Prayer for the Southern States
O my God! O my God! Thou seest me in my lowliness and weakness, occupied with the greatest undertaking, determined to raise Thy word among the masses and to spread Thy teachings among Thy peoples. How can I succeed unless Thou assist me with the breath of the Holy Spirit, help me to triumph by the hosts of Thy glorious kingdom, and shower upon me Thy confirmations, which alone can change a gnat into an eagle, a drop of water into rivers and seas, and an atom into lights and suns? O my Lord! Assist me with Thy triumphant and effective might, so that my tongue may utter Thy praises and attributes among all people and my soul overflow with the wine of Thy love and knowledge.
Thou art the Omnipotent and the Doer of whatsoever Thou willest.
~ Abdu’l-Baha, Baha’i Prayer
This particular prayer was revealed to the Baha’is of the Southern States with the following direction:
Every soul who travels through the cities, villages and hamlets of these States and is engaged in the diffusion of the fragrances of God, should peruse this commune every morning.
I have had the pleasure of getting to know a Baha’i community located in a Southern State for the past few months. It has been a delightful experience for me. I grew up in the area many years ago before I had ever heard of the Baha’i Faith. Upon my return I was very pleased to see a small, but growing community of dedicated followers and teachers of the Faith. Although I am leaving this town again, tomorrow, every time I hear the above prayer I will think of the deeds of this community, the good work they are doing and the friends that I have made there. I will all of them.