Living a Spiritual Life: Prayer Dr. Rodney H. Clarken Copyright © 2011

Module objective You will appreciate, understand and practice prayer, separate from the essential requisite of saying obligatory prayers. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is prayer? Silent or spoken petition made to God or a god. Prayer has been practiced in all religions throughout history. Its characteristic postures (bowing the head, kneeling, prostration) and position of the hands (raised, outstretched, clasped) signify an attitude of submission and devotion. (Britannica Concise Encyclopedia) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is the role of prayer in religion? The traditions established the fact that in all Dispensations the law of prayer hath constituted a fundamental element of the Revelation of all the Prophets of God -- a law the form and the manner of which hath been adapted to the varying requirements of every age. (Baha'u'llah, The Kitab-i-Iqan, p. 38) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is really important in prayer? "He feels more emphasis should be laid on the importance and power of prayer, including the use of The Greatest Name, but not over-emphasizing. It is the spirit behind the words which is really important.' (Shoghi Effendi in Spiritual Foundations, p. 18) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is the best condition? "The prayerful condition is the best of all conditions, for man in such a state communeth with God, especially when prayer is offered in private and at times when one's mind is free, such as at midnight. Indeed, prayer imparteth life." ('Abdu'l-Bahá, in Spiritual Foundations) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Do we have to pray and meditate for hours to be spiritual? “We don’t have to pray and meditate for hours to be spiritual.” (on behalf of Shoghi Effendi in Spiritual Foundations #56) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Where can the heart find rest? "Only in the remembrance of God can the heart find rest." (Selections from the Writing of Abdul Baha, p.96) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is God’s first counsel? My first counsel is this: Possess a pure, kindly and radiant heart, that thine may be a sovereignty ancient, imperishable and everlasting." (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words #1) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is purity of heart while communing with God? One of “the virtues and attributes pertaining unto God…mentioned and described in all the heavenly Books…. rank(s), according to the estimate of God, among the highest and most laudable of all acts.” (GWB 290) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What does remembrance of God do? “a healing medicine to the souls and a light to the hearts of mm" (Baha'u'llah, The Arabic Hidden Words) “cleanseth all things from defilement." Gleanings from the Writing of Baha'u'llah, p.323 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What do prayers and fasting cause and protect us from? Beside all this, prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness and conducive to protection and preservation from tests. (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 684) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

When are we excused from prayer? Know thou that prayer is indispensable and obligatory, and man under no pretext whatsoever is excused from performing the prayer unless he be mentally unsound, or an insurmountable obstacle prevent him. (Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of Abdu'l-Baha v3, p. 683) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is the chief means of acquiring spirituality? It is not sufficient for a believer merely to accept and observe the teachings. He should, in addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality which he can acquire chiefly by means of prayer. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What best feeds the soul? Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers. It is the soul of man which has first to be fed. And this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is absolutely indispensable to inner spiritual development? "The believers, particularly the young ones, should, therefore, fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development, and this, as already stated, is the very foundation and purpose of the religion of God.“ (above 3 from Shoghi Effendi, 12/8/35) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What is the most acceptable prayer? "The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God. The more detached and the purer the prayer, the more acceptable is it in the presence of God." (Selections from the Writing of the Bab, p.77-78) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Why pray if God know our hearts? If one friend loves another, is it not natural that he should wish to say so? Though he knows that that friend is aware of his love, does he still not wish to tell him of it? ... It is true that God knows the wishes of all hearts; but the impulse to pray is a natural one, springing from man's love to God. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Is it enough to say the words of the prayer? "... Prayer need not be in words, but rather in thought and action. But if this love and this desire are lacking, it is useless to try to force them. Words without love mean nothing. If a person talks to you as an unpleasant duty, finding neither love nor enjoyment in the meeting, do you to converse with him?" AB in BNE, p.94 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

To whom should we pray? "While praying it would be better to turn one's thoughts to the Manifestation as He continues, in the other world, to be our means of contact with the Almighty. We can, however, pray directly to God Himself B of SE, 4/27/37 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

What are the 5 steps to prayer? “Shoghi Effendi replied, in letters written by his secretary on his behalf, that the notes [on 5 steps to prayer] should be regarded as "Personal suggestions," that he considered them to be "quite sound," but that the friends need not adopt  them 'strictly and universally.” 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

How to pray about a problem? The House of Justice feels that they may be helpful to you... use these five steps if we have a problem of any kind for which we desire a solution, or wish help. (The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 384) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

1st step: Pray and meditate about it. Use the prayers of the Manifestations, as they have the greatest power. Learn to remain in the silence of contemplation for a few moments. During this deepest communion take the next step. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

2nd step: Arrive at a decision and hold to this. This decision is usually born in a flash at the close or during the contemplation. It may seem almost impossible of accomplishment, but if it seems to be an answer to prayer or a way of solving the problem, then immediately take the next step. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

3rd step: Have determination to carry the decision through. Many fail here. The decision, budding into determination, is blighted and instead becomes a wish or a vague longing. When determination is born, immediately take the next step. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

4th step: Have faith and confidence, that the Power of the Holy Spirit will flow through you, the right way will appear, the door will open, the right message, the right principle or the right book will be given to you. Have confidence, and the right thing will come to meet your need. Then as you rise from prayer take immediately the fifth step. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

5th step: Act as though it had all been answered. Then act with tireless, ceaseless energy. And, as you act, you yourself will become a magnet which will attract more power to your being, until you become an unobstructed channel for the Divine Power to flow through you. (The Universal House of Justice, Messages 1963 to 1986, p. 385) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Briefly list the five steps to prayer. ____________________________ 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Brief list of the five steps to prayer. Pray and meditate Arrive at a decision and hold to this. Have determination to carry the decision through. Have confidence the right thing will come to meet your need. Act as though it had all been answered. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Assignment: Use the 5 steps with a current problem Now or within the next day, use the 5 steps to solve a problem that you are currently facing. Until you apply these practices in your life, you will not experience the power they have. It will take some practice to get good at this and may seem artificial at first, but if you persevere, you will reap great results. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Assignment: Consult with others about your experience. Share your experience, success, questions and concerns with another person. If you are in a class or studying this module with others, discuss your experience with them. Through consulting about our learning, we can gain deeper understanding, growth and appreciation. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Memorize this prayer or another of your choice. 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 Refuge. I will no longer be full of anxiety, nor will I let trouble harass me. I will not dwell on the unpleasant things of life. O God! Thou art more friend to me than I am to myself. I dedicate myself to Thee, O Lord. (`Abdu'l-Bahá) 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Concluding exercises The following exercises are to help you consolidate and assess your learning in this module. Try to answer first from your memory, then you may go back to the presentation or the next slide to get some ideas. Please add more of your own as you review the program and reflect on your learning and experience. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Describe what is prayer. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Possible answers to what is prayer? Supplication, spiritual communion and conversation with God. Like rain pouring down on plant. Highest prayer is for the love and will of God. Review the slides above to get more answers 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Give some reasons why to pray 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Possible answers to why pray. Not to fulfill desires, but be in accord with God. Absolutely indispensable to inner spiritual development - cultivates a sense of spirituality. Draws us nearer to and causes a connection and association with God. If the prayer is in accord with divine wisdom, it will be answered. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Give some ideas on how to pray. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Some ideas on how to pray. With a PHD: Pure-Hearted Devotion or Purity, Humility & Detachment. In private and free from care, combined with love, meditation, thought and action. Direct prayers to God through Manifestation. Do not make too long. Study and read more about prayer. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Further references For further guidance on prayer and meditation including the three obligatory prayers, you may search online or go to one of the websites given before or below bahai-library.com/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki en.bahaitext.org/Lights_of_Guidance/Obligatory_Prayer 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Further references Spiritual Foundations: Prayer, Meditation, and the Devotional Attitude. Kitab-i-Aqdas Prayers and Meditations 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken

Complete Reference Source The quickest and easiest way to get to the original and full source for any of the quotes in this presentation is to download Ocean, Free Software Library of the World's Religious Literature, at http://bahai-education.org/ocean/ and copy a short phrase from the quote into its search engine. It contains over 1000 books of 10 world religions. 4/6/2019 © Rodney H Clarken