“The state of prayer is the best of conditions, for man is then associating with God.”
Prayer is integral to Bahá’í life, whether at the level of the individual, the community, or the institutions. Bahá’ís turn to God in prayer in moments throughout the day. This act of prayer, understood as being a conversation with God, may be done in a moment of quiet contemplation or through the private recitation of the many prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Through prayer, Bahá’ís find words of solace, gratitude, and guidance that serve to strengthen that mystic feeling that unites the soul with God. Bahá’ís also recite a single obligatory prayer [link] each day which along with other select Bahá’í prayers are considered to have special significance.
Devotional gatherings
In homes and community centres across Canada, Bahá’ís and their friends regularly gather in a spirit of unity and friendship to pray together. These occasions, called devotional gatherings, generate feelings of fellowship among participants and naturally lead to meaningful conversations about spiritual themes and a desire to work with others in serving humanity. Devotional gatherings are at the heart of a vibrant community life and are open for all to participate.
Devotional gatherings in Canada and around the world differ in form and content as a reflection of the diversity of those who design and participate in them. Depending on the artistic abilities of participants for example, some devotional gatherings may incorporate music or arts in the sharing of Bahá’í prayers. In other gatherings, prayers may be read aloud or meditated upon quietly. Independent of form, a devotional gathering is characterized by the joyful and contemplative environment that is generated when those present turn their hearts to their Creator to seeks assistance with their spiritual growth and efforts to be of service to others.
Houses of Worship
In some localities around the world, a growing consciousness about the relationship between prayer and service within a population leads to the construction of a dedicated place for worship. These Bahá’í Houses of Worship, understood to be “dawning points of the remembrance of God” are a universal place of worship open to all the inhabitants of a locality, and become centres of attraction for prayer, meditation, and service. While Houses of Worship differ in design as a reflection of the diverse architectural styles of the people and cultures from which they emerge, the domed, nine-sided structures, all seek to offer a beautiful environment for prayer and a “haven for the deepest contemplation of spiritual reality and foundational questions of life.” A House of Worship is a physical representation of the vibrant pattern of service and the devotional character of a community.
Learn more about Canada’s House of Worship
Shrine in Montreal
In some localities around the world, a growing consciousness about the relationship between prayer and service within a population leads to the construction of a dedicated place for worship.
Learn more about the Shrine in Montreal
Learn more about this topic
More information about this topic and others is available on Bahai.org, the official website of the worldwide Bahá’í community: