Devotional gatherings, informal yet respectful, bring people of all backgrounds and beliefs together in worship and serve as the foundation for discussion and action in personal and collective growth.
Devotional gatherings grow naturally in communities where conversations about the spiritual nature of our human existence are growing. In homes, community centers, parks, yards, and more, Bahá’ís and their friends and families unite together in prayer. There are no rituals; no one individual has any special role. Gatherings include the reading prayers and passages from the Bahá’í sacred texts in an informal yet respectful atmosphere and often take on the diverse culture of the individuals and community that attend. Frequently the arts, as well as multiple languages, are blended into the gatherings enriching the experience. Over time the spirit of communal worship is generated by these simple gatherings, which guide the community’s collective actions.
Prayer is simply words used to commune with our Creator. These words strengthen our relationship with God by putting words to our thoughts and our feelings. Prayer calls to the front of our minds the attitudes and actions we want to exhibit, reinforcing our thoughts and decisions every day.
Bahá’ís do not have fixed ways for meditation but emphasize its importance. In whatever form, it entails focused reflection. Often a common practice is to read from the Writings of the Faith and think about how they can be applied to one’s daily activities.
AuroraColoradoBahais.org is the website of the Baha'is of Aurora, Colorado. It is maintained under the auspices of the Local Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Aurora, Colorado, the nine-member elected governing body of the local Baha'i community.
