About Devotionals

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Artwork (block crayon) by Jacoline Mulhall, Yellow Springs, Ohio

In the Baha’i Faith we have no clergy so various members of the community offer to host devotionals (decide on a topic, choose writings & music from sacred scriptures and incorporate the arts if they feel inspired to do so). We also don’t interpret the Sacred Scripture for others so we do not have sermons. We do however share our thoughts through discussion either as part of the devotional or during the fellowship portion.

Prayer offered both in private and in the company of others, is regarded as essential spiritual nourishment, providing inspiration for positive personal and social change. At devotional gatherings scripture may be read from the Baha’i sacred writings as well as other holy books such as the Bible and the Quran. Baha’is use the prayers revealed by the Báb, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. There is no congregational recitation of prayers unless the prayer has been put to music and is sung. Others may be invited to offer a prayer from their spiritual tradition as well.

The Baha’is of Yellow Springs host a community devotional once monthly on Sunday at 11:00 am at the Baha’i Center. Our devotionals consist of reading of Sacred Scriptures, prayer, music, fellowship, and refreshments. There are no sacraments, no rituals and no request for funds.