There is no set format or formula for running a devotional, and they run the gamut from organized public events through to informal sharing of prayers and readings around a coffee table. So in this post I thought I would explore some ideas for devotional gatherings. If you have more ideas, please do share them in the comments! Beautiful images can be a magical addition to a devotional gathering. Software such as PowerPoint can be used to create a slow running slideshow of images which you can project on to a nearby wall to slowly fade in the background during readings and prayer. Selection of images is absolutely key as you want images that are visually beautiful, interesting and consistent with the gathering. Expect to spend a lot of time finding, choosing and cropping images for your slideshow. Think outside the box and look for creative, artful images that convey an idea, or abstract enough to just give a visual ambience to the room. Party favours work a treat at a variety of other get togethers, so why not something small from your devotional gathering? A common take-away is a copy of the programme so that attendees can continue to reflect on the readings later, or perhaps use them in their own devotions.
19 Day Baha'i Feast Devotional Program Topics
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Devotions Programs. M arose at four and crossed the city, arriving for his lesson at six. With what exultant expectation he must have greeted this opportunity! M followed suit, taking care to place himself directly across.
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Verily, it is enjoined upon you to offer a feast, once in every month, though only water be served; for God hath purposed to bind hearts together, albeit through both earthly and heavenly means. This Feast was established by His Highness the Bab, to occur once in nineteen days. Therefore, it hath the utmost importance. Undoubtedly you must give the greatest attention to its establishment and raise it to the highest point of importance, so that it may become continual and constant. The believers of God must assemble and associate with each other in the utmost love, joy and fragrance. They must conduct themselves in these Feasts with the greatest dignity and consideration, chant divine verses, peruse instructive articles, read the Tablets of Abdul-Baha, encourage and inspire each other with love for the whole human race, invoke God with perfect joy and fragrance, sing the verses, glorifications and praises of the Self-subsistent Lord and deliver eloquent speeches. The owner of the house must personally serve the beloved ones. He must seek after the comfort of all and with the utmost humility he must show forth kindness to every one. Although the Bab inaugurated and instituted the Day Feast, this spiritual and divine institution evolved over time. Devotional meetings, which can be held any time and any place, allows the participants to experience that devotional character.
The state of prayer is the best of conditions, for man is then associating with God. Know thou that supplication and prayer is the water of life. It is the cause of the vivification of existence and brings glad tidings and joy to the soul. The participants themselves decide what prayers or readings they would like to offer.
