Lou, Northamptonshire
I'm a born-and-bred English girl, raised in a family with no religious framework. After deep investigation, I joined the Bahá’í Faith because it answered so many of my questions about spiritual concepts and offered practical ways to solve the problems of the world. For example, the opportunity to put the beautiful Bahá’í teachings into practice through children's classes, devotional gatherings and study circles has been a source of absolute joy for me. Giving children the opportunity to explore spiritual virtues has been so rewarding and has actually been an incredible source of learning for myself!
In devotional gatherings and study circles, I have found that connecting with people (of whatever background and belief system), through sharing thoughts and experiences on spiritual themes relevant for today, has formed friendships of such depth so quickly. I guess this is because we get to the essence of how we all think and feel. Then, when we act together to serve our local community, the bonds grow even deeper and real unity is generated; an experience which is deeply joyful.
By giving time to the spiritual side of our existence, we see our daily lives in a different perspective.
Bahá’ís across the United Kingdom, with neighbours and colleagues, are helping to revitalise our communities by holding regular devotional meetings
These meetings usually take place in people’s homes, or other settings.
Praying and reflecting together on spiritual principles is an essential part of life. Devotional meetings stimulate a spiritual awareness within our selves and create stronger, deeper bonds in our neighbourhoods and amongst our friends.
Sharing prayers
The heart of a devotional meeting is the sharing of prayers and passages from Holy Scriptures, but beyond this there is no set form. Devotional meetings are a chance for us to learn how to create an uplifting, spiritual atmosphere. This often involves music and the arts. The key is to help clear our minds from the anxieties of our daily lives and to meditate on our higher purpose.
A spirit of unity and love emerges from these gatherings. They can have a powerful effect on our lives. By giving time to the spiritual side of our existence, we see our daily lives in a different perspective. Challenges that defeated us in the past may seem less daunting. The ability to have inner strength and serve other people may grow.
Anyone can hold a devotional meeting
And most importantly, these devotional meetings can be held by anyone, either by hosting one in our own home, or helping to host a meeting elsewhere. The Bahá’í teachings seek to empower us to create an uplifting and spiritual atmosphere in our own communities.
You are welcome to join a devotional meetings near you, and to simply sit, meditate and enjoy the atmosphere, or to play a more active role. An attitude of prayer and reverence is universal to all religions and the need to reflect on our lives is appreciated by people of no faith. These devotional gatherings are open to all.