The Bahá'í teachings prescribe daily prayer and intimate communion with God as the foundation for a life devoted to spiritual growth and service to humanity. The Bahá’í Faith has no clergy or sacraments, and only a few simple rites to mark major life transitions like marriages and funerals. Any occupation or daily work performed in a spirit of service is considered the highest form of worshiping and praising God. Bahá’u’lláh wrote, “It is incumbent upon each one of you to engage in some occupation—such as a craft, a trade or the like. We have exalted your engagement in such work to the rank of worship of the one true God.”

Worship gatherings take place in every Bahá’í community. These gatherings are open to everyone—Bahá’ís and those who are not Bahá’ís. Participants are encouraged to recite prayers, read from the sacred scriptures, chant and sing.

Once every nineteen days, Bahá’ís gather in their local community to attend what is called the Feast. This is a unique meeting among religious practices, for it involves three distinct portions: devotions in the form of readings and songs based on the Bahá’í scriptures, consultation about the Bahá’í community’s affairs, and a social or fellowship portion which includes refreshments and visiting together.

In addition, Bahá'í communities strive build human capacity to foster the material and spiritual well-being of all humanity. Bahá'ís:

• Engage in collective study and application of the word of God. Bahá'ís host study circles, which are open to everyone, to learn together about the Word of God, gain insights into living a spiritual life, and encourage one another in performing concrete acts of service to the community.

• Come together for regular devotional gatherings. In addition to practicing private prayer and meditation, Baha'is gather in one another's homes and community centers for collective worship. By reciting prayers, reading the World of God, and singing or listening to music together, hearts are knit together in joy and fellowship.

• Foster the spiritual education of children. The Bahá’í community places great emphasis on the moral and spiritual education of children. Classes are held weekly in hundreds of localities across the United States.

• Mentor teens and preteens in a path of service. Bahá'í communities mentor teens during this formative period, helping them to develop spiritual virtues, a sense of world citizenship and a lifelong commitment to serve humanity.

• Work with international agencies, governments and non-governmental organizations to foster a peaceful and just social order. Bahá'ís have consultative status at the United Nations and engage in education and advocacy to promote human rights, the advancement of women, moral education and sustainable development.

• Contribute to the social and economic development of their communities and nations. Hundreds of Bahá'í development projects in such areas as literacy and health education are underway throughout the world.

To find Baha'i devotionals or other activities near you, call 1-800-22-UNITE or go to http://contact.bahai.us.