Day to Pray
30 March 2020
11 Bahá 177 B.E.
SRL-25398
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To the Bahá’ís of the United Kingdom, their families, friends, neighbours and colleagues
Dear friends,
How swiftly have all of our lives been changed in recent days, causing us to become even more united in action, desirous to reach out to all around us in friendship and love, offering help and support to those in need. We understand that, in the days and weeks immediately before us, the troubles and trials our brothers and sisters will face in these islands – and, indeed, across the world – will be dire indeed. Already we are amazed at your creativity in lifting the spirits of individuals, families and communities, with the aim of spreading joy, hope and tranquillity, eliminating fear. We hear too of how many of you in the health and caring services are giving all of your time and energies to this essential work, and how others have volunteered to serve their communities especially those who are most vulnerable. It is as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would do.
“Seldom has it been more evident,” the Universal House of Justice wrote in its recent message, “that society’s collective strength is dependent on the unity it can manifest in action, from the international stage to the grassroots…” It will be through the power of unity that mankind will come through this troubling time. It has been remarkable to witness how this unity has been manifested in the upsurge in devotionals and in the number of those participating in them. To lend impetus to these efforts already underway, the National Spiritual Assembly invites everyone to join together in a Day to Pray on Saturday 4 April (16 Bahá 177 B.E.)
The Day to Pray will be focussed on all of mankind. It will be an opportunity to beseech the protection and care of God, to pray for the tranquillity of hearts, for the healing of those who are ill, for the souls who have departed, for the comfort of those who have lost a loved one, and for the assistance and safety of those who are serving society at this time of great need.
It is left to each individual and community to decide how best to prepare for and arrange the Day to Pray according to their own circumstances. But in doing so, you will no doubt give thought to how the day can embrace all. How can the day be organised such that it reaches out to every individual – opening new homes, new online spaces, new phone links – and leaving no one without the opportunity of joining in some way in the day? How can the oneness of mankind be given expression, seeking out and welcoming those of other Faiths, from all backgrounds, and from a myriad villages, towns, cities and islands across the United Kingdom, to join in this day? How can the day be planned such that children, youth and adults, and especially those who are more vulnerable and isolated, can feel connected? No doubt you will find creative ways of giving expression to this and, indeed, give thought to how this can deepen the bonds of friendship you have already established with your communities or – if it is the first time you have held a devotional – how this can be the beginning of your regular place to meet and pray with others.
‘Abdu’l-Bahá said, “When one supplicates to his Lord, turns to Him and seeks bounty from His Ocean, this supplication brings light to his heart, illumination to his sight, life to his soul and exaltation to his being.” He also wrote that, “Shouldst thou recite any of the revealed prayers, and seek assistance from God with thy face turned towards Him, and implore Him with devotion and fervour, thy need will be answered.” Such is the mysterious power that this Day to Pray can call down.
Armed with the power of Thy name nothing can ever hurt me, and with Thy love in my heart all the world’s afflictions can in no wise alarm me.
Ye are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of one branch. Deal ye one with another with the utmost love and harmony, with friendliness and fellowship. He Who is the Day Star of Truth beareth Me witness! So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole earth.
With loving greetings,
Patrick O’Mara,
Secretary
When the effects of COVID-19 began causing disruptions to life in their neighborhood, a group of youth quickly turned their attention to pressing needs arising from school closures. In this suburb of New York City, these youth have been studying and serving together in Bahá’í activities that develop their capacities for service to society. Read more, here >