In the Bahai Faith, prayer holds a significant place in the spiritual practice of believers. It is seen as a way to connect with the divine and seek guidance, protection, and strength. One of the prayers commonly recited by Bahais is the “Bahai Prayer for Protection”, which is a meditation on the spiritual qualities one should strive to embody in order to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience.
**”Bahai Prayer for Protection”**
**”O my God! Verily, I invoke Thee and supplicate before Thy threshold, asking Thee that all Thy mercies may descend upon these souls. Specialize them for Thy favor and Thy truth. O Lord! Unite and bind together the hearts, join in accord all the souls, and exhilarate the spirits through the signs of Thy sanctity and oneness. O Lord! Make these faces radiant through the light of Thy oneness. Strengthen the loins of Thy servants in the service of Thy kingdom. O Lord, Thou possessor of infinite mercy, unlock the doors of the hearts through the rays of the sun of reality. O Lord! We are weak; strengthen us. We are poor; enrich us with Thy treasures. We are sick; heal us with Thy medicine. We are needy; supply our needs from Thy divine abundance. O Lord God! Make us free from the defects of the world of existence, and bless us with the perfection of the world of God. Verily, Thou art the Giver, the Forgiver, the Compassionate.”**
This prayer serves as a reminder to embody qualities such as unity, strength, and compassion in the face of adversity. By focusing on these attributes, believers seek to strengthen their connection with the divine and navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. The “Bahai Prayer for Protection” is a powerful tool that believers can use to center themselves, seek guidance, and cultivate a deep sense of spiritual well-being in their daily lives.
– Understanding the Bahai Faith: A Brief Overview
Understanding the Bahai Faith: A Brief Overview
1.
O Thou kind Lord! These lovely children are the handiwork of the fingers of thy might and the wondrous signs of thy greatness. O God! Protect these children, graciously assist them to be educated, and enable them to render service to the world of humanity. O God! These children are pearls, cause them to be nurtured within the shell of thy loving-kindness.
2.
O God! Educate these children. These children are the plants of Thine orchard, the flowers of Thy meadow, the roses of Thy garden. Let Thy rain fall upon them; let the Sun of Reality shine upon them with Thy love. Let Thy breeze refresh them in order that they may be trained, grow and develop, and appear in the utmost beauty.
3.
O God! Make these children excellent plants. Let them grow and develop in the Garden of Thy Covenant, and bestow freshness and beauty, happiness and welfare upon them. Let them be the signs and tokens of Thy mysteries, the standards of Thy Testament among Thy creatures. O God! Verily, Thou art the mighty, the powerful and unconstrained.
4.
O God! Dispel all those elements which are the cause of discord, and prepare for us all those things which are the cause of unity and accord!
5.
O Thou One! O Thou Mighty! I revere Thee and ask of Thee Thine assistance. Make me firm in the covenant of Thy love and grant me chastity and severance from all save Thee. Illumine my spirit with the light of Thy wisdom and give me a longing for Thy love. Fill my heart with Thy remembrance. Thou art the Most Merciful and Compassionate. Thou art the Almighty and the All-Powerful.
– The Significance of Prayer in Bahai Teachings
1.
Prayer is a fundamental aspect of Bahai teachings, providing believers with a direct connection to God and a means of seeking guidance, protection, and spiritual nourishment. One of the most well-known prayers in the Bahai Faith is the “Bahai Prayer For Protection”:
“O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants, and reveal to them Thy great purpose. May they follow Thy commandments and abide in Thy law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God! Leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the light of Thy knowledge, and cheer their hearts by Thy love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord.”
This prayer highlights the importance of unity, obedience to God’s commandments, and seeking divine guidance and strength in all endeavors. By reciting this prayer, believers are reminded of their dependence on God and their commitment to serving His purpose.
2.
“O God! Refresh and gladden my spirit. Purify my heart. Illumine my powers. I lay all my affairs in Thy hand. Thou art my Guide and my Refuge. I will no longer be sorrowful and grieved; I will be a happy and joyful being.”
This prayer emphasizes the transformative power of prayer in uplifting the spirit, purifying the heart, and bringing joy and happiness to the believer. By surrendering all affairs to God and seeking His guidance, believers can find peace and contentment in their lives.
3.
“O God! Make me a hollow reed from which the pith of self hath been blown, that I may become a clear channel through which Thy love may flow to others.”
This prayer calls for humility and selflessness, asking God to remove the ego and selfish desires from the believer so that they may become a vessel for God’s love to flow to others. It reminds believers of the importance of emptying oneself of worldly attachments and allowing God’s love to work through them.
4.
“O Lord! Make these faces radiant through the light of Thy oneness. Strengthen the loins of Thy servants in the service of Thy kingdom. O Lord! Thou possessor of infinite mercy, unite all. Let the East and the West be bound together in love. Let all the nations become as one in harmony and accord.”
This prayer expresses the desire for unity, harmony, and love among all peoples and nations. It calls for the eradication of prejudice and the establishment of a global community based on mutual respect and cooperation. By reciting this prayer, believers affirm their commitment to building a world founded on the principles of unity and peace.
5.
“O Divine Providence! Bestow Thou in all things purity and cleanliness upon the people of Bahá. Grant that they be freed from all defilement, and released from all addictions. Save them from committing any repugnant act, unbind them from the chains of every evil habit, that they may live pure and free, wholesome and cleanly, worthy to serve at Thy Sacred Threshold and fit to be related to their Lord.”
This prayer emphasizes the importance of personal purity and cleanliness, both in a physical and spiritual sense. It calls for believers to be freed from defilement and addictions, enabling them to serve God with a pure heart and mind. By seeking purity and cleanliness, believers can better reflect the divine attributes and draw closer to God.
– Exploring the Bahai Prayer for Protection
Exploring the Bahai Prayer for Protection
1. “I adjure Thee by Thy might, O my God! Let no harm beset me in times of tests, and in moments of heedlessness guide my steps aright through Thine inspiration.”
This beautiful prayer from the Bahai Faith expresses a deep desire for protection during times of difficulty and moments of distraction. It calls upon God to guard the individual from harm and to provide guidance through divine inspiration.
2. “O God, my God! Stay not from me the gentle gales of Thy pardon and grace, and deprive me not of the wellspring of Thine aid and favor.”
In this prayer, the believer seeks the forgiveness and grace of God, asking not to be deprived of the assistance and favor that come from divine support. It acknowledges the importance of God’s mercy and help in navigating life’s challenges.
3. ”Protect me, protect me, O my Lord, from the hosts of idle fancies and vain imaginations.”
This prayer highlights the need for protection from distractions and unproductive thoughts that can take away from the believer’s focus on spiritual growth and service to others. It asks God to safeguard the heart and mind from being led astray by empty illusions.
4. “O God, my God! I testify to Thy unity and to Thy oneness, and that Thou art God, and there is none other God beside Thee.”
This prayer affirms the believer’s belief in the oneness of God and acknowledges His supreme sovereignty. It serves as a declaration of faith and a reminder of the divine power that can provide protection and guidance in all aspects of life.
5. “I have risen this morning by Thy grace, O my God, and left my home trusting wholly in Thee, and committing myself to Thy care.”
In this prayer, the believer expresses gratitude for the new day and entrusts themselves to the care and protection of God as they go about their daily activities. It reflects a sense of reliance on divine support and a willingness to surrender to God’s will.
6. “O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love.”
This prayer acknowledges the presence of God in the midst of a community or group of believers who are united in worship and devotion. It seeks protection and guidance for the gathering, asking for divine blessings to be poured out on all those present.
It is crucial to remain steadfast in prayer and trust in the protection that comes from seeking divine assistance. As Psalm 91:4 states, “He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings, you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” In times of need, turning to prayer can provide comfort, strength, and a sense of peace in the face of adversity.
– Applying the Prayer for Protection in Daily Life
1. Prayer for Protection
I am protected from all evil, harm, and negativity. I am surrounded by the divine light of protection, guiding my steps and keeping me safe in all I do.
2. Prayer for Guidance
I seek the guidance of the Almighty in all my decisions and actions. May His wisdom lead me on the right path and protect me from wrong choices.
3. Prayer for Strength
Give me the strength to face the challenges of each day with courage and faith. Help me to overcome obstacles and emerge victorious in all my endeavors.
4. Prayer for Peace
Grant me inner peace and tranquility in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. Let your calming presence be a shield around me, bringing serenity to my soul.
5. Prayer for Love
Fill my heart with love and compassion for all beings. Help me to spread kindness and understanding wherever I go, making the world a better place.
6. Prayer for Gratitude
I am grateful for all the blessings in my life, big and small. I thank you, Lord, for your constant protection and guidance, always watching over me.
“Blessed be the LORD, my rock, who trains my hands for war and my fingers for battle.” – Psalm 144:1
In times of uncertainty and fear, the Bahai Prayer for Protection serves as a beacon of light, guiding us towards peace and harmony. Let these powerful words resonate in your heart, providing you with strength and courage in the face of adversity. May the divine protection of the universe envelop you, keeping you safe and secure on your journey through life. Embrace the power of prayer and trust in the boundless love of a higher power. Stay grounded in faith and let your spirit soar. Remember, in the arms of prayer, there is always protection.