Bahá'í Practices

Community-building is at the heart of our daily activities

Together we explore spiritual topics and discover how to improve our world.

What do Bahá'ís do?

"…all activity begins with this simple strand of love."

Bahá'ís engage in a diverse range of activities, each contributing to the shared vision of the oneness of humanity and the unity of the community. Together, these activities form the vital thread from which a pattern of patient, sustained effort is woven—cycle after cycle.

This pattern seeks to introduce children, youth, and adults to spiritual ideas; nurture a spirit of worship through gatherings for prayer and devotion; encourage meaningful conversations that deepen understanding; invite ever-growing numbers of people into a lifelong study of the Creative Word and its translation into action; build capacity for service alongside others; and accompany one another as we strive to put what we learn into practice.

Devotionals

Devotionals are regular gatherings of people from all faiths and backgrounds who come together in a locality to share prayers and worship. Often held in homes, neighborhoods, or community centers. Devotional gatherings are considered an essential practice of the spiritual wellbeing of a community, and follow no set form or rituals.

The Baha'is of Evanston and communities close by have created spaces for prayer for everyone to join.

Today, these are meetings via Zoom. In the future, devotional gatherings can be held in a local park, homes, back yards, at the beach, anywhere that prayers can be said together in an atmosphere of love and support. All prayers are welcome, from any faith or religious belief.

The meetings usually last an hour, and most during the week are virtual. Some groups may meet in person on the weekends.

Please email evanstonlsa@gmail.com if you would like to be invited to prayer circles. There are several to choose from and we can put you in touch with the closest group to where you live, or the one you can attend because of your schedule.

Bahai Prayers (link)

Children’s Classes

Baha’i children’s classes aim to nurture the hearts and minds of all children. The emphasis of these classes is on helping children learn to reflect on and apply spiritual principles, such as love, unity and justice, to their own lives and to the lives of those around them.

Weekly children’s classes involve:

Saying prayers and singing songs; Memorizing quotations; Learning stories; Playing games; and Creating art projects

These classes help children:

Develop spiritual qualities such as love, generosity, unity, truthfulness, kindness and justice; Discover their own unique talents and capacities; Discover the world of nature and create art; and Develop a sense of purpose.

Junior Youth Program

The Junior Youth Spiritual Empowerment Program engages peers aged 11 to 15 to help them develop their powers of expression, capacities for moral reasoning, and an ethic of service to others. The program combines study, mentorship and social action. It is spiritual in nature and is inclusive to all Faith backgrounds.

Weekly junior youth groups involve:

A spiritual prayer, song or meditation; Service projects and planning for the community; Studying a moral story and having discussions; and Creating art, playing games, and having fun.

These classes help young teens:

Practice power of expression; Become active in their community; Discover their own unique talents and capacities; Develop leadership and planning skills; Develop a sense of purpose; Improve literacy confidence; and Build long-lasting positive friendships with neighbors.

Study Circles

Study Circles are a decentralized and participatory approach to learning where groups of friends and neighbors engage in study themes from the Bahá’í writings applicable to all regardless of background or belief to develop their capacity to serve their community. Study circles are facilitated by a tutor who also accompanies the participants in their learning.

Fireside Conversation

A Bahá'í Fireside (not always around fireplaces) is an informal meeting that usually has a short presentation in advance of discussion. Topics can be chosen ahead of time, but questions are always welcome and encouraged.

Social Action

Social Action seek to promote the social and material well-being of people from every background, regardless of their beliefs, culture, or circumstances. Motivated by a desire to serve humanity, these efforts contribute to constructive social change by addressing the needs and aspirations of individuals and communities.

We are happy to answer any questions you have about them. Please email Evanstonlsa@gmail.com for more information.

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