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There is a prayer that Bahá’ís often recite when they are experiencing challenges or difficulties. It is known as the Tablet of Ahmad, and was revealed by Bahá’u’lláh to a devoted believer who received the letter when he was on his way, after many years’ separation, to be re-united with Bahá’u’lláh in Turkey. The Tablet contained important instructions for Ahmad. Instead of allowing Ahmad to come to Him, Bahá’u’lláh asked him to return to Persia and deepen the Bahá’ís there. Ahmad obeyed his Beloved’s request without any hesitation. For the rest of his life, Ahmad cherished this tablet and carried it next to his heart.

Those days are now past, but in a similar way we are blessed with messages from the Universal House of Justice, giving us guidance for today. We can follow in Ahmad’s footsteps by studying these messages, and carrying out the instructions contained in them with love, enthusiasm and obedience.

On December 27th 2005, the Universal House of Justice laid out the essential features of the next Plan in a letter addressed to the Conference of the Board of Counsellors. This is a detailed message which addresses individuals, communities and institutions. It reviews the learning that has occurred in the present Plan and applies it to the next five years. In a second letter to the Bahá’ís of the World, dated 31st December 2005, the Universal House of Justice advises that:

In the coming weeks let us make sure that we prepare for the next Plan by carefully studying the December 27th letter and consulting on its contents. In this way we can emulate Ahmad’s love, dedication and joyful enthusiasm.