Prayers from the Tablets of the Divine Plan - complete recording

These ten supplications contained in the Tablets of the Divine Plan are described by Hand of the Cause, H.M. Balyusi, as "prayers of great beauty and power which continue to inspire, guide, and solace the Bahá'ís wherever they may be."

1. "Thy Heavenly Army" Prayer
2. "Herald of Thy Kingdom Prayer
3. "The Fire of War Prayer
4. Northeastern States Prayer
5. Southern States Prayer
6. Central States Prayer
7. Western States Prayer
8. Canadian 1 Prayer
9. Canadian 2 Prayer
10. "Thou Seest My Weakness" Prayer

They are offered up here by renowned vocalist/composer Red Grammer and peerless cellist Gwendolyn Watson, with guest artist, the incomparable Kevin Locke.

The Tablets Of The Divine Plan were revealed by Ábdu'l-Bahá in the Holy Land between March 26, 1916 and March 8, 1917 during the dark years of World War I. Although cut off from the North American Bahá'ís during this period He unveiled for them in these Tablets His mighty vision for the spread of His Father's Faith across the face of the planet and their role in it. It wasn't until the Bahá'í Temple Unity Convention in May 1919 that the North American friends finally received these Tablets, described by Shoghi Effendi as "the Charter for the propagation of the Faith throughout the world."
Ever since, countless souls have drawn upon the comfort, inspiration, vision, and power of the ten prayers found within these Tablets to arise and play their part in the execution of His Divine Plan becoming thereby "the cause of the promotion of heavenly teachings and the establishment of the oneness of humanity." (Ábdu'l-Bahá, Tablets of the Divine Plan, p. 102)

Artist's Note: These prayers have been beautifully set to music by countless others and will continue to be so in the future. This collection simply reflects the intersection of these blessed supplications with Gwendolyn and I in this moment of time. And what a privilege it has been for us.

THANKS:
This project would simply not have been possible without the commitment and generosity of Gwendolyn Watson and Jack Lenz. Gwendolyn's inspired cello arrangements have lifted the whole project and my heart. I have gained a trusted and dear friend! Jack has had complete faith in Gwendolyn and I throughout the process and put his studio and resources at our disposal... a great blessing! Thank you my brother.
Thank you, Kevin, for gracing this recording with your powerful music and spirit.
Thank you to the National Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada for you loving support throughout this process.
Thank you to Brenda, Ala, Ryan, Shayda, and Justin Alizadeh for you sweet and unparalleled hospitality; to the McKyes for your loving home, always open; Kevan M., Shaun, Ken and Jeff, John G., Michael J.; Megan M., Michael B., Thad Taylor, your spirits and skills are such gifts; Maria, for assistance at every turn; Julie, for bringing me back to it; Margaret, for starting it all; Karen, for you appreciation of what this could be; to Kathy and Jan, who have always understood why I am here.
And finally a most profound thanks to Ábdu'l-Bahá for blessing the Bahá'í Communities of the United States and Canada, indeed the whole world, with these Tablets and the prayers contained within them. The comfort, assurance, strength, sustenance, and inspiration they impart have the power to lift us up to capacities undreamt of.
Your loving Hand has guided us all throughout this blessed endeavor.

Prayers by Ábdu'l-Bahá from Bahá'í Prayers, pp. 205-219 ©2002 by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States. Used with permission of the publisher, The Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, IL.
Vocal/guitar settings by Red Grammer ©2006.
Cello Arrangements by Gwendolyn Watson ©2006.

PLAYERS:
Red Grammer - vocal, guitar, autoharp
Gwendolyn Watson - cello, rainstick, rattles, Tibetan cymbals, vocals
Kevin Locke - indigenous flute
Kevan Mackenzie - djembe, conga, cajón, shakers, rattles
John Guth - shaker

RECORDED/EDITED AT:
Lenz Entertainment Studio, Toronto, ON - Shaun Gratto & Sean Quinn, Engineers
Zircon Skye Productions, Ojai, CA - Ken Eros and Jeff Evans, Engineers
John Guth Studio, Valley Cottage, NY - John Guth, Engineer
Makoche Studios, Bismark, ND - David Swenson, Engineer

MIXED AT:
Phase One Audio Group, Scarborough, ON - Michael Jack, Senior Engineer
Assistants - Mark Renner, Greg Kolchinsky

MASTERED AT:
John Guth Studio, Valley Cottage, NY - John Guth, Engineer

PRODUCER:
Red Grammer