The powers
latent in prayer are manifested when it is motivated by the love of God, beyond
any fear or favour, and free from ostentation and superstition. It is to be expressed
with a sincere and pure heart conducive to contemplation and meditation so that
the rational faculty can be illumined by its effects. Such prayer will
transcend the limitation of words and go well beyond mere sounds. The sweetness
of its melodies must gladden and uplift the heart and reinforce the penetrating
power of the Word, transmuting earthly inclinations into heavenly attributes
and inspiring selfless service to humankind.
(The
Universal House of Justice, from a message dated 18 December 2014 to the
Baha’is in Iran)
