June 18, 2023 will mark 40 years since 10 Baha’i women were hanged in Shiraz. Their only ‘crime’ was their refusal to renounce their beliefs in a faith that promotes the principles of gender equality, unity, justice, and truthfulness. This collection highlights Baha’i Blog content relating to the ongoing persecution of Baha’is in Iran.
Baha’i Blog Studio Sessions is an initiative where we invite Baha’is and their friends from around the world to come into a studio and share the Baha’i Writings put to music.
In this Baha’i Blog Studio Session, we’re in San Francisco, USA, with Amelia Rae singing “Prayer for America” based on a prayer by Abdu’l-Baha.
This song was filmed and recorded in San Francisco, USA, February 2017.
Quotes & Lyrics
This song is an excerpt taken from a prayer for America by Abdu’l-Baha. Below is the excerpt used for the lyrics followed by the full prayer.
“O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God!” ….
-Abdu’l-Baha
FULL PRAYER:
“O Thou kind Lord! This gathering is turning to Thee. These hearts are radiant with Thy love. These minds and spirits are exhilarated by the message of Thy glad-tidings. O God! Let this American democracy become glorious in spiritual degrees even as it has aspired to material degrees, and render this just government victorious. Confirm this revered nation to upraise the standard of the oneness of humanity, to promulgate the Most Great Peace, to become thereby most glorious and praiseworthy among all the nations of the world. O God! This American nation is worthy of Thy favours and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.”
-Abdu’l-Baha
Chords & Lyrics
G Em
O Thou kind lord
G D7
This gathering is turning to Thee
G Em
These hearts are
G D7
Radiant with Thy love
G Em D7
These minds and spirits are
G Em D7
Exhilarated by
G D7
The message of Thy glad tidings
G D7
O God
G D7
O God
You can also listen to and download the audio version of this song from Baha’i Blog’s Soundcloud page here: “Prayer for America” by Amelia Rae.
Naysan is passionate about using the arts and media to explore the teachings of the Baha’i Faith. Back in 2011, Naysan started up the Baha’i Blog project, channeling his experiences in both media and technology companies to help create a hub for Baha’i-inspired content online.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia.
We recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.
Baha’i Blog is a non-profit independent initiative
The views expressed in our content reflect individual perspectives and do not represent the official views of the Baha’i Faith.