Devotional gatherings
A simple, prayerful hour where neighbours of every background read sacred writings, share music, and reflect together.
All are warmly welcome — no faith background is assumed and none is required.
A devotional gathering is the simplest of meetings: a small group of friends, neighbours and strangers who set aside an hour to read sacred words together, share a little music, and sit in reflection. There is no sermon, no clergy, and no obligation.
Devotionals are hosted in living rooms, parks, community centres and offices across Canada. They draw on the Bahá'í teaching that prayer and remembrance of the divine knit a community together — and that the sacred writings of every tradition are a shared inheritance of humanity.
What to expect
First 5 minutes
Arrival
You'll be greeted at the door, offered a seat, and usually a cup of tea or water. Shoes-off is common but never required. Phones are silenced.
About 45 minutes
The devotional itself
The host reads a short welcome and then everyone takes turns — at their own comfort — reading a prayer or passage. Selections come from the Bahá'í writings and from Christian, Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Indigenous and humanist sources. Music, a short song, or silent reflection are often woven in. You are always free to listen rather than read.
15–30 minutes
Refreshments and conversation
Tea, coffee, a sweet or two, and unhurried conversation. This is where friendships form. Leave whenever you need to.
Who comes
- Adults and families of every age — children are welcome and usually find a quiet corner with crayons or a parent's lap.
- People of every faith and of no faith: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, Indigenous friends, agnostics, seekers, and Bahá'ís.
- Newcomers to Canada, long-time neighbours, students, retirees — anyone the host has met and invited.
- Dress is whatever you wore that day; there is no dress code.
What to do
- Come as you are, on time or a few minutes early.
- Bring a friend or family member if you'd like.
- Read a passage of your own choosing if you feel moved to.
- Ask questions afterwards — hosts love conversation.
What you don't need to do
- You are not asked to pray aloud, sing, or speak.
- There is no collection, donation jar, or membership ask.
- You will not be 'converted' or pressured. Bahá'ís do not proselytise.
- You don't need to bring anything, though a small treat to share is always appreciated.
A sample programme
Every gathering has its own rhythm — this is one realistic outline.
- 7:00 pm
- Welcome and a brief introduction by the host
- 7:05 pm
- Opening prayer from the Bahá'í writings
- 7:10 pm
- A reading from the Gospels or the Qur'án
- 7:15 pm
- A piece of music or a sung prayer
- 7:25 pm
- Two or three more readings, chosen around a theme like unity, justice or gratitude
- 7:45 pm
- A closing prayer and an invitation to refreshments
- 7:50 pm
- Tea, conversation and unhurried fellowship
Origins & meaning
The Bahá'í Faith teaches that prayer is a daily, personal conversation with the divine — and that gathering with others to pray softens hearts and strengthens neighbourhoods. Devotionals grew out of this teaching as a way for Bahá'ís and their friends to share that practice without ceremony.
Today, devotional gatherings are one of the four 'core activities' that Bahá'í communities around the world host as a service to their neighbourhoods. There are tens of thousands of them worldwide, in homes, refugee camps, university lounges and farms.
- Bahá'í Faith
- An independent world religion founded in the 19th century by Bahá'u'lláh, which teaches the oneness of God, the oneness of religion, and the oneness of humanity.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to be Bahá'í to attend?+
No. Devotional gatherings are explicitly open to people of every faith and of no faith. Many regular attendees are not Bahá'í.
Will I be asked to pray aloud or read?+
Only if you wish to. The host will offer you a passage you can read, but a smile and a 'I'll just listen tonight' is always welcome.
Is there a collection or donation?+
No. Bahá'í community life is sustained by voluntary contributions from Bahá'ís only — guests are never asked to give, and there is no offering plate.
Can I bring my children?+
Yes. Most devotionals are family-friendly. Some hosts run a parallel little 'children's corner' with songs and a story.
How long does it last?+
About one hour for the devotional itself, with refreshments and conversation afterwards. You are free to come and go as you need.
Is it the same every week?+
Each gathering has its own rhythm. The host usually chooses a fresh selection of readings — often around a weekly theme — so each evening feels different.
Is it the same as a church or mosque service?+
No. There is no sermon, no clergy, and no fixed liturgy. The format is intentionally simple and participatory.
How do I find one near me?+
Browse the upcoming gatherings on this site — they're listed by province and town — or use the 'Find a devotional near you' button below.
Find one near you
The next upcoming devotionals across Canada.
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Your first visit — a small checklist
- Note the address and the host's name
- Arrive a few minutes early — it's a small gathering
- Bring a friend if you'd like company
- Optional: a small treat or piece of fruit for the shared table
- Optional: a favourite prayer or short passage to read
Other kinds of gatherings
Study circle
A small group that meets weekly to read together, reflect, and try out practical themes — prayer, service, raising children, the nobility of the human spirit.
Read the guide →
Fireside
A relaxed evening in someone's home to explore the Bahá'í teachings with anyone curious — coffee, conversation, and real questions.
Read the guide →
Holy day
Nine days each year mark the most sacred moments in the lives of the founders of the Bahá'í Faith. Communities gather to remember, pray, and celebrate together — all welcome.
Read the guide →