Respect

In the Bahá’í Faith, every soul is seen as a noble creation of God, worthy of dignity, kindness, and fairness. Bahá’u’lláh reminds us that “the earth is but one country and mankind its citizens.” Prejudice of any kind is condemned, and unity in diversity is celebrated—not as passive tolerance, but as an active commitment to uplift others and build a just and harmonious world.

In Anishinaabe wisdom, respect—Mnaadendimowin—extends beyond humanity, embracing the land, water, air, and all living beings. It teaches reciprocity, humility, and the wisdom of listening with patience and acting with care. The bison, a symbol of this interconnectedness, reminds us that to live respectfully is to walk in balance, honoring both what we receive and what we give.

Today, as we offer these prayers, we reflect on respect as a sacred bridge between cultures and faiths, a call to see each other as one family and the whole earth as one home.

“Graciously aid me to serve Thy cause… Grant me communion with Thee in my loneliness. Thou hast created humanity from the same stock, and all mankind are sheltered beneath Thy tabernacle.”

May this morning’s prayers help us clothe ourselves not in silks, but in courtesy, compassion, and reverence for all creation.