Bahá’í Faith Nice to be here My name is ….. and I am a member of the Bahá’í community of ……. The Bahá’í Faith is the newest world religion Its purpose is to unite all the peoples of the world in one universal purpose, one common faith

Bahá’u’lláh Bahá’ís are followers of Bahá’u’lláh This is not a name but a title, and it means “The Glory of God” Bahá’u’lláh taught that the world can be a better place… … and that the time for the peoples of the world to be united is now

Oneness of God Oneness of religion Oneness of mankind A very important teaching of the Bahá’í Faith is unity There is only one God All the religions are basically the same, because they all come from God. Even though we think that the religions are very difference, their teachings are similar People are all equal in the eyes of God Bahá’u’lláh taught that people can learn to cooperate and bring peace in the world. Each one of us can contribute to this by choosing the right actions in our daily lives

Bahá’u’lláh “… a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” Bahá’u’lláh says that a person is “a mine rich in gems of inestimable value” [say this slowly] “inestimable” means you can’t measure it A mine doesn’t look much on the outside We have to extract and polish the precious stones We each have talents that are gifts from God: e.g. good at football or playing a musical instrument Some people are good at listening; looking after someone who is ill; very reliable; a true friend… We call these gems “virtues” With our own hidden gifts, we can do good in the world

Examples of virtues Kindness Respect Friendliness Compassion Courage Honesty Trustworthiness [give examples of each of the virtues listed, relevant to the pupils’ lives and age group] Take a moment to think about your friends, teachers, members of your family Is there someone you associate with a particular virtue? Which virtue do you think other people associate with you? When they think of you, are they thinking “x is very reliable…” Which virtue would you like to work on and develop more? This week … and for the rest of your life! [this is the most important slide, so take it slowly]

A Bahá’í Prayer O God! Guide me, protect me, make of me a shining lamp and a brilliant star. Thou art the Mighty and the Powerful. [before showing the prayer] Bahá’u’lláh’s son had the title of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, which means “servant of the glory” He said “Strive that your actions day by day may become beautiful prayers” Now I’m going to read you a prayer in the words of A-B. But before I do, I would like to thank you for inviting me to speak to you today, and showing the virtue of respect [now reveal the prayer, and read it SLOWLY] [after the prayer, click over to the last slide]

Bahá’í Faith