Baha'i prayer to be reproduced

The Baha'i faith's world center is the Universal House of Justice in Haifa, Israel, and its nine-member governing council for the Baha'is of the United States, the National Spiritual Assembly, have requested Knoxville residents Gary and Cheri Matthew to reproduce several versions of the faith's prayer for America. The Matthews, who are Baha'i, own Stonehaven Press, which publishes religious text. The faith has a specific prayer for the United States. There are two designs for the postcards and posters, one featuring flags draping like a curtain on three sides and another in a red-white and blue abstract. The petite cards and bookmarks have a third design -- blue background with tiny red stars.

The Prayer for America from Baha'i Holy Scriptures reads: "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 ones 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."

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