September 13. On this date in 1962, the Custodians wrote about several National Spiritual Assemblies' "urging the members of their community to use the Long Obligatory Prayer," noting "we feel that your National Assembly has exceeded the powers given to it in the Administrative Order."
To the Hands of the Cause of God
September 13, 1962
Dear Fellow-Hands,
We have noticed in the minutes of several National Assemblies that they are urging the members of their community to use the Long Obligatory Prayer. We consider this is neither part of the function of a National Assembly nor in accordance with the spirit of the teachings of the Faith, for the reasons given in the following letter sent to the New Zealand National Assembly:
We have noticed in your minutes of 26-27 May that you decided to encourage the friends to use the Long Obligatory Prayer.
In taking this action, we feel that your National Assembly has exceeded the powers given to it in the Administrative Order, insofar as Bahá'u'lláh left the believers entirely free to choose between the three obligatory prayers. Further He said: "To chant but one verse with joy and gladness is better for you than reading all the Revelations of the Omnipotent God with carelessness."
No pressure should be put upon the believers to say one of the three prayers rather than another. If a believer feels inclined to say the long prayer he should say it, and if for some reason he prefers one of the others he is quite free to say this instead.
We feel the Hands should use their influence to prevent such pressures, that are not in accordance with the law of Bahá'u'lláh, being put upon the believers.
With Bahá'í love,
In the service of the beloved Guardian,
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