the sun sets and the world quiets, we gather to reflect, to seek solace, and to draw nearer to the Divine. In this episode, we delve into the serene beauty of Bahá’í evening prayers—a time to surrender our thoughts, renew our spirits, and find peace in the embrace of God’s mercy. One such prayer begins: “O my God, my Master, the Goal of my desire! This, Thy servant, seeketh to sleep in the shelter of Thy mercy, and to repose beneath the canopy of Thy grace, imploring Thy care and Thy protection.” These sacred words invite us to release the burdens of the day and rest in divine assurance. In the stillness of night, we echo the plea: “Help me to be selfless and aid me to be detached. Make me as dust in the pathway of Thy loved ones.” This supplication calls us to humility and service, reminding us of our purpose beyond ourselves. These divine counsels guide us to find contentment and trust in God's sufficiency. As we close our eyes tonight, may we open our hearts to these sacred words, allowing them to illuminate our path and deepen our connection with the Divine.

In today’s episode, we turn our attention to the Medium Obligatory Prayer, one of the three daily obligatory prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh for followers of the Bahá’í Faith. Simple in form yet profound in spirit, this prayer is to be recited daily, in the morning, at noon, and in the evening. It invites us to bow, to stand, to open our hearts in humble reverence, and to remember our utter dependence on God's mercy and guidance. As we recite this prayer together, let it be more than words—let it be a moment of surrender, a gateway to presence, and a reminder of the eternal bond between the soul and its Creator.

Today, we turn our hearts toward one of the most majestic and powerful devotional acts in the Bahá’í Faith — the Long Obligatory Prayer, revealed by Bahá’u’lláh in the city of Naháj. This prayer is unlike any other: a sweeping, soul-stirring conversation with the Divine, filled with humility, awe, and the deepest yearning for nearness to God. Meant to be recited once in a twenty-four-hour period, with specific physical movements and a spirit of utmost reverence, this prayer serves as a spiritual lifeline — a personal covenant between the soul and its Creator. As you listen, allow the words to move through you like a river — cleansing, awakening, and drawing you closer to the eternal source of light and mercy. Whether you are listening as a meditation, a study, or in preparation for your own daily practice, may this recitation inspire in you a deeper love for prayer, and for the One to whom all prayers ascend.

Welcome, friends, to this sacred space for reflection, connection, and prayer. Today, we gather our hearts around the radiant theme of oneness—the oneness of God, the oneness of humanity, and the oneness of all creation. In a world divided by boundaries—of nation, race, religion, and class—the Bahá’í teachings offer a healing vision: that we are all leaves of one tree, waves of one sea, and children of the same loving Creator. The light of the Divine shines equally on all, and our diversity is not a cause for division, but a sign of the Creator’s infinite beauty. Bahá’u’lláh states: “So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.” As we center ourselves in prayer today, may these sacred words remind us of our shared origin and destiny. May they soften the walls around our hearts, expand our sense of kinship, and awaken in us the noble purpose of unity in action.

Welcome to this episode of our Bahá’í prayer podcast, dedicated to honoring the souls of the departed. In the Bahá’í teachings, death is not an end but a sacred transition. The physical body returns to the earth, while the soul—our true essence—continues its journey in the spiritual realms of God. As Bahá’u’lláh assures us, the soul “will continue to progress until it attaineth the presence of God” This journey is one of growth, love, and nearness to the Divine. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá beautifully expressed, “To hold that the spirit is annihilated upon the death of the body is to imagine that a bird imprisoned in a cage would perish if the cage were to be broken”. In this episode, we will reflect on prayers and writings that illuminate the soul’s eternal voyage and offer solace to those of us who remain. May these sacred words bring comfort and a deeper understanding of the boundless mercy and love that await every soul in the next world.

Drawing inspiration from the Bahá'í teachings, this podcast delves into how prayer can shape our lives and communities. In today's episode, we present excerpts from Bahá'í prayers, offering reflections and insights to deepen your understanding and connection to these sacred texts. Whether you're a member of the Bahá'í Faith or simply curious about its spiritual practices, our aim is to provide a serene and contemplative environment for all listeners. Join us as we journey through the rich tapestry of Bahá'í prayers about illumination, seeking inspiration and guidance for our daily lives.

Time is passing…your efforts are needed now. The sun of reality shone forth, gathering the sparkling lights of the Kingdom, to the east and to the west. O Son of Being! Love Me, that I may love thee. If thou livest Me not, My love can in no wise reach thee. Material civilization is like unto a lamp, while spiritual civilization is the light in that lamp. The splendor of ridden is come, and the splendor of the lilt f god is shining from the invisible horizon of His mercy. Be ye not seated and silent. Diffuse the glad tidings of the kingdom far and wide. Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose.

Welcome to today’s prayer podcast — a time to quiet the heart, uplift the spirit, and turn our thoughts toward the Source of all light and life. Together, we will meditate on sacred words that remind us of our true purpose: to know and draw near to our Creator. In these prayers, we seek to cleanse the channel of our souls, to reflect God's radiance, and to walk firmly in His path. We give thanks for His awakening touch upon our hearts and the boundless rain of His generosity. Let us now open ourselves to these powerful invocations, trusting that through them, our lives, our communities, and our spirits may flourish.

“Since We have been expelled from our homeland and banished from Baghdad to a remote place, that the fire of the love of God might be quenched, the lamp of guidance extinguished, the banner of God hauled down, and the call of the True One silenced, We have therefore chosen to fully reveal the Cause, manifest the proof, raise the call, and hoist the banner of the Cause of God, that all may see that this persecution, enmity, banishment, and exile has only deepened the influence of the Word of God, that the fame of the Cause has been noised abroad, and that the tidings of the advent of the Kingdom of God have reached unto both East and West.” This universal declaration took place in the year 1280. Magnified, O Lord my God, be Thy Name, whereby the trees of the garden of Thy Revelation have been clad with verdure, and been made to yield the fruits of holiness during this springtime, when the sweet savors of Thy favors and blessings have been wafted over all things, and caused them to bring forth whatsoever had been preordained for them in the Kingdom of Thine irrevocable decree and the Heaven of Thine immutable purpose.  I beseech Thee by this very Name not to suffer me to be far from the court of Thy holiness, nor debarred from the exalted sanctuary of Thy unity and oneness. By Thy might, were kings to witness so great  a glory, they would assuredly rid themselves of their dominion and cleave to such of Thy subjects as have entered beneath the shadow of Thy immeasurable mercy. This is the day whereon naught can be seen except the splendors that shiners from the light that shiners from the face of thy Lord, the gracious, the bountiful. O son of Being! Thy paradise is My love. This is the day when the Star of Truth rose over the horizon of life. The first stirrings of Thy grace have appeared, and clothed Thine earth with verdure. Found ye spiritual assemblies, for these are the basis for spreading the sweet savors of God.

Bless Thou… O Lord my God, Thy servants and Thy handmaidens who have attained unto Thee. It is seemingly, that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Monasticism and asceticism are not sanctioned. Occupation and labor are devotion. I rejoice to hear that thou takes pains with thine art, for in this wonderful new age, art is worship. All effort and exertion put forth by man, from the fullness of his heart, is worship. It is enjoined upon every one of you to engage in some form of occupation, such as crafts, trades, and the like. At present, the state of affairs is in turmoil…however the hand of God is at work. The ultimate object of all learning is the knowledge of God, but education should also fit a child to earn a living when it grows up. O Lord, whether traveling or at home, or in my occupation, or in my work, I place my whole trust in Thee.

All beings partake of Thy care and lovingkindness. Give us our daily bread, and grant Thine increase in the necessities of light, that we may be dependent on none other but Thee. Manifest and make evident the sign of Thy Oneness, which have been deposited in all the realities of life. Nature, in its essence, is the embodiment of My Name, the Maker, the Creator. From the exalted source, and out of the essence of His favor and bounty, He hath entrusted every created thing with the sign of his knowledge. Whatever I behold, I readily discover, that it maketh Thee known unto me. Not a single atom in the entire universe can be found which doth not declare the evidenced of His might. It is not for him to pride himself, who loveth his own country, but rather for him that loveth the whole world. O Son of Bounty! Out of the waste of nothingness, with the clay of My command, I made thee to appear.

I bear witness that the eye of creation hath never gazed upon one wronged like Thee. Know Thou that all men have been created in the nature created by God…Every good thing is from God, and every evil thing is from yourselves. Let this dearly loved servant of Thine abide beneath the shadow of Thy glory, and grand that this hapless and lowly one may prosper and flourish within the precincts of Thy mercy. Grieve not thou over the troubles and hardships of this nether world, nor be thou glad in times of ease and comfort, for both shall pass away. It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents O Son of Man! Be thou content with Me and seek no other helper, for none but Me can suffice Thee. Grant, O Thou loving Lord, that all may stand firm and steadfast, shining with everlasting splendor, so that at every breath, gentle breezes may blow from the bowers of Thy lovingkindness. O God, my God, this is a broken-winged bird and his flight is very slow. Assist him so he may fly towards the apex of prosperity and salvation.

The beauty of the unseen hath shown forth over the horizon of creation. The day is approaching when God will have raised up a people who will call to remembrance our days, who will tell the tales of our tales, who will demand the restitution of our rights. The word of God may be likened to the life-giving breezes of the Divine Springtime. …and from the rustling of whose trees can be heard, “no God is there but Him, the Most Powerful, the Ever Giving, the All-Glorious, the All-Loving.” Grant, O My Lord, that the fire of Thy love, and the heat produced by the fast enjoined by Thee, may inflame them in Thy cause, and make them to be occupied with Thy praise and remembrance of Thee. O Lord, shower upon them the outpourings of Thy mercy. Rain down upon them all the waters of Thy grace. Make them to grow s beauteous plants in the garden of Thy heaven. The plants that have sprung forth, O my Lord, in the hearts of Thy loved ones, have withered away. Send down upon them, from the clouds of Thy spirit, that which will cause the tender herbs of Thy knowledge and wisdom to grow in their breasts.

The Baha'i Fast is an annual spiritual observance that lasts for nineteen days, from March 2 to March 20. It is a time for Baha'is to focus on prayer, reflection, and self-discipline. During the fast, adult Baha'is refrain from eating or drinking from sunrise to sunset. The fast is considered a period of spiritual renewal, focused on fostering closeness to God, detachment from material desires, and personal growth. It is also an opportunity to strengthen community bonds and increase empathy for those who face hunger or deprivation. The Fast is seen as an essential part of Baha'i practice, symbolizing the importance of spiritual nourishment over physical sustenance and promoting a deeper connection to the divine. Today's prayer is the long prayer for the Baha'i fast.        

Since the founders of all the world’s great religions are Manifestations of God, possessed of the Holy Spirit, and acting as intermediaries between God and Man, it follows that all the great religions are, in essence, one. O Lord, increase light within me. Grant me, O Creator of Mother Earth, the waters and plant life, immortality and perfection through Your Holiest Spirit, O Lord, grant me strength of character and life renewed through the teachings of the pure mind. Let us know peace. For as long as the moon shall rise. For as long as the rivers shall flow. For as long as the sun shall shine. For as long as the grass shall grow, let us know peace. All the religions have a Golden Rule. Do not unto otherw which would cause you pain. They have gathered in this temple to turn to the face of Thy glory, holding to the hem of Thy garment, and to Thy singleness….   Render their hearts replete with love. Thanksgiving prayers before meals from various faiths. The time is approaching when every created thing will have cast its burden.

I testify that through Thee, the sovereignty of God and His dominion, and the majesty of God in His grandeur were revealed. The advent of the prophets in the revelation of the Holy Books is intended to create love between souls, and friendships between the inhabitants of the earth. The creation of God embraceth worlds apart from this world, and creatures apart from these creatures. One single letter of Thy book is the mother of all utterances. Beautify your tongues, O people, with trustworthiness, truthfulness, and adorn yourselves with the ornament of honesty. The fundamental purpose animating the faith of God and His religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race. Now that Thou hast revealed unto her the knowledge of Thee, O my Lord, deny her not, by Thy bounty, Thy grace. Give us our daily bread, and grant Thy increase in the necessities of life.

Welcome to today’s episode. We’re about to experience the powerful and deeply moving Bahá’í Long Healing Prayer. This prayer is known for its profound ability to bring comfort, peace, and spiritual healing, whether you're seeking physical, emotional, or spiritual renewal. Its words, imbued with divine grace, offer solace in times of hardship and strength in moments of weakness. What makes this prayer so unique is its deep connection to the principle of spiritual healing that runs throughout the Bahá’í teachings. It's a reminder that healing is not just about the body, but about the soul—transforming us from within, offering clarity and a sense of divine protection. It’s not just a plea for healing but also a call to be more connected to the Source of all life, to align ourselves with that divine presence and open ourselves to its infinite wisdom and mercy. As we listen, let the words wash over you, creating a sense of peace and hope. Wherever you are in your journey, may this prayer serve as a gentle reminder of the healing power that exists within us all. Now, let's take a moment to pause, breathe, and immerse ourselves in this sacred prayer.

Today's podcast interweaves quotes by Dr. King with Baha’i Writings I bear witness that the eye of creation hath never gazed upon one wronged like thee. Through the faculty of meditation, man attains to eternal life. Through it he receives the breath of the Holy Spirit. Compare the nations of the world to the members of a family. A family is a nation in miniature. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr:  I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the ... Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice. God’s purpose in sending His prophets unto men is twofold. First is to liberate the children of man from the darkness of ignorance, and guide them to the light of true understanding. The second is to ensure the peace and tranquillity of mankind. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: A nation, that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than of programs of social uplift, is approaching spiritual death. The highest station, the supreme sphere, the noblest, most sublime position in creation… is that of the prophets of God. The words that have descended from heaven of the will of God are the source of unity and harmony in the world. Close your eyes to racial differences and welcome all to the light of oneness. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr: Power without love isreckless and abusive, and love without power is sentimental and anemic. O Thou kind Lord, Thou hast created all humanity from the same stock. Thou hast decreed that all shall belong to the same household.

I testify moreover that with but a movement of Thy pen, thine injunction, “Be thou,” hath been enforced, and God’s hidden secret hath been divulged, and all created things have been called into being, and all the revelations have been sent down. Man is the supreme talisman. Lack of proper education hath, however, deprived him of that he doth not inherently possess. I bear witness that Thou art the One, the Single, the Incomparable, the ever-abiding. O God, refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hands. Send down upon me, and those in my company, that which will enable us to soar into the heavens of Thy transcendent glory. Empower us, then, O my God, to spread abroad Thy signs among Thy creatures. Unite the hearts of Thy servants and reveal to them Thy great purpose. Make Thy beauty to be my food, and Thy presence my drink,  and Thy pleaseur my hope, and praise of Thee my action. Hear me, that the people may once again find the good road and the shading tree.

Bless Thou, O Lord my God, the Divine Lote-Tree and its leaves, and its boughs, and its branches, and its stems, and its offshoots, as long as Thy most excellent titles will endure and Thy most august attributes will last. Protect it, then, from the mischief of the aggressor and the hosts of tyranny.  In our solar system, the center of illumination is the sun itself. This central luminary is one source of existence and development of all phenomenal things. Without this quickening pulse, there would be no growth of tree or vegetation. O Lord, my God, and my haven in my distress, my shield and my shelter in my woes, my asylum and refuge in time of need. Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. I implore Thee, by Thy Most Great name, through which Thou didst stir up Thy servants, and build up Thy cities. He is the Mighty, the Pardoner, the Compassionate. Behold Thou thy servants in the abyss of perdition and error. Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me, O my Hope. The Tablet of Ahmad

Waft, then, unto me, O my God, and my Beloved, from the right hand of Thy mercy and Thy loving kindness the holy breaths of Thy favor that they can draw me away from myself and from the world, unto the courts of nearness and Thy presence. Know Thou that all men have been created in the nature made by God… Unto each one hath been prescribed a preordained measure… Every good thing is from God, and every evil thing is from yourselves. Prayer for the departed and for assistance. Grieve not Thou over the troubles and hardships of this nether world, nor be Thou glad in times of ease and comfort, for both shall pass away. An excerpt from Genesis. It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness upon his parents. Thereupon God’s call shall be raised. Thousand upon thousand of what thou has asked for thy parents shall be thy recompense. O Son of Man! Be thou content with Me and seek no other helper, for none but me can suffice thee. O Son of Spirit! Ask not of Me that which we desire not for thee. Be then content with what we have ordained for thy sake, for this is that which profiteth thee. O Son of Spirit! I have breathed within thee a breath of My own spirit. Grant, O Thou Loving Lord, that all may stand firm and steadfast, shining with everlasting splendor, so that at every breath, gentle breezes may blow from Thy bowers of Thy loving kindness. This is a broken winged bird, and his flight is very slow. Assist him so he may fly towards the apex of prosperity and salvation.

The Daystars of ancient splendor have shed their radiance in the heaven of Thine irrevocable decree. Be not grieved if affairs and troubles wax intense on all sides. Verily, thy Lord changeth hardship into faculty, troubles into ease, and afflictions into great composure. Grant, O Thou loving Lord, that all may stand firm and steadfast, shining with everlasting splendor, so that at every breath, gentle breezes may flow from the bowers of thy loving kindness. O my God, I have set out from my home holding fast to the cord of Thy love, and I have committed myself wholly to thy care and Thy protection. O Son of Man! Neglect not My commandments if thou lovest My beauty, and forget not My counsels if thou wouldst attain My good pleasure. All praise be to thee, O my God, for the things Thou didst ordain for me through Thy decree and by the power of Thy sovereignty. Keep us firm in Thy cause. Ordain for me, O my Lord, and for those who believe in Thee, that which is best for. Us in Thy estimation. Wherefore, O ye beloved of the Lord and friends of God, arise, and with the whole enthusiasm of your heart, with all the eagerness of your soul, strive to unfurl the standards of unity in the midmost heart of the world.

I bear witness O my God, that through Thy beauty, the beauty of the Adored One hath been unveiled. True death is realized when a person dieth to himself at the time of His Revelation in such wise that he seeketh naught except Him. True resurrection from the sepulchers means to be quickened in conformity with His Will, through the power of His utterance.​ Today, all the peoples of the world are indulging in self interest, and exert the utmost effort and endeavor to promote their own material interest. I give thanks to Thee, O my God, that Thou has suffered me to remember Thee. What else but remembrance of Thee can give delight to my soul or gladness to my heart? All praise, O my God, be to Thee, who art the source of all glory and greatness and honor. Magnified be Thy name, O Lord my God. Thou art He whom all things worship and who worshipeth noone. I have awakened in Thy shelter, O my God, and it becometh him who seeketh that shelter to abide within the sanctuary of thy protection and the stronghold of Thy defense.

The praise which hath dawned from Thy most august self and the glory which hath shown forth from Thy most effulgent beauty rest upon Thee, O Thou who art the Manifestation of Grandeur. O God, my God! These are Thy feeble servants. They are Thy loyal bondsmen and Thy handmaidens who have bowed themselves down before Thy exalted utterance and humbled themselves at the threshold of life. Thou art He who hath created all things through a word uttered by Thy behest, and fashioned the entire creation through the power of Thy sovereignty and might. I testify, O my God, that if I were given a thousand lives by Thee, and offered them up all in Thy path, I would still have failed to repay the least of the gifts which, by Thy grace, Thou hast bestowed upon me. There is none other God but Thee, the Fashioner, the Creator, the Almighty, the most powerful. I give praise to Thee, O my God, that Thou hast awakened me out of my sleep, and brought me after my disappearance, and raised me up from my slumber Praise be to God. His traces are evident. Praise be to God. His lights are radiating.

I bear witness that he who hath known Thee hath known God, and that he that hath attained unto Thy presence hath attained unto the presence of God. Say: Rejoice not in the things ye possess. Tonight they are yours, tomorrow others will possess them. Be thou not unhappy. The tempest of sorrow shall pass. Regret will not last. Disappointment will vanish. One of the basic principles of Baha’u’llah’s teachings is that we should share the wealth we acquire. But one must first acquire wealth, both spiritual and material, before one can share it. O seeker of truth! If thou desirest that God may open thine eyes, thou must supplicate to God, pray to, and commune with Him. All men have proceeded from God, and unto Him, they shall return. All shall appear before Him for judgement. Lord, pitiful are we, grant us Thy favor. Life is a load that must be carried while we are on earth. O Befriended Stranger! The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, qhench it not with the contrary words of self and passion.

May my spirit be a sacrifice to the wrongs Thou didst suffer, and my soul be a ransom for the adversities Thou didst sustain. In every aspect of life, purity and holiness, cleanliness and refinement, exalt the human condition and the further development of man’s inner reality. Awaken me and make me conscious. Cause me to be detached from all else save Thee. O Lord, brighten thou my face with the lights of Thy bestowals. I am a captive. Rid me of my bondage by the power of Thy might and through the force of Thy will, that I may soar on the wings of detachment toward the loftiest summit of thy creation. I implore Thee by Thy most great name, through which Thou didst stir up Thy servants and build up Thy cities, to assist thy people to turn in the direction of Thy manifold bounties. Thou seest O my Lord, Thy suppliant waiting at the door of Thy bounty. Do thou ordain for me, O my Lord, every good thing thou didst send down in Thy book, and suffer me not to be far removed from the shelter of thy mercy.

God’s hidden secrets have been divulged, and all created things have been called into being, and all the revelations have been sent down. O Lord, draw up the people from the abyss of hatred and enmity, and deliver them from the impenetrable darkness. Unite their hearts, and brighten their eyes with the light of peace and reconciliation. Ye are the angels, if your feet be firm, your spirits rejoiced, your secret thoughts pure If the learned and worldly wise men of this age were to allow mankind to inhale the fragrance of fellowship and love, every understanding heart would apprehend the meaning of true liberty, and discover the secret of absolute peace. If we see that unity brings light, we shall continue. For 6000 years we have been waking on the left hand path…Let us advance toward the light. The world is at war and the human race is in travail and mortal combat…it is the very foundation of the human race that is being destroyed. Strengthen all mankind that they may do according to the instructions and teachings recorded in these Writings. O Lord, give us capacity and make us worthy, that we may evince the most great steadfastness.

O  Lord, give me the grace to serve Thy loved ones. They that are the followers of the one true God, shall, at the moment they depart out of this life,   experience such joy and gladness as would be impossible to describe. Bring together and keep all families in perfect unity of love and mutual support…. And for their occasional failures, instill forgiveness and peace. O my God, my Lord and my Master, I have detached myself from my kindred, and have sought, through Tee, to become independent of all that dwell on earth, and ever ready to receive that which is praiseworthy in Thy sight. O thou forgiving God, forgive the sins of my loving mother. Pardon her shortcomings. Cast upon her the glance of Thy gracious providence, and enable her to gain admittance into Thy kingdom. According to the teachings of  Baha’u’llah, the family, being a human unit, must be educated according to the rules of sanctity. All the virtues must be taught. If a man, in his own home, doth not treat his relations and friends with entire trustworthiness and integrity, his dealings with the outside world … will prove barren and unproductive. All men are servants of one God. One God reigns over all the nations of the world, and has pleasure in all of His children. Forgive us, and our fathers, and our mothers, and fulfill whaatsoever we have desired from the ocean of Thy grace and divine generosity. Rely upon God. Trust in Him. Praise Him, and call him continually to mind.

Lowly and tearful, I raise my suppliant hands to thee….Graciously look upon Thy servant, humble and lowly at Thy door.…Give me Thy grace to serve Thy loved ones. Strengthen me in my servitude towards Thee. Every imperfect soul is self centered and thinking only of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little, he will begin to think about the welfare and comfort of his family. Out of the wastes of nothingness, with the clay of My command, I have made thee to appear, and have ordained for thy training every atom of existence. Provide for the speedy growth of the tree of Thy Divine Unity. Water it then with the flowing waters of Thy good pleasure. Thou dost suffice me in every hardship that may descend upon me. Thou art my sole companion iin my loneliness, the delight of my heart in my solitude. Out of the realities of existence, He has chosen the reality of man, and has honored it with intellect and wisdom, the two most luminous lights in either world. Every time I muse on Thy glory and Thy sovereignty, I find myself as the most guilty among those that have transgressed against Thee in Thy realm. Lauded be Thy name, O my God, and the God of all things, my glory and the glory of all things, my desire and the desire of all things, my strength and the strength of all things….Suffer me not, I implore Thee, to be kept back from the ocean of Thy tender mercies, nor to be far removed from the shores of nearness to Thee. O Befriended Stranger! The candle of thine heart is lighted by the hand of My power, quench it not with the contrary winds of self and passion. The healer of all thine ills is remembrance of Me, forget it not. Make My love thy treasure, and cherish it, even as thy very sight and life.

O Lord, my God, give me Thy grace to serve thy loved ones. Strengthen me in my servitude to Thee. I charge you all, that each one of you concentrate all your thoughts of your heart on love and unity. Supply me, then, with the good of this world and of the next. Be generous in prosperity, and thankful in adversity. From the sweet-scented streams of Thy eternity, give me to drink, O my God, and of the fruit of the tree of Thy being, enable me to taste, O my hope. Thou, who through but one word of Thy mouth, caused all things to expire and dissolve asunder, and Who, by yet another word, caused whatever had been separated to be combined and reunited! Create in me a pure heart, O my God, and renew a tranquil conscience within me. O my God, unite the hearts of Thy servants and reveal to them Thy great cause. O God, refresh and gladden my spirit, purify my heart, illumine my powers.

The time is at hand when whatsoever lieth hid in the souls and the hearts of men will be disclosed. O Lord, in this Dispensation, Thou dost accept the intercession of children on behalf of their parents. Unto every father hath been enjoined the instruction of his son and daughter in the art of reading and writing and in all that hath been laid down in the Holy Tablets… He that bringeth up his son, or the son of another, is as though he hath brought up a son of Mine. It is incumbent on the father and mother to train their children in good conduct and the study of books. O Thou Forgiving God, forgive the sins of my loving mother. Pardon her shortcomings. Cast her upon the glance of Thy gracious providence. I beg of Thee to wash away our sins as befitteth Thy Lordship, and to forgive me, my parents, and those who, in Thy estimation, have entered the abode of Thy love in a manner that is worthy of Thy transcendent sovereignity. It is seemly that the servant should, after each prayer, supplicate God to bestow mercy and forgiveness and mercy upon his parents. Let the mothers consider that whatever concerneth the education of children is of the first importance…for when the bough is green and tender, it will grow in whatever way you train it. No God is there save Thee, the Ewver Forgiving, the Most Generous.

From the sweet-scented streams of Thine eternity, give me to drink, O my God. And of the fruits of the tree of Thy Being, enable me to taste, O my Hope. It behooveth the people of Baha'i to die to the world and all that is therein, to be so detached from all earthly things that the inmates of Paradise may inhale, from their garment, the sweet smelling savor of sanctuary. Heavenly Father, as I tend to my garden, I am reminded of the sanctuary and beauty of life. O my God, O my God! Unite the hearts of thy servants and reveal to them Thy great purpose. Baha'i gardens are designed to be both esthetically striking and charged with meaning. At the gate of the garden, some stand, and look within, but do not care to enter. Others step inside, behold its beauty, but do not penetrate far…  But there are always some who enter, and become intoxicated with the splendor of what they behold, and remain for life to tend the garden. Waft, then, unto me, O my God, and my Beloved, from the right hand of Thy mercy and loving kindness, the holy breaths of Thy favor, that they may draw me away from myself, and from the world, unto the courts of Thy nearness. Thou truly hast been supreme over all things. O Lord! Cause this sapling to become verdant, fresh and flourishing by the outpourings of Thy special bounty and favor. Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass, its all about learning how to dance in the rain. O God, verily we have gathered here in the fragrance of thy love.  

The mind and spirit of man advance when he is tried by suffering. Just as the plow furrows the earth deeply, purifying it of weeds and thistles, so suffering and tribulations free man from heavy affairs of this worldly life until he arrives at the state of cmplete detachment. Look back at times past and you will find  that the greatest men have suffered most. To attain eternal happiness, one must suffer. Hence do ye witness a new stirring throughout all created things. See how, in this day, the scope of sciences and arts have been widened out, and what woundrous technical advances have been made, and to what a high degree the mind’s powers have increased, and what stupendous inventions have appeared. O Son of the Wondrous Vision! I have breathed within thee a breath of My own Spirit.  Do ordain that my choice be conformed to thy choice and my wish to Thy wish, that I may be entirely content with that which Thou dost desire, and be wholy satisfied with that which Thou dost destine for me by Thy bounteousness and favor. I ask of Thee, by Thy most given name, O Thou, the Desire of the World, the well-beloved of mankind, to grant that the breeze of Thy inspiration may susain my soul. Let my heart be dilated with the joy through the spirit of confirmation from Thy Kingdom.   O Son of Spirit! Noble have I created thee, yet thou hath abased thyself. Rise, then, unto that for which thou was created. O Thou Provider! Thou hast breathed over the friends of the West the sweet fragrance of the Holy Spirit, and with the light of divine guidance Thou hast lit the Western sky. Whoso reciteth this prayer with lowliness and fervor, will bring gladness and joy to the heart of this servant. It will be even as meeting Him face to face.

Graciously look upon Thy servant, humble and lowly at Thy door… and immerse him in Thy eternal grace. Eat ye, O people, of the good things which God hath allowed you, and deprive not yourselves from His wondrous bounties. Render thanks and praise unto Him, and be of them that are truly thankful. Deliver your souls, O people, from the bondage of self. Cheer Thou his spirit by revealing unto him Thy manifest splendors. You have heard the call of the Kingdom. Your eyes are open…Your purpose is the good pleasure of God. O Lord, make these faces radiant through the light of thy oneness. Be a refuge to the fearful. Bring ye rest and peace to the disturbed. Blessed is the house that attained unto My tender mercy, wherein My remembrance is celebrated. Bless us with love, O merciful God. Illumine my inner being, O my Lord.

O thou who art tested with a great calamity, be not grieved, be not troubled because of the loss which hath befallen thee.  In the world of existence, man hath traversed successive degrees, until he has attained the human kingdom. Take time to be holy. The word does not mean goody-goody. It means, set apart for sacred use. Thy name is my healing, O my God, and remembrance of Thee is my remedy. I implore Thee, O thou who art the Supreme Ordainer, not to suffer me to be deprived of the breezes which are wafted in Thy days. O Thou, whose face is the object of my adoration… By what means can man acquire these things?