A Hundred Thousand Hopes – My Thoughts on the Power of Prayer

Often when I pray, I get exactly what I want. Sometimes it happens immediately, but other times, I discover years later what gifts were prepared for me.

A decade ago, my father was working in Haifa as a volunteer. For me, one of the many blessings of his seven years at the Baha’i World Centre was that I visited on numerous occasions and stayed for two or three weeks at a stretch. In many ways, these times were similar to a pilgrimage because I was able to visit the Holy Shrines to pray and meditate on my path of service.

A dozen years ago, I visited my father over a long school vacation. I went alone because my husband was working at a summer school and could not take time off. During those days in the Holy Land, I would walk the paths through the gardens to pray at the Shrine of the Bab on Mount Carmel or I would find a sherut taxi to escort me to the Shrine of Baha’u’llah in Bahji. Friends had prepared me for this experience by encouraging me to take time in these holy places to be fully present. Thus, I memorized the details so that whenever I needed to return the memories would bring me back.

I looked at the Persian carpets with intricate designs, the Chinese vases filled with dozens of roses, and the kumquat bushes planted in the garden. Then, my eye fell upon a lamp. I thought to myself: “What is it made of? Is it gold leaf or just gold-coloured paint?” I scolded myself for wondering about interior decorating when I was in such a special site.

However, this passing thought led me know that Baha’u’llah will answer all my questions—no matter how big or small they may be! Over the next few days of my visit, I met several people who allayed my curiosities. In a sherut taxi, I sat next to an artist who restored the ornamentations in and around these holy places. She told me all about the laborious efforts needed to keep the artwork in pristine condition. At a dinner, I heard how specific vases were gifted by different national Baha’i communities and carefully transported to Israel. I learned about Ruhhiyih Khanum’s visits to antiques dealers to procure ornamentations for the buildings and gardens. Without asking, my questions about decorations were answered. With a chuckle, I knew how generous these encounters had been and that I should be mindful what I thought about in the Shrines.

During that July visit, I meditated on my life choices. My husband and I were pioneering internationally. We lived in a megacity where there were supposedly many other Baha’is too. However, after a few years of trying to meet people and make friends, I felt isolated and alone. I did not know many people in my local community, and I had few acquaintances who I trusted. I prayed to find other Baha’is to help in the teaching efforts in my school community where I worked. I went to the Shrine of Baha’u’llah and asked for assistance.

When I returned to the visitors’ centre, I was introduced to another family who lived in the same city where I worked. I was shocked to meet neighbours thousands of miles from home, yet this encounter was confirmation that I was not alone. After speaking with them further, I learned that their son was a student at another branch of the very same school where I worked. For the last three years, he had taught his friends by words and deeds what it meant to be a Baha’i.

This miracle befuddled me. All along, I had not been alone! The answer to my prayers had already been set in motion—before I had even uttered them. Things were happening that were hidden from me. I was unaware of processes unfolding all around me.

Over many years, I visited Israel several times. I had the great fortune to see the Holy Places during different seasons and be alone in the Shrines. I had ample time to place my head at the threshold and pray uninterrupted without concern. However, on other visits there would be dozens of people milling round in adoration all eager to pray in these sacred spots.

One night, the Shrine of Baha’u’llah was full of a hundred visitors. It was humming with the sound of people communing with God. I could barely walk across the Persian carpets without stepping on toes or prayerbooks. There was a line of people patiently waiting to approach the threshold to the room where Baha’u’llah is buried to kneel down and pray. I knew that for many of these guests it was their first time visiting and that they did not have the luxury of coming back at their leisure. Thus, I set aside my disappointment and made my intention to quickly pay my respects and then move aside to allow others this blessing of praying so close to Baha’u’llah.

At the threshold, no wider than the width of a door, I knelt next to another pilgrim and touched my forehead to the ground with a quick bow. Time stopped! All was quiet! I was transported to a world of white light where I knelt before a clear stream. The water laughed and played in my ears. A refreshing breeze washed over my soul. When I sat up and opened my eyes, not more than a few seconds had passed. I was back in the Shrine of Baha’u’llah surrounded by people.

Was that other world real? Once more, I bowed to pray. Again, I was transported to the edge of the clear stream in the realm of white light. It was there for me! Every time I closed my eyes and bowed my head in prayer, I could return to this mystic place.

This was my gift. Wherever I go, I am only one prayer away from this serene heaven. There are Holy Places, but also Baha’u’llah says: “Blessed is the spot…where mention of God hath been made, and His praise glorified.”

Now that I know deep in my soul that all my prayers will be answered, I only ask for what I need and what will help others too. Prayers are powerful! I’d like to close with this prayer by Abdu’l-Baha:

O thou who art turning thy face towards God! Close thine eyes to all things else, and open them to the realm of the All-Glorious. Ask whatsoever thou wishest of Him alone; seek whatsoever thou seekest from Him alone. With a look He granteth a hundred thousand hopes, with a glance He healeth a hundred thousand incurable ills, with a nod He layeth balm on every wound, with a glimpse He freeth the hearts from the shackles of grief. He doeth as He doeth, and what recourse have we? He carrieth out His Will, He ordaineth what He pleaseth. Then better for thee to bow down thy head in submission, and put thy trust in the All-Merciful Lord.

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Rehema Marie Clarken

Dr. Rehema Marie Clarken finds joy in daily meditation, chasing waterfalls, and playing with languages. Whether in her writing or her teaching, she is dedicated to making safe havens for nerdy creatives to thrive. Formerly, she was a high school principal in bustling Beijing. Now, she lives in rural Michigan where she teaches at Michigan Technological University and runs the Keweenaw Learning Center. In 2024, she published Pyrrha’s Journey, a young adult fantasy adventure novel. You can find her @Rehema.the.Writer on Instagram and Facebook.