Comments on: Nothing Sweeter: Nurturing a Practice of Prayer

By: Wendy Scott

Wendy Scott — Sun, 30 Nov 2025 07:28:57 +0000

I do much more praying and meditating now that I’m retired. The way our lives are in this society, it’s hard to find the time, or even if you find the time, the energy to pray.

I also have a prayer area, in a corner of a large bedroom I use for other things, with a lot of the items you mentioned. Years ago, when my son was a boy, he walked in on me when I was saying the Long Obligatory Prayer. He didn’t stay, but years later, he told me it made a huge impression on him to see me praying in private with no one to watch. He’s now a very dedicated believer. If we can squeeze in the time for prayers even when our kids are young and we are swamped, it is well worth it.

By: Arie Niernberger

Arie Niernberger — Fri, 28 Nov 2025 17:13:45 +0000

Hi, I am reading this article just now, years after it was first published. Thank you for sharing your journey of prayer; I can relate to most of it.
It may seem nitpicking (well, that’s how I am at times), I can’t help wanting to point out that if you always take one step forward and two steps back, you move backwards. It makes more sense that two steps forward and one step back would allow you to progress, which you obviously have.
Thank you.
Arie

By: Michelle Goering

Michelle Goering — Fri, 10 Jun 2022 16:40:07 +0000

In reply to Jim G.

Good morning Jim. I so appreciate your catching this and pointing it out! I’m letting the editors know; they’ll want to change this.
Have a wonderful day!
Michelle

By: Jim G

Jim G — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 19:43:55 +0000

“The most acceptable prayer is the one offered with the utmost spirituality and radiance; its prolongation hath not been and is not beloved by God.”

This passage is from the Bab, not Abdu’l-Baha

By: Michelle Goering

Michelle Goering — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:54:37 +0000

In reply to Philip Koomen. Thank you Phil! I'm moved that you find these articles personally helpful and resonant. I had a long conversation with my 20-year-old twin sons yesterday about your series of articles and about what it means to practice a craft in an ethical way. One is a writer, the other a musician and lifelong Lego creator. I'm going to share the articles with them; I think they'll find them confirming and inspiring. It takes courage and faith to pursue a life in the arts and crafts. And it is so worthy. Best, Michelle

By: Philip Koomen

Philip Koomen — Thu, 09 Jun 2022 17:44:37 +0000

Hi Michelle,
I like and appreciate the honestly of this article on your struggle with learning to pray. I think western Bahais find prayer an unnatural thing to do. I was watching a video on Bahai pilgrimage I went on in 2003 and saw and heard myself saying on the video that I hoped I would learn more about the nature and purpose of prayer through my visit. I’d forgotten I’d said that! I can definitely say I feel prayer is now a natural state of orientation but only after decades of trying.
Of course it is still work in progress. Keep up these articles – they are authentic and connect with others,e.g. me. BTW. I’ve printed off “Watching My Tongue…” and refer to it after my devotionals on a regular basis. Phil