This “Prayer for America” as it has become known was first written into the collection of Baha’i prayers in 1912 by ‘Abdu’l Baha, the son of Baha’u’llah, when he visited Chicago. The prayer speaks to the role of America to lead the world spiritually and be a beacon for the unity of humanity. Baha’u’llah had written to the leaders in the Americas circa 1873 urging them to “bind ye the broken with the hands of justice…”
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. Oh 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 favors and is deserving of Thy mercy. Make it precious and near to Thee through Thy bounty and bestowal.
