Prayer, Worship and Service to Humanity
Prayer and worship are central aspects of Bahá’í life, both as individuals and as a community. The Bahá’í Writings state that prayer, in its highest form, is an expression of love and gratitude for one’s Creator. Prayer can be likened to food for the soul and is a means of attracting divine assistance and blessings. Prayer is not limited to words, but is a state of being that, ultimately, finds expression in our deeds.
There is nothing sweeter in the world of existence than prayer. Man must live in a state of prayer. The most blessed condition is the condition of prayer and supplication. Prayer is conversation with God. The greatest attainment or the sweetest state is none other than conversation with God. -‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
In diverse settings, Bahá’ís gather with their friends and neighbours to pray and reflect upon the Bahá’í Sacred Texts. These simple gatherings generate a spirit of collective worship that inspire acts of service and increase the spiritual character of neighbourhoods and communities.
Bahá’ís believe that prayer and worship cannot be divorced from service to humanity and action, since both are vital to fostering a vibrant and dynamic community life that seeks to build greater material and spiritual prosperity for all.
Strive that your actions day by day may be beautiful prayers.. -‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
Service is integral to both individual and collective life. We are each called upon to be an active participant of social progress. Through our actions and deeds, and in our work and service to our communities, we strive to contribute to the betterment of society and to develop our intellectual and spiritual capacities.
Service in the Bahá’í community finds expression in the mutual support that we provide one another, as well as in the accompaniment provided by the community and institutional bodies to each individual.
Throughout the world, Bahá’ís, together with their friends and neighbours, are engaging in acts of service that seek to contribute to the transformation of society. Together they work to improve their neighborhoods, their cities and their country through programmes aimed at developing the capacities and capabilities of children, young people and adults.
All effort and exertion put forth by man from the fullness of his heart is worship, if it is prompted by the highest motives and the will to do service to humanity. This is worship: to serve mankind and to minister to the needs of the people. Service is prayer. -‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ
