Devotional Life of the community

Devotional meetings spring up naturally in a community where a conversation about the spiritual dimension of human existence is growing. In diverse settings, Bahá’ís and their friends and families unite with one another in prayer. There are no rituals; no one individual has any special role. Meetings consist largely of reading prayers and passages from the Bahá’í sacred texts in an informal yet respectful atmosphere. A spirit of communal worship is generated by these simple gatherings, and this spirit begins to permeate the community’s collective endeavours.

Resources

There are many beautiful and cost-effective devotional resources available.

• Connecting Hearts is economically available in English, Chinese, French, Arabic and Filipino as a 5-pack. This booklet is also being developed in Hindi, Nepali, Samoan and Tok Pisin.  They are colour printed on quality matte art paper with Australia flora decorations, and foil stamped with thread-sewn binding. 30 seeker-specific prayers are included, the same prayers in each language edition ! and non-English editions are bilingual ! View online.
• The Hidden Words is economically available in English, Chinese, French, Arabic and Filipino as a 5-pack. This booklet is also being developed in Hindi, Nepali, Samoan and Tok Pisin. While simple in design, the booklets are gold foil stamped with thread-sewn binding. View online.
• Essential Insights is a series of 12 themed books containing selected passages from the writings of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and beautifully illustrated by artist Corrine Randall. Available in two economical packs: View Pack #1 and Pack #2 online.
• In the Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá is a series of five booklets with passages from the writings and talks of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, with themes of Beauty & Harmony, Equality & Justice, Hardship & Spiritual Growth, Health & Well-Being, and Joy & Radiance. View Online.
• Jewels is a series of eight booklets with passages from the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Not all booklets are currently stocked, but those that are, are now available at 50% discount. View Online.

• A pack comprising Hidden Words & Selected Holy Writings, a collection of Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, including The Hidden Words and a selection of other Writings presented as short passages, organised into themes of particular importance for seekers or those studying Institute materials; and Bahá’í Prayers, a collection of prayers organised into themes. The prayers selected are relatively short and easy to read, contain minimal Bahá’í jargon, and are gender neutral. Also included are the daily obligatory Bahá’í prayers, and a few longer prayers of particular potency. View online.

The master collection page on Enhancing Devotional Character providers a comprehensive list of all resources available.

Brochures

While mass distributing brochures is not an effective strategy, the gifting of a professional brochure after a conversation can assist as a reminder of the conversation, include personal contact details, and reinforce the understanding of the necessity for spiritual education.

Brochures also contain the current language used for the Core Activities within Australia, thus they may assist individuals with outreach conversations. View online.