In the highest prayer, man prays only for the love of God
"Prayer is conversation with God" - Abdu'l-Bahá.
Prayer is a central element of faith in all revealed religions and its impulse is natural, springing from man's love for God. For the Bahá'ís, the purpose of life is to know and love God and to progress spiritually. As in most other religions, prayer and meditation are essential tools for spiritual development. Bahá'u'lláh Himself has revealed hundreds of prayers. There are prayers for different occasions and circumstances for example healing, spiritual growth, assistance, tests and difficulties, marriage, unity, peace, and humanity.
The word of God is a source of inspiration to mankind and gladdens the heart. Bahá'í communities regularly hold prayer meetings where they pray and meditate on the sacred writings. These meetings can be held at Bahá'í centres or in individual homes. The programme is usually simple and does not involve any rituals. These meetings are open to all and aim to raise the spirituality of the individual and the community. During these prayer meetings, the Bahá'í Writings and the sacred books of the other revealed religions of the world can be used.
Bahá'u'lláh also revealed obligatory prayers to be recited with faith and love by the Bahá'ís. These prayers are meant to strengthen our connection with our Creator and thereby attain the station that is truly ours – the station of lowly servitude. In them we attest to our powerlessness and to God's might; to our poverty, and to God's wealth.