This page compiled on 12 July 2023 for Omid, Nine, Giselle, Chandra, Dewan and Sandi and Colin as a resource for anyone planning a devotional gathering following our study of the book “Reflections on the Life of the Spirit”.
https://www.bahai.org/action/devotional-life/devotional-meetings
Heavenly fragrances
Devotional meetings are occasions where any soul may enter, inhale the heavenly fragrances, experience the sweetness of prayer, meditate upon the Creative Word, be transported on the wings of the spirit, and commune with the one Beloved. Feelings of fellowship and common cause are generated, particularly in the spiritually heightened conversations that naturally occur at such times and through which the “city of the human heart” may be opened.
www.bahai.org/r/192430137
Video
“An Expansive Prospect” puts devotional meetings in context. See for example from 46mins to 51mins.
Some web pages
- https://bahai.org.au/index.php/what-bahais-do/building-vibrant-communities/creating-devotional-character/
- https://media.bahai.org/community/devotional-life/
- https://www.bahaiblog.net/video/short-film/what-are-devotional-gatherings/
- https://bahaiteachings.org/start-devotional-gathering-friends/
- https://www.upliftingwords.org/post/baha-i-devotional-gatherings
Examples
Some examples of programs and invitations:
- https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/k3ze5s2xledwsjxwfqpxp/h?rlkey=tbdlsyoqw9ry8988old3bzh21&dl=0
- https://bahaiprayers.ca/devotional-programs/#Unity_Devotional
Themes
If putting together a program of prayers and readings then a theme may be relevant to the local community, and can help start a conversation on the subject.
- Listening https://colindibdin.com/listening/
- The True Friend
- The life of the spirit
- The betterment of the world
- Readings from sacred scriptures of the world
- Virtues (eg truthfulness; kindly speech; love, justice; prayerfulness)
- Peace
- Life and death
- Education
- To know and to love God
- Oneness of religion
- Oneness of humanity
- Overcoming prejudice
- Women
- Children
- Human rights
- Search
- Faith
- Reconciliation
- Healing
Music
Personal favourites (Sacred writings put to music):